American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

Which of the following is a crucial step before performing venipuncture?

1. Disinfect the work surface

2. Verify the patient's identity

3. Prepare the blood collection tubes

4. Wear a face mask

The correct answer is: Verify the patient's identity

Verifying the patient's identity is an essential step before performing venipuncture because it ensures patient safety and accuracy in the collection process. This step helps to confirm that the correct patient is receiving the appropriate treatment or testing, which is critical in preventing errors that could lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment. Proper identification typically involves checking the patient's identification bracelet or asking the patient to state their name and date of birth. This practice aligns with the standards of patient care and laboratory procedures, emphasizing the importance of matching the patient with their medical records before any invasive procedure. While disinfecting the work surface, preparing blood collection tubes, and wearing personal protective equipment like a face mask are important in the phlebotomy process, verifying the patient's identity takes precedence to ensure that the procedures and tests performed are reliable and accurate.