ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Improper blood specimen collection techniques can lead to inaccurate test results, which is a critical outcome in the field of phlebotomy. Accuracy in test results is paramount, as these results influence diagnosis and subsequent treatment for patients. Errors during collection might stem from several factors such as contamination of the sample, hemolysis due to excessive shaking or using incorrect needle gauges, or improper storage conditions before testing.

When blood is not collected in the correct manner, it can lead to misleading or erroneous results, such as false positives or negatives for various conditions. This challenge compromises the reliability of diagnostic processes and may result in mismanagement of patient care. Therefore, understanding and practicing proper blood collection techniques is essential for ensuring the integrity of blood samples and the accuracy of laboratory tests.

In contrast, while incorrect techniques could theoretically lead to increased specimen volume or some sort of freezing if mishandled, these outcomes are not typical complications acknowledged in standard testing protocols and would not inherently affect diagnostic accuracy the way that improper collection practices do. Additionally, improved diagnostic yield implies a better quality or quantity of useful diagnostic information, which is not a result of poor collection practices.