During which phase is phlebotomy performed?

During which phase is phlebotomy performed?

• A. Pre-analytic phase
• B. Analytic phase
• C. Post-analytic phase
• D. Specimen handling phase

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is the workflow of laboratory testing, which is divided into pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic phases. Phlebotomy—the act of drawing blood—occurs before any testing is done, so it sits in the pre-analytic phase. This phase covers patient preparation, specimen collection, labeling, and transport to the lab to ensure the sample is suitable for analysis. The analytic phase is the actual testing of the sample, and the post-analytic phase involves reporting results and final patient care decisions. The term specimen handling phase isn’t a standard separate phase in most frameworks, and handling activities are part of the pre-analytic steps.

The main idea here is the workflow of laboratory testing, which is divided into pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic phases. Phlebotomy—the act of drawing blood—occurs before any testing is done, so it sits in the pre-analytic phase. This phase covers patient preparation, specimen collection, labeling, and transport to the lab to ensure the sample is suitable for analysis. The analytic phase is the actual testing of the sample, and the post-analytic phase involves reporting results and final patient care decisions. The term specimen handling phase isn’t a standard separate phase in most frameworks, and handling activities are part of the pre-analytic steps.