TL;DR
Learn proper venipuncture techniques, order of draw, and specimen handling procedures. Phlebotomy skills require precision and are a core competency tested on the Medical Assistant Certification (CMA/RMA).
Free Phlebotomy & Order of Draw Practice Questions
Medical Assistant Certification (CMA/RMA) · Laboratory Procedures
This module covers Phlebotomy & Order of Draw as part of the Laboratory Procedures section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.
| Exam | Medical Assistant Certification (CMA/RMA) |
| Pass Rate | 72% |
| Duration | 160 minutes |
| Module | Phlebotomy & Order of Draw |
Why Phlebotomy & Order of Draw matters
Phlebotomy & Order of Draw is a commonly tested topic on the Medical Assistant Certification (CMA/RMA) because it covers fundamental knowledge required for competent professional practice.
Sample Practice Questions (5)
1. A patient's citrate (light blue top) tube is only half-filled during venipuncture. What is the impact on coagulation test results?
- The excess citrate relative to blood will falsely prolong PT and PTT results; the tube must be redrawn
- The results will be unaffected because citrate is a mild anticoagulant
- The results will show falsely shortened clotting times due to clot activation
- The specimen can be corrected by adding normal saline to reach the fill line
2. Which of the following actions by the medical assistant during blood collection is MOST likely to cause hemolysis of the specimen?
- Using a needle that is too small (e.g., 25-gauge) and forcing blood through it rapidly
- Allowing the evacuated tube to fill completely before removing it
- Gently inverting the tubes the recommended number of times after collection
- Using the antecubital fossa as the venipuncture site
3. During venipuncture, the MA successfully enters the vein but notices the blood flow suddenly stops after collecting one tube. The MOST likely cause and corrective action is:
- The needle has shifted against the vein wall; gently reposition the needle by slightly pulling back or adjusting the angle
- The vein has collapsed; apply a second tourniquet above the first one
- The patient is dehydrated; remove the needle and attempt the other arm
- The vacuum tube is defective; remove it and try a tube from a different lot
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Start practicing free →4. A medical assistant draws blood from a patient and notices the light blue (citrate) tube is only half-filled. What is the BEST course of action?
- Discard the tube and redraw using a new light blue tube, ensuring a complete fill
- Send the half-filled tube to the lab with a note explaining the short draw
- Transfer blood from the lavender tube to fill the citrate tube
- Centrifuge the half-filled tube immediately to compensate for the low volume
5. A patient has pitting edema in both arms. When attempting venipuncture, the medical assistant should be aware that drawing blood from an edematous extremity may:
- Produce a specimen contaminated with interstitial fluid, resulting in inaccurate results
- Produce a more concentrated specimen due to the excess fluid being filtered out
- Have no effect on specimen quality because veins are not affected by edema
- Increase the risk of arterial puncture because veins collapse in edematous tissue
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