American Medical Technologist (AMT) Practice Exam

What essential items should be included in a fully-stocked phlebotomy tray?

1. Alcohol wipes and bandages

2. Needles of various sizes and evacuated blood collection tubes

3. Only large gauge needles

4. Sample transport carriers

The correct answer is: Needles of various sizes and evacuated blood collection tubes

A fully stocked phlebotomy tray is critical for ensuring that blood collection procedures are carried out safely and efficiently. The inclusion of needles of various sizes and evacuated blood collection tubes is essential because different laboratory tests often require specific types of needles and tubes to ensure accurate results. Needles of various sizes allow phlebotomists to select the most appropriate gauge for the patient's vein. For instance, smaller needles are usually better for patients with fragile veins, while larger needles may be required for fast fill or specific tests that require a larger volume of blood. Evacuated blood collection tubes are necessary for properly collecting and handling blood samples. These tubes come in various colors, each indicating a different additive or purpose (e.g., anticoagulants for different tests), which is vital for laboratory analysis. In contrast, while alcohol wipes and bandages are significant items, they are not as foundational as the other two components, which directly affect the quality of the blood sample. Sample transport carriers are also important for the post-collection phase but do not play a role in the actual process of drawing blood and ensuring sample integrity during the collection. Therefore, including various sizes of needles and evacuated tubes directly addresses the needs of blood collection, making this choice the most comprehensive