NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

Which types of blood samples are commonly collected?

1. Whole blood and serum only

2. Plasma and serum only

3. Whole blood, plasma, and serum

4. Whole blood and buffy coat only

The correct answer is: Whole blood, plasma, and serum

The collection of blood samples in phlebotomy typically includes whole blood, plasma, and serum due to the different components they represent and their various uses in diagnostics. Whole blood is the complete sample, containing red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. It is often used in complete blood counts and other tests assessing overall health or specific blood components. Plasma is the liquid component of blood that remains after the blood has been centrifuged and the cells have been separated, retaining clotting factors and proteins required for various tests. Plasma samples are essential for coagulation studies and certain biochemical assays. Serum is the clear fluid that separates from the blood after clotting has occurred; it lacks clotting factors but contains hormones, antibodies, and other proteins useful for a wide variety of tests. Both plasma and serum are frequently utilized in clinical laboratories for biochemical analyses, serology, and other blood tests. This comprehensive collection approach allows healthcare providers to obtain vital information about a patient's health and contributes to a wide range of diagnostic capabilities. Therefore, recognizing the significance of whole blood, plasma, and serum collectively helps in understanding the breadth of blood analysis in phlebotomy.