American Medical Technologist (AMT) Practice Exam

What should be done first before performing any phlebotomy procedure?

1. Notify the patient

2. Gather all equipment

3. Sanitize hands and don gloves

4. Prepare the site with antiseptic

The correct answer is: Sanitize hands and don gloves

Before performing any phlebotomy procedure, the first critical step is to sanitize hands and don gloves. This practice is essential for ensuring both the safety of the patient and the phlebotomist. Hand hygiene is a fundamental measure to prevent the transmission of infections, as microorganisms can easily spread through contact. By cleaning hands before any direct patient interaction and wearing gloves, the phlebotomist helps to create a sterile environment, minimizing the risk of contamination. In addition to promoting safety, this step is in line with standard infection control practices. It sets the tone for the rest of the procedure, ensuring that all subsequent actions are taken with a focus on maintaining asepsis. Following this initial step, other important actions—such as notifying the patient, gathering equipment, and preparing the puncture site—can be effectively carried out.