American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam

When is it appropriate to collect blood from a patient with a serious condition like septicemia?

1. As soon as possible without preparation

2. After administering antibiotics

3. Only in a sterile manner

4. When the patient feels comfortable

The correct answer is: Only in a sterile manner

Collecting blood from a patient with a serious condition like septicemia should always be done in a sterile manner to prevent the introduction of additional pathogens into the bloodstream. Septicemia, which is a life-threatening condition characterized by the presence of bacteria in the blood, requires careful handling to avoid worsening the patient's condition or causing further complications. Taking blood in a sterile manner involves using aseptic techniques, which help to ensure that the blood culture is accurate in identifying the causative organism of the infection. This is crucial because the choice of antibiotic treatment often depends on the precise identification of the pathogens involved. Any contamination during the blood collection process could lead to false results, hindering appropriate treatment. Collecting blood as soon as possible without preparation could lead to contamination. Waiting after administering antibiotics may also skew the test results, as the antibiotics could reduce or eliminate the bacteria in the bloodstream, making it difficult to identify the infection accurately. While patient comfort is important, it should never compromise the necessity of maintaining strict aseptic protocols during the blood collection process.