NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

Which test is performed in the coagulation department?

1. Prothrombin test

2. Complete blood count

3. Blood culture

4. Serum glucose level

The correct answer is: Prothrombin test

The prothrombin test is a specific laboratory test that measures how long it takes for blood to clot, which is a key function of the coagulation department. This test evaluates the extrinsic pathway of coagulation and is often used to monitor patients on anticoagulant therapy, assess bleeding disorders, and evaluate liver function, as the liver produces many of the proteins necessary for proper blood clotting. In comparison, tests like a complete blood count primarily assess the overall health of the blood, including red and white blood cells and platelets, but do not specifically evaluate clotting function. Blood cultures test for infections and are performed in microbiology labs rather than coagulation. Serum glucose level tests measure blood sugar levels, which are related to metabolic functions rather than coagulation processes. Thus, the prothrombin test distinctly falls within the scope of coagulation analysis, making it the appropriate choice for this question.