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.

What is the primary purpose of using a tourniquet during a blood draw?

To minimize pain for the patient
To access a vein more easily
To ensure blood flows into the tube
To keep the area clean and sterile

The correct answer is: To access a vein more easily

The primary purpose of using a tourniquet during a blood draw is to access a vein more easily. When a tourniquet is applied, it temporarily restricts blood flow in the veins of the arm, causing the veins to become more prominent and easier to locate. This makes it simpler for the phlebotomist to identify and puncture a suitable vein for drawing blood. With the increased visibility and engorgement of the veins, the procedure can be conducted more efficiently, which is critical for both patient comfort and the successful collection of the blood sample. While minimizing pain, ensuring blood flows into the tube, and maintaining cleanliness and sterility are all important considerations during a blood draw, they are secondary to the primary goal of facilitating access to the vein.