American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Phlebotomy Practice Exam

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Prepare for the AMCA Phlebotomy Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Ace the exam and become a certified phlebotomy technician!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

The bevel of the needle should always be positioned in which direction?

Facing down
Facing sideways
Facing up
Facing outward

The correct answer is: Facing up

The bevel of the needle should be positioned facing up during a venipuncture procedure. This orientation allows for smoother insertion into the vein and minimizes trauma to the vessel. When the bevel is up, it helps create a smaller entry point and facilitates a more precise puncture, reducing the chance of damaging the vein walls. This position also helps in preventing hematoma formation by allowing an easier entry for blood to flow into the lumen of the needle and into the collection tube. Positioning the bevel in other directions can lead to complications. For instance, if the bevel is facing down, it might cause the needle to drag against the vein walls, increasing the risk of bruising and pain for the patient. Similarly, facing the bevel sideways or outward can complicate the insertion process, making it more difficult to access the vein and increasing the likelihood of failure to draw blood. Thus, having the bevel facing up is best practice for safe and effective venipuncture.