NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Specimen HandlingHard
A phlebotomy technician is preparing to aliquot a serum specimen into multiple smaller tubes for different tests. Which of the following is a critical safety precaution during this process?
- AWarming the serum to 37°C to improve flow.
- BPerforming the aliquoting procedure on a sterile field.
- CUsing a pipette with a safety bulb or mechanical device to avoid mouth pipetting.
- DWearing a surgical mask to prevent contamination from breath.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Using a pipette with a safety bulb or mechanical device to avoid mouth pipetting.
Mouth pipetting is a dangerous practice that can lead to accidental ingestion or aspiration of biological specimens. Using a pipette with a safety bulb or mechanical device is a critical safety precaution to prevent direct contact with potentially infectious materials.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Warming serum is generally unnecessary and could degrade analytes; it is not a safety precaution for aliquoting.
- B. Aliquoting does not typically require a sterile field; aseptic technique is important, but sterility is not the primary concern here.
- D. While masks are part of PPE, they are not the *critical* safety precaution specifically for aliquoting to prevent direct specimen contact.
Aliquoting Safety
When aliquoting specimens, it is critical to use appropriate mechanical pipetting devices to avoid mouth pipetting, thereby preventing accidental ingestion or aspiration of biohazardous materials.
- Never mouth pipette.
- Use mechanical pipettes.
- Wear gloves, face shield.
Memory trick: Aliquoting: Pipette Safe, Mouth Stays Shut.