American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam 2025 - Free Phlebotomy Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

Which gauge needle is typically used for adult venipuncture?

18-gauge

21-gauge

The 21-gauge needle is typically used for adult venipuncture because it provides a balance between sufficient flow rate for blood collection and minimizing potential damage to the vein. This gauge is large enough to allow for the swift collection of samples while being small enough to reduce discomfort for the patient.

Using a larger gauge needle, such as an 18-gauge, might be appropriate for blood transfusions or rapid infusions but can cause more trauma to smaller veins used for routine blood draws. Conversely, smaller gauge needles like 23-gauge or 25-gauge are more suitable for pediatric or smaller veins, where minimizing the risk of rupture is crucial, but they may lead to slower flow rates and inadequate sample volumes for certain tests in adults. This makes the 21-gauge needle the optimal choice for standard adult venipuncture procedures.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

23-gauge

25-gauge

Next Question

Report this question

Download American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam 2025 - Free Phlebotomy Practice Questions and Study Guide PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy