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

Centrifugation of a blood specimen is classified as part of the preexamination or preanalytical phase of laboratory testing. This phase encompasses all the processes that occur before the actual analysis of the specimen begins. It includes specimen collection, handling, processing, and preparation for analysis.

When blood is centrifuged, this process separates the components of the blood, such as plasma or serum from the cellular elements. This step is crucial for ensuring that the specimen is properly prepared and that the analysis conducted later will yield accurate and reliable results. Any errors or issues in this preexamination phase can significantly impact the quality of the results, making it essential for laboratory personnel to understand its importance.

The remaining phases, such as the examination phase, analytical phase, and postanalytical phase, occur after this preexamination phase and are focused on the actual testing and interpretation of results. Therefore, identifying centrifugation as part of the preexamination phase correctly emphasizes its role in the overall laboratory process.