California Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

For collecting a specimen from a 3-year-old patient for a coagulation test, what method should the technician use?

1. Vacutainer system

2. Winged safety butterfly

3. Standard venipuncture needle

4. Capillary fingerstick

The correct answer is: Winged safety butterfly

The winged safety butterfly system is particularly suitable for collecting specimens from young children, such as a 3-year-old patient, for several reasons. First, this method allows for greater precision and control due to the thin, flexible wings that the technician can hold onto, making it easier to navigate the smaller veins often found in pediatric patients. Additionally, the shorter needle length minimizes discomfort for the child, which is vital when working with young patients who may be anxious or resistant to the procedure. The design of the winged safety butterfly also enables easier blood flow and collection into the appropriate tubes while reducing the potential for complications like hemolysis or vessel damage. In contrast, the vacutainer system might be more suitable for adults or larger veins, but it can be cumbersome and intimidating for small children. A standard venipuncture needle may not provide the same level of control that is crucial for ensuring a successful draw in a smaller anatomy. While a capillary fingerstick can also be used for some tests in young patients, coagulation tests generally require a larger volume of blood that a fingerstick may not adequately provide, making it less preferable than the butterfly method in this case.