Phlebotomy Lab Technician Interview Questions and Answers

Different types of test tubes are used for different tests and contain various chemicals such as anticoagulants, preservatives, and clot activators.

• Purple top tube (EDTA) - used for complete blood count (CBC)

• Red top tube (no additive) - used for serum tests

• Green top tube (heparin) - used for plasma tests

• Gray top tube (sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate) - used for glucose testing

• Yellow top tube (ACD) - used for DNA testing

• Blue top tube (sodium citrate) - used for coagulation t...read more

A Phlebotomist's essential duties include drawing blood, labeling samples, and maintaining equipment.

• Draw blood from patients using various techniques

• Properly label and store blood samples for testing

• Maintain and clean equipment to ensure accuracy and safety

• Verify patient information and medical records

• Communicate with patients to alleviate anxiety and explain procedures

• Follow safety protocols to prevent infection and injury

To avoid hematomas when drawing blood, proper technique and equipment should be used.

• Select the appropriate size needle for the patient's vein

• Apply pressure to the puncture site after withdrawing the needle

• Avoid probing or reinserting the needle once it is in the vein

• Ensure the patient is relaxed and not tensing their arm muscles

• Use a tourniquet for no longer than one minute

• Release the tourniquet before removing the needle

• Avoid excessive movement of the needle during the draw

There are two types of blood culture bottles: aerobic and anaerobic.

• Aerobic bottles contain oxygen and are used to culture bacteria that require oxygen to grow.

• Anaerobic bottles do not contain oxygen and are used to culture bacteria that do not require oxygen to grow.

• Both types of bottles are used together to increase the chances of detecting bacterial growth.

• The bottles may also contain additives to enhance bacterial growth or to neutralize antibiotics in the blood sample.

• Pr...read more

There are multiple types of tubes used in phlebotomy for different purposes.

• There are tubes with additives for blood tests such as serum separator tubes, EDTA tubes, and heparin tubes.

• Plain tubes without additives are also used for certain tests.

• Blood culture bottles are used for culturing bacteria.

• Coagulation tubes are used for testing blood clotting factors.

• There are also specialized tubes for DNA testing and drug testing.

• The color of the tube top indicates the type of addi...read more

Normal values of tests are the range of values that are considered healthy for a particular test.

• Normal values vary depending on the test being performed.

• Normal values are usually provided by the laboratory conducting the test.

• Abnormal values may indicate a medical condition or disease.

• Examples of tests with normal values include blood glucose, cholesterol, and hemoglobin levels.

I chose to become a phlebotomist because I enjoy helping others, have a passion for healthcare, and find the field of laboratory work fascinating.

• I have a strong desire to help others and make a positive impact on their health

• I am passionate about the healthcare field and enjoy working in a medical setting

• I find the process of drawing blood and analyzing samples in the laboratory to be intriguing and rewarding