California Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

Which statement should a technician include when informing a patient about a blood culture collection?

1. "I will swab the area once for disinfection"

2. "I will swab the area twice to make sure it is sterile"

3. "I will collect the first draw into a special bottle"

4. "I will use a larger needle for the sample"

The correct answer is: "I will swab the area twice to make sure it is sterile"

When informing a patient about a blood culture collection, it is essential to emphasize the importance of proper disinfection to ensure accurate results. Swabbing the area twice for disinfection is key because it helps to eliminate any potential contaminants on the skin that could interfere with the culture results. This double swabbing technique significantly reduces the risk of introducing bacteria from the skin into the bloodstream, which is critical for the integrity of blood culture samples. Proper aseptic technique is fundamental in phlebotomy, especially with blood cultures, as they are used to diagnose infections in the blood. It is crucial to create a sterile environment prior to the collection to ensure that the sample collected truly reflects the patient’s bloodstream without external contamination. This understanding of infection control during sample collection is vital for a technician when discussing procedures with patients, as it builds trust and ensures compliance with the process.