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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What can cause hemoconcentration during a blood draw?

Prolonged tourniquet application.
Intravenous therapy.
Excessive probing.
Failure to clench the fist.

The correct answer is: Prolonged tourniquet application.

Hemoconcentration during a blood draw occurs when fluid in the blood vessels is displaced, resulting in an increased concentration of cells and proteins in the remaining plasma. This can happen when a tourniquet is applied for an extended period before the blood draw. The tourniquet creates pressure in the veins, restricting blood flow. As a result, plasma starts to leak out into surrounding tissues, leading to a higher concentration of cells and other components in the blood sample collected. The correct option highlights this phenomenon, making it crucial for phlebotomists to apply the tourniquet only for the minimum amount of time necessary to reduce the risk of hemoconcentration and ensure accurate test results.