Which item is listed as a main source of phlebotomy errors related to equipment and supplies?

• A. Blood collection device, needles, tubes
• B. Nerve injury
• C. Septicemia
• D. Bruising

Answer: (A)

Equipment and supplies issues are a primary source of phlebotomy errors. When the materials used—blood collection device, needles, and tubes—are incorrect, defective, expired, or not appropriate for the test, the specimen can be compromised. This category covers problems like using the wrong device, a damaged needle, or the wrong or contaminated tube with the wrong additive, all of which can lead to inaccurate results or specimen quality problems.

Nerve injury is more about anatomy and technique during vein access, not about the equipment or supplies themselves. Septicemia relates to sterility and infection control rather than the inherent problems with devices or tubes. Bruising tends to result from venipuncture technique or patient factors, not primarily from the equipment or supply choices.