The phlebotomy technician exam includes both a clinical skill portion and a written portion. If you have been diligent in your studies and received the proper training program, notes and books, it should be enough to pass the exam. In the event that you had training on the job, it is highly recommended that you buy a study guide or take an accredited online course, as there is a very strong chance that the information you hold is not enough to pass the written part of the phlebotomy technician exam. The online courses are going to help you out a lot in gaining the necessary knowledge to pass the written exam. Below you will find what you need to know to be prepared for the exam.
Infection control skills
- Identify microbes transmission routes and prevention methods
- Biohazard disposal and labeling
- Laboratory safety maintenance
- OSHA standard use demonstration
- MSDS knowledge
- Nosocomial infection
- Technique antiseptic and sterile differences
Venipuncture methods and skills
- Finding and preparing intended puncture sites
- The link between heat, squeezing and finger sticks
- Using tourniquets
- Needle insertion and removal techniques
- Blood collection and capillary puncture for adults and infants
- Arterial venipuncture site identification
Phlebotomy technician knowledge
- Knowing what additives to use when blood collecting
- Collection tube color codes
- Proper equipment use
- Phlebotomy complications knowledge
- Proper equipment collection for venipuncture, capillary stick and arterial puncture
- Specimen transportation
- Possible errors that appear
- Patient instruction
Medical Knowledge
- Discussing body system basic functions, blood constituents (together with the functions), differences between serum, plasma and blood
- Arteries and veins knowledge in arms, feet and hands
- Lab personnel role
- Coagulation
- Accepted abbreviations and medical terminology
- Different properties of arterial, venous and capillary blood
- The management of job stress
You need to be aware of the fact that phlebotomy technician exams will also test knowledge of ethics, medical laws and even insurance situations linked with malpractice cases. You need to have knowledge of confidentiality, proper documentation, the Patient Bill of Rights and different policies that are used in order to avoid possible legal issues.
The phlebotomy technician exam will usually last around 2 hours and you will have 1 hour to finish the clinical portion of the exam. In the event that you fail the test, there is the possibility to take it again. However, this includes having to pay registration fees for a second time. The testing fees will not be refunded.
Different online sites do exist in the event that you need free practice tests. They also offer answer guides. You will have to take every single opportunity to practice, learn and study if you want to start working in this career. In the event that you manage to pass the phlebotomy technician exam, you will become certified. However, you need to know that every single year there is a need to pay renewal fees in order to keep your certification valid.
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