NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

What should a phlebotomist primarily check for before placing a call on hold?

1. The time of the call

2. If the caller is familiar with the process

3. If there are outstanding issues to resolve

4. If it is an emergency

The correct answer is: If it is an emergency

A phlebotomist must prioritize the safety and well-being of patients at all times, which means determining whether a call is related to an emergency is essential before placing it on hold. If the caller is reporting a critical issue or urgent situation, such as a medical emergency, putting the call on hold could delay necessary care or result in harm. Therefore, checking if the call is an emergency allows the phlebotomist to address immediate concerns swiftly, ensuring that patient safety is the top priority. In contrast, considerations like the time of the call, familiarity with the process, or outstanding issues, while important in other contexts, do not carry the same urgency as confirming the nature of the call when it pertains to a potential emergency.