NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

Traditional duties of the phlebotomist include all of the following except:

1. Correctly label all specimens with required information

2. Select the appropriate specimen containers for the specified test

3. Perform tests on patient samples in the lab

4. Collect the appropriate amount of blood by venipuncture or dermal puncture

The correct answer is: Perform tests on patient samples in the lab

The traditional duties of a phlebotomist primarily focus on the collection and handling of blood specimens rather than performing tests on those samples. Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood from patients through various techniques, such as venipuncture or dermal puncture, and ensure that the specimens are labeled correctly with all necessary information. They also need to select the right specimen containers based on the tests requested. Performing tests on patient samples is typically the responsibility of laboratory technicians or technologists, who analyze the specimens after they have been collected. This division of labor is crucial for maintaining efficiency and accuracy in the medical and laboratory processes, emphasizing the importance of the phlebotomist's role in preparing samples for further testing rather than conducting the tests themselves.