Hematology Technician Skills Test! Trivia Questions Quiz

Explanation
When testing for Rheumatoid Arthritis, a tourniquet should not be used when drawing blood. A tourniquet is a device used to apply pressure to a limb to restrict blood flow. Using a tourniquet during blood collection can cause hemoconcentration, which can alter the concentration of various components in the blood, including calcium levels. Therefore, to ensure accurate results, it is important not to use a tourniquet when drawing blood for testing calcium levels in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Explanation
When completing a proper venipuncture procedure, you are trying to avoid the formation of a hematoma. A hematoma occurs when blood leaks out of a blood vessel and collects under the skin, causing swelling and discoloration. By carefully performing the venipuncture, which involves inserting a needle into a vein to draw blood, you can minimize the risk of damaging the blood vessel and causing a hematoma.

Explanation
The three methods of drawing a patient's blood are syringe, butterfly, and vacuum. These methods are commonly used in medical settings for blood collection. A syringe is a manual method where blood is drawn into a syringe through a needle. A butterfly needle is a smaller gauge needle that is attached to a tubing system, allowing for a more controlled and gentle draw. The vacuum method involves using a special tube with a pre-attached needle and a vacuum seal, which allows for a quick and efficient blood draw.

Explanation
If the patient faints while seated for a specimen drawing, the first step is to withdraw the needle to prevent any further injury. Then, the tourniquet should be removed to restore proper blood circulation. The next step is to help the patient to the floor to prevent them from falling and causing additional harm. Finally, the needle should be withdrawn again, followed by reapplying the tourniquet if necessary, and continuing to assist the patient to the floor to ensure their safety.

Explanation
When a patient complains of feeling faint during blood drawing, the medical assistant should advise the patient to lean forward and put their head between their knees. This position helps increase blood flow to the brain and can prevent fainting by reducing the risk of a sudden drop in blood pressure. By leaning forward and positioning the head between the knees, the patient can alleviate symptoms of lightheadedness and dizziness, promoting their safety and well-being during the procedure.

Explanation
The correct answer is "Serum, whole blood with gel serum separation, SST, Serum Separator Tube." This answer suggests that the red/gray vacuum tube is used to collect serum and whole blood with gel serum separation. SST stands for Serum Separator Tube, which indicates that the tube is specifically designed to separate serum from blood samples. This type of tube is commonly used in clinical laboratories for various diagnostic tests that require serum analysis.

Explanation
The given answer is "clotted blood, coagulation". This suggests that the red vacuum tube is used to collect blood samples that have undergone coagulation or clotting. Coagulation is the process by which blood forms clots to prevent excessive bleeding. The red vacuum tube is typically used for collecting blood samples that require clotting, such as for certain laboratory tests that assess coagulation factors or clotting disorders. The tube contains substances that promote clotting, allowing the blood to clot before further processing or analysis.

Explanation
The correct answer is CBC, complete blood count, EDTA. CBC stands for complete blood count, which is a common blood test that provides information about the different components of blood such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. EDTA is an anticoagulant that is commonly used to prevent blood from clotting during the blood collection process. Therefore, the answer suggests that EDTA is used in the collection tube for CBC testing.

Explanation
The given answer suggests that the Green Vacuum Tube is used for collecting blood gases and contains heparin. Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood from clotting, making it suitable for collecting blood gases as it ensures the sample remains in a liquid state. The repetition of "blood gases" in the answer reinforces the idea that the tube is specifically designed for collecting and storing blood gases, which may require special handling and preservation methods.

Explanation
The two vacuum colored tubes used for non-additive testing are red and red/gray. These tubes are specifically designed for testing purposes that do not involve adding any additional substances or chemicals. The color coding of the tubes helps in identifying and differentiating them from other tubes used for different types of testing. The red tube is used for collecting blood samples, while the red/gray tube is used for separating blood components through centrifugation. Both tubes are essential in conducting accurate non-additive testing procedures.

Explanation
The four vacuum colored tubes used for additive testing are blue, green, lavender, and gray. These specific colors are chosen for their ability to accurately represent the various additives that may be present in a substance. Each color corresponds to a specific additive, allowing for easy identification and analysis of the substances being tested.

Explanation
The question is asking which two vacuum colored tubes need to be filled with a full amount of blood. The answer is blue and green. This means that both the blue and green tubes should have a complete volume of blood in them.

Explanation
The correct answer is SST, serum separator tube. This tube is used for the serum only test because it allows for the blood specimen to clot and then separate the serum from the other components of the blood. The tube contains a gel barrier that, when centrifuged, forms a physical barrier between the serum and the clot, allowing for easy separation. The tube is vacuum colored to indicate its specific use for serum separation.

Explanation
The correct answer is to send the container to the CDC - Biohazard Control Office. This is because the container contains vacuum colored tubes, which suggests that it may contain potentially hazardous materials. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is responsible for handling and controlling biohazardous materials, so they would be the appropriate authority to handle and dispose of the damaged container.

Explanation
The question asks for the most popular sites for obtaining capillary blood. Capillary blood is typically obtained from the ring or great finger, the ear lobe, and in infants, the great toe or heel. These sites are commonly used because they have a rich supply of capillaries close to the surface of the skin, making it easier to collect blood samples.

Explanation
The Hematocrit (Hct) test is used to determine anemia or polycythemia. Anemia is a condition where there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, leading to a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Polycythemia, on the other hand, is a condition characterized by an increase in the number of red blood cells, which can result in thickening of the blood and impaired circulation. The Hct test measures the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume, providing valuable information about the patient's blood composition and potential abnormalities.

Explanation
Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, so a lack of these cells can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Anemia can be caused by various factors, including inadequate production of RBCs, increased destruction of RBCs, or blood loss. Treatment for anemia typically involves addressing the underlying cause and may include iron supplements, blood transfusions, or medication.

Explanation
Polycythemia is a medical condition characterized by an excessive amount of red blood cells (RBC) in the bloodstream. This condition can be primary, resulting from a problem in the bone marrow where the RBCs are produced, or secondary, caused by other underlying health issues or factors such as chronic hypoxia or certain medications. The increased number of RBCs can lead to thickening of the blood, which may result in complications like blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. Treatment options for polycythemia aim to reduce the number of RBCs and manage the underlying cause.

Explanation
The most common vein used when performing a venipuncture is the median cephalic vein. This vein is located in the middle of the forearm and is often chosen because it is easily accessible and has a good blood flow. It is a popular choice for venipuncture procedures as it reduces the risk of complications and allows for a smooth blood draw.

Explanation
The syringe and needle method might be used instead of the vacuum method because it allows for difficult draws, such as when the veins are hard to locate or access. Additionally, it is suitable for small veins that cannot accommodate a larger vacuum tube. Moreover, this method is ideal for situations where only a small amount of blood is needed, as the syringe can be easily controlled to collect the required quantity.

Explanation
The order of draw using the vacuum method is as follows: yellow for culture, red or red/gray for non-additives, blue, green, lavender, and gray for additives. This sequence is followed to prevent cross-contamination between different blood samples and to ensure accurate test results.

Explanation
Yellow vacuum colored tubes are used for culture testing because they contain a specific additive called SPS (sodium polyanethol sulfonate) or ACD (acid citrate dextrose). These additives help prevent blood from clotting and preserve the integrity of the sample for culture testing. The yellow color of the tube indicates the specific type of additive present, ensuring proper identification and handling of the sample in the laboratory.

Explanation
The additive in a lavender tube is EDTA, which acts as an anticoagulant. This means that it prevents the blood from clotting by binding to calcium ions, which are necessary for the clotting process. By inhibiting clotting, EDTA allows the blood to remain in a liquid state, making it suitable for various laboratory tests that require non-clotted blood samples.

Explanation
Soft, flat, vinyl, rubber tourniquets are the most popular ones used because they can be easily washed with detergent or quickly removed with alcohol. These materials are flexible and easy to clean, making them suitable for repeated use in medical settings. Additionally, their soft and flat design ensures comfort for the patient while providing effective pressure to restrict blood flow during medical procedures.