NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician
(CPT) Practice Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary reason for using a tourniquet during
venipuncture?
A. To increase blood pressure
B. To make veins more visible and easier to access
C. To disinfect the skin
D. To measure pulse
Rationale: The tourniquet temporarily restricts blood flow, causing veins to
swell, making them easier to locate and puncture.
2. Which additive is found in a lavender-top tube?
A. Sodium citrate
, B. EDTA
C. Heparin
D. Sodium fluoride
Rationale: Lavender-top tubes contain EDTA, an anticoagulant that
preserves the shape of blood cells for hematology testing.
3. The process of cleaning the venipuncture site with an antiseptic is
called:
A. Sterilization
B. Disinfection
C. Inoculation
D. Coagulation
Rationale: Disinfection removes or reduces microorganisms on the skin to
prevent contamination during blood collection.
4. A phlebotomist notices a patient’s skin turns pale and clammy after
inserting the needle. What should the phlebotomist do first?
A. Continue the procedure
B. Remove the needle and have the patient lie down
C. Apply a hot pack
D. Apply pressure immediately and leave the patient standing
Rationale: These are signs of syncope (fainting); the phlebotomist should
remove the needle and ensure patient safety.
, 5. Which of the following is the correct order of draw for blood
collection?
A. Red, blue, lavender, green
B. Yellow, light blue, red, green, lavender, gray
C. Blue, red, yellow, gray, green
D. Lavender, green, blue, red
Rationale: The order of draw prevents cross-contamination of additives,
following CLSI guidelines.
6. What is the purpose of a blood culture collection?
A. Measure glucose levels
B. Determine cholesterol levels
C. Detect bacterial or fungal infections in the blood
D. Evaluate liver function
Rationale: Blood cultures are used to detect microorganisms in the
bloodstream.
7. Which vein is most commonly used for venipuncture in adults?
A. Basilic vein
B. Median cubital vein
C. Cephalic vein
D. Dorsal hand vein
Rationale: The median cubital vein is usually large, well-anchored, and less
likely to be near nerves or arteries.
, 8. A patient refuses to have their blood drawn. The phlebotomist should:
A. Persuade the patient aggressively
B. Respect the patient’s refusal and document it
C. Ignore the refusal
D. Ask a coworker to proceed
Rationale: Patients have the right to refuse procedures; proper
documentation is required.
9. When should a phlebotomist perform hand hygiene?
A. Before touching the patient only
B. After glove removal only
C. Before and after patient contact and after glove removal
D. Only if hands appear dirty
Rationale: Hand hygiene is critical to prevent healthcare-associated
infections.
10. Hemolysis can result from:
A. Slow venipuncture
B. Using the correct needle size
C. Excessive force when transferring blood or improper needle size
D. Collecting blood at room temperature
Rationale: Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells rupture, often due to
trauma during collection.
(CPT) Practice Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary reason for using a tourniquet during
venipuncture?
A. To increase blood pressure
B. To make veins more visible and easier to access
C. To disinfect the skin
D. To measure pulse
Rationale: The tourniquet temporarily restricts blood flow, causing veins to
swell, making them easier to locate and puncture.
2. Which additive is found in a lavender-top tube?
A. Sodium citrate
, B. EDTA
C. Heparin
D. Sodium fluoride
Rationale: Lavender-top tubes contain EDTA, an anticoagulant that
preserves the shape of blood cells for hematology testing.
3. The process of cleaning the venipuncture site with an antiseptic is
called:
A. Sterilization
B. Disinfection
C. Inoculation
D. Coagulation
Rationale: Disinfection removes or reduces microorganisms on the skin to
prevent contamination during blood collection.
4. A phlebotomist notices a patient’s skin turns pale and clammy after
inserting the needle. What should the phlebotomist do first?
A. Continue the procedure
B. Remove the needle and have the patient lie down
C. Apply a hot pack
D. Apply pressure immediately and leave the patient standing
Rationale: These are signs of syncope (fainting); the phlebotomist should
remove the needle and ensure patient safety.
, 5. Which of the following is the correct order of draw for blood
collection?
A. Red, blue, lavender, green
B. Yellow, light blue, red, green, lavender, gray
C. Blue, red, yellow, gray, green
D. Lavender, green, blue, red
Rationale: The order of draw prevents cross-contamination of additives,
following CLSI guidelines.
6. What is the purpose of a blood culture collection?
A. Measure glucose levels
B. Determine cholesterol levels
C. Detect bacterial or fungal infections in the blood
D. Evaluate liver function
Rationale: Blood cultures are used to detect microorganisms in the
bloodstream.
7. Which vein is most commonly used for venipuncture in adults?
A. Basilic vein
B. Median cubital vein
C. Cephalic vein
D. Dorsal hand vein
Rationale: The median cubital vein is usually large, well-anchored, and less
likely to be near nerves or arteries.
, 8. A patient refuses to have their blood drawn. The phlebotomist should:
A. Persuade the patient aggressively
B. Respect the patient’s refusal and document it
C. Ignore the refusal
D. Ask a coworker to proceed
Rationale: Patients have the right to refuse procedures; proper
documentation is required.
9. When should a phlebotomist perform hand hygiene?
A. Before touching the patient only
B. After glove removal only
C. Before and after patient contact and after glove removal
D. Only if hands appear dirty
Rationale: Hand hygiene is critical to prevent healthcare-associated
infections.
10. Hemolysis can result from:
A. Slow venipuncture
B. Using the correct needle size
C. Excessive force when transferring blood or improper needle size
D. Collecting blood at room temperature
Rationale: Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells rupture, often due to
trauma during collection.
