Phlebotomy Worksheet: Tests Specimen Handling and Procedures - Studocu - Free Printable

The image you've uploaded is a completed Unit VII Worksheet for a course titled PBT 100, likely related to phlebotomy or medical laboratory technology. The worksheet contains 12 questions about specimen handling, laboratory procedures, documentation, and quality control practices.

Below is a review and explanation of each question and the provided answers, along with corrections or clarifications where necessary:

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1. Name 2 tests for which the specimen must be protected from light.

- Answer: *Bilirubin, Carotene*

✔ Correct.
Explanation:
- Bilirubin breaks down when exposed to light (photodegradation), leading to falsely low results.
- Carotene (a pigment in blood) can also degrade under light exposure, affecting accuracy.

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2. Name 2 tests affected by hemolysis

- Answer: *Potassium (K), LD, AST*

✔ Correct.
Explanation:
Hemolysis (rupture of red blood cells) releases intracellular contents into plasma, which can:
- Elevate potassium (K) levels (since RBCs contain high K⁺).
- Increase LD (lactate dehydrogenase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) due to enzyme leakage from lysed cells.

These are common markers of hemolysis interference.

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3. Name 4 tests for which the specimen must be chilled immediately after collection

- Answer: *Blood gases, Ammonia, Lactic Acid, Gastrin*

✔ Correct.
Explanation:
- Blood gases (pH, pO₂, pCO₂): Metabolic changes occur rapidly at room temperature.
- Ammonia: Breaks down quickly; must be kept cold to prevent false lows.
- Lactic acid: Increases with time if not cooled; metabolism continues in blood.
- Gastrin: Degradation occurs at room temperature; needs refrigeration.

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4. Name 2 tests for which the specimen must be held at 37°C (body temperature) until testing is performed

- Answer: *Cold Agglutinins, Cryofibrinogen, Cryoglobulins*

⚠️ Partially Correct — but incomplete.
Only one answer should be listed per test category. However, all three listed are correct but:
- Cold agglutinins and cryoglobulins require warm storage (37°C) to prevent clumping.
- Cryofibrinogen may also need warm transport to avoid precipitation.

But:
👉 Best Answer: *Cold agglutinins* and *Cryoglobulins* are the most commonly cited examples.

✔ So the answer is acceptable, though slightly redundant.

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5. Organizational charts, dress codes, hiring and firing procedures are in a policy manual.

- Answer: *policy manual*

✔ Correct.

Explanation:
A policy manual outlines organizational rules, standards, and administrative procedures like employee conduct, attire, recruitment, and termination.

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6. Step-by-step procedures such as how to do a glucose tolerance test or a heel stick would be found in the ___procedure manual___.

- Answer: *procedure manual*

✔ Correct.

Explanation:
A procedure manual provides detailed instructions for clinical tasks, including techniques, equipment use, safety steps, and patient care protocols.

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7. Specimens are sometimes transported by pneumatic tube instead of being carried by people.

- Answer: *pneumatic tube*

✔ Correct.

Explanation:
Pneumatic tube systems are used in hospitals to rapidly transport specimens between departments using pressurized air.

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8. A publication which would tell the medical staff how to collect specimens, what container they go in, how much volume is needed, or what kind of tube to draw is called the laboratory services manual.

- Answer: *laboratory services manual*

✔ Correct.

Explanation:
This manual includes specific guidelines for specimen collection, labeling, handling, and transport—essential for accurate lab results.

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9. Specimen must be transported to the lab within 45 mins after collection and serum and plasma must be separated from the RBCs within 2 hrs after collection.

- Answer: *45 mins*, *2 hrs*

✔ Correct.

Explanation:
- Timely delivery prevents degradation or alteration of analytes.
- Separating serum/plasma from RBCs within 2 hours prevents hemolysis, clotting, or enzymatic activity that could skew results.

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10. What are three advantages of using computers and bar code systems?

- Answer: *Mostly error free, Bar codes more efficient, No transcribing, No duplication or lost requisitions.*

✔ Acceptable, though wordy.

Better phrasing:
- Reduces human error
- Increases efficiency and speed
- Eliminates manual transcription and duplicate entries
- Prevents loss of paperwork

✔️ All points are valid.

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11. Name 5 documents used by phlebotomists in hospitals.

- Answer:
1. Log sheets
2. Requisitions
3. Patient’s Chart
4. Incident report
5. Billing Records

✔ All correct.

Explanation:
- Log sheets: Track specimen collection times and locations.
- Requisitions: Orders for tests.
- Patient chart: Medical history, allergies, etc.
- Incident report: Document accidents or errors (e.g., needlestick).
- Billing records: For insurance and reimbursement purposes.

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12. Explain what an accession number is and how it is used.

- Answer: *A number that refers to a specific specimen in the lab – Can keep track of and look up specimen by that number*

✔ Correct and concise.

Explanation:
An accession number is a unique identifier assigned to each specimen upon entry into the laboratory. It allows tracking through the entire process: collection → processing → analysis → reporting. This ensures proper identification and prevents mix-ups.

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✔ Final Assessment:

The worksheet has been correctly completed with accurate answers to all questions. The responses reflect solid understanding of phlebotomy and laboratory procedures.

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📝 Suggested Improvements:

- In Question 4, list only two distinct tests: e.g., *Cold agglutinins* and *Cryoglobulins* (avoid listing three unless instructed).
- In Question 10, consider rephrasing for clarity: “Reduces errors, increases efficiency, eliminates manual data entry.”

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