NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the NHA Phlebotomy Certification Exam. Learn with study guides and multiple choice questions. Each question offers detailed explanations. Achieve success on your certification test.

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Collecting a large evacuated tube using a 23-gauge needle:

Is recommended for geriatric patients.
Is required for certain automated tests.
May cause a hemolyzed sample.
May cause a loss of vacuum in the tube.

The correct answer is: May cause a hemolyzed sample.

Collecting a large evacuated tube with a 23-gauge needle may cause a hemolyzed sample primarily due to the needle's smaller diameter compared to larger gauge needles. Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells are damaged during the collection process, often due to excessive force or turbulence as blood is drawn through a narrow opening. This is particularly relevant when larger volumes are being collected, as the increased pressure can lead to cell lysis. In contrast, larger gauge needles (which have a smaller numerical gauge) allow for smoother and less traumatic blood flow, reducing the risk of hemolysis. Therefore, using a 23-gauge needle could easily create conditions in which the red blood cells are more susceptible to damage, leading to compromised sample quality.