ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) Phlebotomy Technician Certification Practice Exam

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) is the federal law that governs the quality and accuracy of laboratory testing, including phlebotomy procedures. Established to ensure that laboratory testing services meet acceptable standards, CLIA requires all laboratories that perform tests on human specimens to be certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This regulation encompasses various aspects of laboratory operations, including personnel qualifications, the quality of testing, and the reliability of test results, which are vital for patient safety and accurate diagnosis.

Other laws mentioned, while significant in their own contexts, do not specifically regulate laboratory testing quality. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act primarily oversees the safety and efficacy of food, drugs, and cosmetic products, while the Occupational Safety and Health Act focuses on ensuring safe working conditions for employees. Lastly, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act primarily addresses health insurance coverage and access to healthcare rather than laboratory standards.