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

Salary expectations for a Phlebotomy Lab Technician can vary depending on experience, location, and employer.

• Salary expectations can range from $30,000 to $50,000 per year.

• Factors such as certification, additional skills, and years of experience can impact salary.

• Researching average salaries in your area and industry can help you determine a reasonable salary expectation.

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

The order of drop for sample collection is important to ensure accurate results.

• Start with blood cultures to avoid contamination

• Follow with coagulation tubes, then serum tubes, then heparin tubes, and finally EDTA tubes

• If collecting from a central line, discard the first 5 mL to avoid dilution with saline

• Mix each tube gently after collection to prevent clotting or hemolysis

Different tubes are used for blood samples to collect and store different types of blood specimens.

• Different tubes are color-coded for easy identification.

• EDTA tubes are used for whole blood specimens for hematology tests.

• SST tubes are used for serum specimens for chemistry tests.

• Sodium citrate tubes are used for coagulation tests.

• Fluoride tubes are used for glucose testing.

• Plain tubes are used for blood bank tests.

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