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

If a patient states they are not fasting, what should the phlebotomist do?

1. Proceed with the sample collection regardless

2. Ask the patient's nurse if the sample should be collected

3. Cancel the blood draw

4. Inform the patient that fasting is not required at this time

The correct answer is: Ask the patient's nurse if the sample should be collected

In a situation where a patient indicates that they are not fasting, the appropriate course of action is to consult with the patient's nurse regarding whether to proceed with the sample collection. This approach is important because certain laboratory tests require fasting to ensure accurate results, while others do not. The nurse may have specific information about the tests being ordered and whether a non-fasting sample is acceptable. This ensures that the phlebotomist adheres to the protocol necessary for obtaining accurate and reliable test results. Gathering input from the healthcare team helps to clarify any misconceptions about the necessity of fasting for the specific lab tests ordered, ultimately promoting patient safety and quality of care. It's a decision that involves collaboration, ensuring that the phlebotomist is aligned with the clinical needs of the patient.