AMCA Phlebotomy Exam / | Actual Questions with 100% Verified Correct Answers AMCA Phlebotomy Technician Certification | Venipuncture Techniques, Safety & Infection Control, Order of Draw, Specimen Handling, Patient Identification, and Laboratory Protocols | Expert-Verified Q&A | Certification-Ready
Introduction This document provides the complete AMCA Phlebotomy Exam Study Guide for the / certification cycle. It covers all major topics tested, including anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system, proper venipuncture procedures, capillary puncture, infection prevention, complications management, order of draw, specimen handling and transport, and patient communication. All answers are verified for accuracy, ensuring full preparation for both the AMCA certification exam and real-world clinical application.Answer Format All correct answers are highlighted in bold and green, with clear explanations that reinforce clinical knowledge, best practices, and exam readiness for phlebotomy technicians.AMCA Phlebotomy Exam Q&A | Verified / Content | Exam-Aligned | Certification-Ready for Phlebotomy Technicians
- What is the primary role of a phlebotomy technician?
a) Administering medications
b) Collecting blood specimens
c) Performing surgical procedures
d) Interpreting lab results
b) Collecting blood specimens
Rationale: Phlebotomy technicians are responsible for drawing blood for testing, transfusions, or donations.
- Which vein is most commonly used for venipuncture?
a) Cephalic vein
b) Median cubital vein
c) Basilic vein
d) Radial vein
b) Median cubital vein
Rationale: The median cubital vein is preferred due to its size, stability, and accessibility in the antecubital fossa. 1 / 3
- What is the correct order of draw for blood collection tubes?
a) Red, blue, green, lavender
b) Blue, red, green, lavender
c) Lavender, green, red, blue
d) Green, lavender, blue, red
b) Blue, red, green, lavender
Rationale: The order of draw (blood culture, blue, red, green, lavender) prevents additive cross-contamination.
- What is the first step in patient identification before venipuncture?
a) Draw the blood sample
b) Verify the patient’s identity
c) Apply the tourniquet
d) Label the tubes
b) Verify the patient’s identity
Rationale: Verifying identity using two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) ensures patient safety.
- Which anticoagulant is found in a lavender-top tube?
a) Sodium citrate
b) Heparin
c) EDTA
d) Sodium fluoride
c) EDTA
Rationale: EDTA in lavender-top tubes prevents clotting for hematology tests like CBC.
- What is the maximum time a tourniquet should remain on a patient’s
- 30 seconds
- 1 minute
- 2 minutes
- 3 minutes
- 1 minute
- What is the most common complication of venipuncture?
arm?
Rationale: A tourniquet left on longer than 1 minute can cause hemoconcentration, affecting test results.
a) Hematoma
b) Infection
c) Hemolysis
d) Syncope
a) Hematoma
Rationale: Hematomas occur due to blood leaking into tissues, often from improper technique or failure to apply pressure. 2 / 3
- What should a phlebotomist do if a patient faints during venipuncture?
a) Continue the procedure
b) Stop the procedure and ensure patient safety
c) Apply a second tourniquet
d) Ignore the fainting
b) Stop the procedure and ensure patient safety
Rationale: Fainting requires immediate cessation of the procedure and positioning the patient safely to prevent injury.
- Which needle gauge is most commonly used for routine venipuncture?
- 18-gauge
- 21-gauge
- 25-gauge
- 27-gauge
- 21-gauge
- What is the purpose of the anticoagulant in a blue-top tube?
Rationale: A 21-gauge needle is suitable for most adult venipunctures, balancing flow rate and patient comfort.
a) To prevent hemolysis
b) To preserve glucose levels
c) To prevent clotting for coagulation tests
d) To enhance cell sedimentation
c) To prevent clotting for coagulation tests
Rationale: Sodium citrate in blue-top tubes prevents clotting for tests like PT and aPTT.
- What is the correct angle for needle insertion during venipuncture?
- 5–10 degrees
- 15–30 degrees
- 45–60 degrees
- 90 degrees
- 15–30 degrees
- Which infection control practice is essential before venipuncture?
Rationale: A 15–30-degree angle allows proper vein entry without piercing through the vein.
a) Wearing a surgical mask
b) Hand hygiene
c) Sterilizing the needle
d) Disposing of gloves in regular trash
b) Hand hygiene
Rationale: Hand hygiene prevents the spread of infection during patient contact.
- What is hemolysis, and how can it be prevented?
a) Blood clotting; use a larger needle
b) Rupture of red blood cells; avoid excessive shaking
c) Infection; sterilize the site
- / 3