American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

What critical error is deemed the worst for a phlebotomist to make?

1. Using the wrong needle size

2. Incorrectly identifying a patient

3. Collecting samples at the wrong time

4. Not labeling the tubes correctly

The correct answer is: Incorrectly identifying a patient

Incorrectly identifying a patient is considered the most critical error for a phlebotomist to make due to the significant implications it carries for patient safety and the integrity of test results. Identification errors can lead to the administration of inappropriate treatments or medications, misdiagnosis, or the failure to provide necessary healthcare. Inaccurate patient identification undermines the entire laboratory process, as subsequent testing and results are linked to the individual whose blood sample was obtained. A mix-up can affect outcomes not only for the individual involved but also for healthcare providers and other patients, leading to widespread repercussions in patient care. While using the wrong needle size, collecting samples at the wrong time, and not labeling the tubes correctly can also lead to complications, they do not carry the same level of risk to the patient’s immediate health and safety as failing to accurately identify a patient does.