Final answer:
The correct phlebotomist action is collecting a CBC and a chem profile on a fasting patient. Serum collection involves waiting for blood to clot and separate. Agglutination with both anti-A and anti-B antibodies indicates AB blood type.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct action of a phlebotomist in the scenarios provided is collecting a CBC and a chem profile on a fasting patient. This procedure requires the patient to have fasted to ensure accurate results, particularly for the chemistry profile, which can include tests sensitive to food intake, such as glucose and lipid levels.
In contrast, collecting a peak drug level 30 minutes before the next dose is incorrect; peak levels should be collected at the recommended peak time after the drug dose, not before. Drawing a liver panel and not a CBC because the patient had breakfast might be acceptable if the liver panel does not require fasting, but a CBC would not typically be affected by food intake. Lastly, collecting a fasting blood glucose test is not valid if the patient has eaten, even if it was only half a Twinkie, as any caloric intake can alter the results.
Regarding the serum collection after about an hour in the glass tube, it can be explained as follows: When blood is collected into a glass tube without anticoagulants, the blood clots over time. During this hour, the clotting process consumes the cells and clotting proteins, leaving behind a clear fluid called serum, which can then be harvested for analysis.
If a patient's blood sample agglutinates with both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, this indicates the patient has AB blood type, which is a normal occurrence and does not suggest an error in the procedure.