California Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What should a phlebotomy technician do before starting a blood draw procedure?

1. Wash hands and apply gloves

2. Review the patient’s medical chart

3. Gather all required equipment

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Prior to beginning a blood draw procedure, a phlebotomy technician must take several essential steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient, as well as the efficiency of the procedure itself. Washing hands and applying gloves is crucial as it prevents the transmission of pathogens and maintains a sterile environment. This practice reduces the risk of infection for both the patient and the technician. Reviewing the patient’s medical chart is equally important. This step allows the technician to verify patient identity, check for allergies, and understand any specific instructions or previous complications related to blood draws. This knowledge helps in providing individualized care and minimizing potential risks. Gathering all required equipment ensures that the technician is fully prepared for the procedure. Having everything readily available reduces delays during the blood draw and helps maintain patient comfort. Given that all these actions—hand hygiene, patient review, and equipment preparation—are critical components of the blood draw procedure, the option that encompasses all of these necessary steps is undeniably the correct choice. Each of these actions is interrelated and contributes to a safe and effective phlebotomy practice.