After removing a winged blood-collection needle, what should the phlebotomist do with it?
A. Engage its safety feature and discard it immediately in sharps
B. Recap it with both hands before carrying it away
C. Detach the needle manually and place it in regular trash
D. Leave it on the tray until all specimens are labeled
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration — 29 CFR 1910.1030, Bloodborne Pathogens; https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1030
A disinfectant splashes onto the work surface, and the label does not provide complete cleanup instructions. What should the phlebotomist consult first?
A. The product's Safety Data Sheet
B. A patient's insurance card
C. The daily appointment schedule
D. A specimen transport manifest
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration — 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication; labels and safety data sheets; https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1200
A waived glucose meter displays an error code that persists after the approved troubleshooting steps. What should the phlebotomist do?
A. Estimate the result from the patient's symptoms
B. Stop testing and report the unresolved equipment problem
C. Change the result range in the procedure manual
D. Continue testing if the strips are not expired
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments program and waived testing requirements; https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/clinical-laboratory-improvement-amendments
A coworker asks about a neighbor's laboratory results while standing in a public hallway. What is the best response?
A. Confirm only whether the result was abnormal
B. Show the result after hiding the patient's address
C. Discuss it quietly because the coworker is employed there
D. Decline to discuss the information in the public area
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — HIPAA Basics for Providers; Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules; https://www.cms.gov/files/document/mln909001-hipaa-basics-providers-privacy-security-breach-notification-rules.pdf
A patient asks the phlebotomist whether an elevated test result proves that the patient has diabetes. What should the phlebotomist do?
A. Interpret the value using an online reference range
B. Explain that one elevated value confirms diabetes
C. Refer the interpretation question to the licensed clinician
D. Recommend dietary treatment before the clinician reviews it
Source: World Health Organization, hosted by NCBI Bookshelf — WHO Guidelines on Drawing Blood: Best Practices in Phlebotomy; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138650/
