American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

According to CLSI, how many attempts to draw blood are permitted for a phlebotomist?

1. 1 attempt

2. 2 attempts

3. 3 attempts

4. Unlimited attempts

The correct answer is: 2 attempts

The guideline from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) states that a phlebotomist is typically allowed up to two attempts to successfully draw blood from a patient. This standard is set to ensure both patient safety and comfort. If after two attempts the blood draw has not been successful, the phlebotomist should seek assistance from a more experienced colleague or a different qualified individual. This approach minimizes patient discomfort and the risk of complications that can arise from repeated attempts in a single session. It is important for phlebotomists to be aware of these guidelines to practice effectively while maintaining high standards of patient care.