10+ Phlebotomy Lab Technician Interview Questions and Answers

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.

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

The yellow sterile tube contains sodium polyanetholesulfonate (SPS) as an additive for blood culture collection.

• Sodium polyanetholesulfonate (SPS) is the primary additive.

• SPS helps to inhibit the action of antibiotics in blood samples.

• Used primarily for blood cultures to detect bacterial or fungal infections.

• The yellow tube is often used in microbiology labs.

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

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

Proper disposal of needles and sharps is crucial for safety and infection control in healthcare settings.

• Always use a designated sharps container that is puncture-resistant and labeled appropriately.

• Do not recap needles after use; this increases the risk of accidental needle sticks.

• Dispose of used needles and sharps immediately after use to prevent accidents.

• Ensure the sharps container is not overfilled; it should be sealed and disposed of according to facility protocols.

• Foll...read more

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

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

Lavender-top tubes are primarily used for collecting blood samples for hematology tests, particularly for complete blood counts.

• Used for collecting whole blood samples.

• Commonly used for Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests.

• Contains EDTA as an anticoagulant to prevent clotting.

• Ideal for blood smears and other hematological studies.

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.

Sample collection involves proper techniques to ensure accurate lab results and patient safety.

• Identify the patient and confirm their identity using two identifiers.

• Select the appropriate collection site, typically the antecubital fossa.

• Use aseptic technique to clean the site with an alcohol swab.

• Choose the correct type of collection tube based on the tests ordered (e.g., EDTA for CBC).

• Collect the sample at the correct angle and speed to minimize hemolysis.

• Label the sample im...read more

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

RFT and LFT assess kidney and liver function, respectively, through specific biochemical parameters.

• RFT (Renal Function Test) parameters include: Creatinine, Urea, Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium).

• LFT (Liver Function Test) parameters include: ALT, AST, Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase.

• Elevated Creatinine indicates impaired kidney function.

• High ALT and AST levels suggest liver damage or inflammation.

• Urea levels help assess kidney's ability to remove waste.

• Bilirubin levels indic...read more