Phlebotomy Technician Study Guide

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Core Competency Areas

The exam tests for 'Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities' (KSAs) in the following core competency areas:

20%Medical Terminology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Diseases

5%Units of Measure, Conversion, and Calculations

5%Law, Ethics, and Professionalism

10%Safety Procedures

5%Patient Identification, Communication, and Instruction

25%Approach to Specimen Collection and Processing

20%Routine and Special Blood Collections

10%Specimen Complications and Phlebotomy Equipment

 

Topical Breakdown

Use the following topical guide to help you prepare for the exam:

I.  Medical Terminology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Diseases (20%)

  • Common medical terminology and abbreviations
  • Basic anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system
  • Disease states relevant to phlebotomy

II.  Units of Measure, Conversion, and Calculations (5%)

  • Basic measurements and calculations
  • Math and time conversions
  • Units of measure in phlebotomy

III.  Law, Ethics, and Professionalism (5%)

  • Healthcare laws applicable to phlebotomy
  • Professional workplace behavior
  • Patient consent
  • Record keeping

IV.  Safety Procedures (10%)

  • Infection prevention and control
  • Patient and staff safety

V.  Patient Identification, Communication, and Instruction (5%)

  • Approach to patient interactions
  • Specimen ordering and labeling

VI.  Approach to Specimen Collection and Processing (25%)

  • Laboratory structure
  • Laboratory tests
  • Collection procedures for venipuncture
  • Complications and emergencies during venipuncture

VII.  Routine and Special Blood Collections (20%)

  • Basic specimen collection equipment
  • Special collection requirements
  • Special patient populations

VIII.  Specimen Complications and Phlebotomy Equipment (10%)

  • Common specimen complications
  • Use of common collection and laboratory equipment

 

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