Medca Exam Study Guide Phlebotomy

How long do mature red blood cells live once they have entered the blood stream? {Ans: Approximately 120 days}During a venipuncture what is the best angle for inserting the needle into the skin? {Ans: 15 to 30 degrees}How long do normal blood specimens take to clot? {Ans: 30 to 60 minutes}What is the last step in any phlebotomy procedure, including skin puncture? {Ans: Checking that the bleeding has stopped and thanking the patient for cooperating.}In relation to veins, what does the term occluded mean? {Ans: Obstructed.}What is the best angle for spreading a blood smear using two slides? {Ans: A 30 degree angle.}