NCCT Practice Test Exam 2026 || QUESTIONS
ANSWERED WITH ABSOLUTE ACCURACY.
Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take to decrease the potential for
hemolysis of blood specimen in an EDTA tube?
A. Store the tube in the refrigerator after the specimen has been collected
B. Use a 25 gauge needle or smaller to collect the specimen
C. Allow the tube to stand for 20 minutes prior to processing
D. Gently invert the tube after collecting the specimen correct answers Gently invert the tube
after collecting the specimen
Since an EDTA tube contains anticoagulant, it is important to immediately mix the blood as soon
as it is collected to ensure that it doesn't clot. The phlebotomist should gently invert the tube after
collecting the specimen to maintain specimen integrity and prevent rupture of RBC's in the
sample.
Small red spots appear near the tourniquet on a patient's arm. This is MOST likely an indication
of
A. a collapsed vein.
B. a hematoma.
C. petechiae.
D. edema. correct answers Petechiae
Small red spots near the tourniquet on a patient's arm are most likely indicative of petechiae.
Petechiae are small, red, non-raised spots that appear in response to pressure from the tourniquet.
Which of the following is outside the scope of practice for a phlebotomist?
A. Verifying equipment function on point of care testing using a control.
B. Prioritizing collections based on order requests.
C. Recording quality control results on a log sheet.
D. Performing CLIA high complexity tests. correct answers Performing CLIA high complexity
tests
CLIA refers to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment, which specifies personnel
requirements for performing laboratory testing based upon their complexity. Moderate and high
complexity testing are outside the scope of practice for a phlebotomist. Medical assistants may
perform CLIA-waived testing, such as Point of Care Testing, with proper training.
If a phlebotomist has questions about disposing of outdated hazardous chemicals, where should
she look to find this information?
A. HIPAA
B. MSDS
C. CLIA
D. NIOSH correct answers MSDS
,A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a hazardous chemical reference. It provides healthcare
workers with procedures for working with substances safety to ensure regulatory compliance.
When inserting a needle during venipuncture, the bevel should be in which of the following
positions in relation to the vein?
A. Up
B. Down
C. Left
D. Right correct answers Up
Which of the following is an example of a pre-analytical error made at the time of collection?
A. Delay in transporting
B. Failing to mix tubes
C. Incomplete requisition
D. Waiting to centrifuge correct answers Failing to mix tubes
If the blood is not well mixed with the anticoagulant, partial clotting can occur leading to
microscopic fibrin strands and inaccurate test results.
Which of the following is the appropriate blood collection device for obtaining a blood spot
collection on an infant?
A. Syringe
B. Lancet
C. Micro-collection container
D. Evacuated tube correct answers Lancet
PKU is a neonatal screening test collected on a blot card. The recommended method of blood
collection on infants less than a year old is via capillary (thus eliminating the venipuncture
choices)
A phlebotomist has orders to collect blood specimens from a patient who has IVs in his right
forearm and in the left antecubital area. Where should the phlebotomist collect a venous blood
specimen?
A. The middle or ring finger of right hand
B. In the antecubital area of the right arm
C. Above the IV in the left arm
D. Distal to the IV in the left arm correct answers Distal to the IV in the left arm
Drawing in the antecubital area of the right arm or above the IV in the left arm would lead to
contamination of the sample with the fluid being administered. The test results would then reflect
the contents of the fluid or dilute the analyte to be measured. Incorrect patient treatment might
result. In this case, the safest place to draw would be distal to (away from) the IV left arm. The
middle or ring finger could be used for a dermal puncture but not for venous blood.
,Which of the following actions is an example of compliance with Quality Control (QC)
guidelines for phlebotomy?
A. Check controls on urinalysis reagent strips daily.
B. Ensure supplies in venipuncture trays are no more than one month beyond the expiration date.
C. Ensure reusable supplies in venipuncture trays are recycled.
D. Check glucometer controls monthly. correct answers Check controls on urinalysis reagent
strips daily.
Proper Quality Control ensures accuracy and reliability of test results while detecting and
eliminating errors. It is an important component of patient care to make sure results are accurate,
therefore it is important to check controls on urinalysis dipsticks daily.
A patient on coumadin therapy is at the lab for a weekly coagulation test. Which of the following
tubes should the phlebotomist collect for this test?
A. Red top
B. Lavender top
C. Light blue top
D. Green top correct answers Light Blue Top
Sodium citrate (light blue top tube) is the anticoagulant of choice for coagulation studies such as
PT/INR (Protime/International Normalization Ratio) because it does not bind to calcium or
inactivate heparin, which may be required to be present in such testing
While performing a venipuncture, the phlebotomist removes the filled tubes, but forgets to
remove the tourniquet prior to needle withdrawal. Which of the following is the MOST likely
result?
A. Syncope
B. Hemoconcentrated specimen
C. Hematoma
D. Hemolyzed specimen correct answers Hematoma
A hematoma is a large painful bruise at the puncture site, caused or created by blood seeping into
the surrounding tissues, one of the causes is the delay in tourniquet release and pulling the
vacuum tube out. Since the tourniquet is causing the veins to bulge this will prevent quick
clotting, and cause bruising.
The phlebotomist is educating the patient on fasting diet requirements prior to a glucose
tolerance test. Which of the following is the minimum time frame the patient must remain fasting
before the start of the test?
A.13-24 hours
B. 8-12 hours
C. 1-2 hours
, D. 3-4 hours correct answers 8-12 hours
To ensure accuracy of the blood test results. Gum chewing, eating mints, and/or smoking are not
allowed. Sips of water may be permitted depending on provider NPO policy.
The phlebotomist has an order to collect a complete blood count with differential, partial
thromboplastin time, basic metabolic panel, and blood cultures. What is the collection tubes in
the correct order of draw.
A. Red
B. Lavender
C. Blood culture bottles
D. Light blue correct answers Blood culture bottles, Light blue, Red, Lavender
What does the color of an evacuated collection tube represent?
A. A visual identifier for tests expected to be above or below normal range
B. The minimum volume of blood to be obtained
C. The personal protective equipment required for collection
D. The type or absence of an additive correct answers The type or absence of an additive
Which of the following statements by a new phlebotomist indicates the need for further
education on standard precautions?
A. "I will wear a gown, gloves, and mask for inpatient collections."
B. "I will perform hand hygiene after removing gloves."
C. "Sharps containers should be replaced when 2/3 full."
D. "Antimicrobial wipes may be used for cleaning a collection area at the end of a shift." correct
answers "I will wear a gown, gloves, and mask for inpatient collections."
Which of the following steps is completed FIRST in performing venipuncture?
A. Apply the tourniquet
B. Cleanse site with an alcohol wipe
C. Identify the patient
D. Arrange tubes in order of draw correct answers Identify the patient
Before drawing a patient, the phlebotomist notices a droplet of dried blood on the arm of the
phlebotomy chair. Which of the following should the phlebotomist do?
A. Use a gloved hand to scrape up the blood, clean with disinfectant, then absorb with paper
towel.
B. Use an alcohol pad to wipe the dried droplet of blood, then dry with paper towel.
C. Moisten the droplet with water, clean with anti-microbial soap, then dry with paper towel.
ANSWERED WITH ABSOLUTE ACCURACY.
Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take to decrease the potential for
hemolysis of blood specimen in an EDTA tube?
A. Store the tube in the refrigerator after the specimen has been collected
B. Use a 25 gauge needle or smaller to collect the specimen
C. Allow the tube to stand for 20 minutes prior to processing
D. Gently invert the tube after collecting the specimen correct answers Gently invert the tube
after collecting the specimen
Since an EDTA tube contains anticoagulant, it is important to immediately mix the blood as soon
as it is collected to ensure that it doesn't clot. The phlebotomist should gently invert the tube after
collecting the specimen to maintain specimen integrity and prevent rupture of RBC's in the
sample.
Small red spots appear near the tourniquet on a patient's arm. This is MOST likely an indication
of
A. a collapsed vein.
B. a hematoma.
C. petechiae.
D. edema. correct answers Petechiae
Small red spots near the tourniquet on a patient's arm are most likely indicative of petechiae.
Petechiae are small, red, non-raised spots that appear in response to pressure from the tourniquet.
Which of the following is outside the scope of practice for a phlebotomist?
A. Verifying equipment function on point of care testing using a control.
B. Prioritizing collections based on order requests.
C. Recording quality control results on a log sheet.
D. Performing CLIA high complexity tests. correct answers Performing CLIA high complexity
tests
CLIA refers to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment, which specifies personnel
requirements for performing laboratory testing based upon their complexity. Moderate and high
complexity testing are outside the scope of practice for a phlebotomist. Medical assistants may
perform CLIA-waived testing, such as Point of Care Testing, with proper training.
If a phlebotomist has questions about disposing of outdated hazardous chemicals, where should
she look to find this information?
A. HIPAA
B. MSDS
C. CLIA
D. NIOSH correct answers MSDS
,A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a hazardous chemical reference. It provides healthcare
workers with procedures for working with substances safety to ensure regulatory compliance.
When inserting a needle during venipuncture, the bevel should be in which of the following
positions in relation to the vein?
A. Up
B. Down
C. Left
D. Right correct answers Up
Which of the following is an example of a pre-analytical error made at the time of collection?
A. Delay in transporting
B. Failing to mix tubes
C. Incomplete requisition
D. Waiting to centrifuge correct answers Failing to mix tubes
If the blood is not well mixed with the anticoagulant, partial clotting can occur leading to
microscopic fibrin strands and inaccurate test results.
Which of the following is the appropriate blood collection device for obtaining a blood spot
collection on an infant?
A. Syringe
B. Lancet
C. Micro-collection container
D. Evacuated tube correct answers Lancet
PKU is a neonatal screening test collected on a blot card. The recommended method of blood
collection on infants less than a year old is via capillary (thus eliminating the venipuncture
choices)
A phlebotomist has orders to collect blood specimens from a patient who has IVs in his right
forearm and in the left antecubital area. Where should the phlebotomist collect a venous blood
specimen?
A. The middle or ring finger of right hand
B. In the antecubital area of the right arm
C. Above the IV in the left arm
D. Distal to the IV in the left arm correct answers Distal to the IV in the left arm
Drawing in the antecubital area of the right arm or above the IV in the left arm would lead to
contamination of the sample with the fluid being administered. The test results would then reflect
the contents of the fluid or dilute the analyte to be measured. Incorrect patient treatment might
result. In this case, the safest place to draw would be distal to (away from) the IV left arm. The
middle or ring finger could be used for a dermal puncture but not for venous blood.
,Which of the following actions is an example of compliance with Quality Control (QC)
guidelines for phlebotomy?
A. Check controls on urinalysis reagent strips daily.
B. Ensure supplies in venipuncture trays are no more than one month beyond the expiration date.
C. Ensure reusable supplies in venipuncture trays are recycled.
D. Check glucometer controls monthly. correct answers Check controls on urinalysis reagent
strips daily.
Proper Quality Control ensures accuracy and reliability of test results while detecting and
eliminating errors. It is an important component of patient care to make sure results are accurate,
therefore it is important to check controls on urinalysis dipsticks daily.
A patient on coumadin therapy is at the lab for a weekly coagulation test. Which of the following
tubes should the phlebotomist collect for this test?
A. Red top
B. Lavender top
C. Light blue top
D. Green top correct answers Light Blue Top
Sodium citrate (light blue top tube) is the anticoagulant of choice for coagulation studies such as
PT/INR (Protime/International Normalization Ratio) because it does not bind to calcium or
inactivate heparin, which may be required to be present in such testing
While performing a venipuncture, the phlebotomist removes the filled tubes, but forgets to
remove the tourniquet prior to needle withdrawal. Which of the following is the MOST likely
result?
A. Syncope
B. Hemoconcentrated specimen
C. Hematoma
D. Hemolyzed specimen correct answers Hematoma
A hematoma is a large painful bruise at the puncture site, caused or created by blood seeping into
the surrounding tissues, one of the causes is the delay in tourniquet release and pulling the
vacuum tube out. Since the tourniquet is causing the veins to bulge this will prevent quick
clotting, and cause bruising.
The phlebotomist is educating the patient on fasting diet requirements prior to a glucose
tolerance test. Which of the following is the minimum time frame the patient must remain fasting
before the start of the test?
A.13-24 hours
B. 8-12 hours
C. 1-2 hours
, D. 3-4 hours correct answers 8-12 hours
To ensure accuracy of the blood test results. Gum chewing, eating mints, and/or smoking are not
allowed. Sips of water may be permitted depending on provider NPO policy.
The phlebotomist has an order to collect a complete blood count with differential, partial
thromboplastin time, basic metabolic panel, and blood cultures. What is the collection tubes in
the correct order of draw.
A. Red
B. Lavender
C. Blood culture bottles
D. Light blue correct answers Blood culture bottles, Light blue, Red, Lavender
What does the color of an evacuated collection tube represent?
A. A visual identifier for tests expected to be above or below normal range
B. The minimum volume of blood to be obtained
C. The personal protective equipment required for collection
D. The type or absence of an additive correct answers The type or absence of an additive
Which of the following statements by a new phlebotomist indicates the need for further
education on standard precautions?
A. "I will wear a gown, gloves, and mask for inpatient collections."
B. "I will perform hand hygiene after removing gloves."
C. "Sharps containers should be replaced when 2/3 full."
D. "Antimicrobial wipes may be used for cleaning a collection area at the end of a shift." correct
answers "I will wear a gown, gloves, and mask for inpatient collections."
Which of the following steps is completed FIRST in performing venipuncture?
A. Apply the tourniquet
B. Cleanse site with an alcohol wipe
C. Identify the patient
D. Arrange tubes in order of draw correct answers Identify the patient
Before drawing a patient, the phlebotomist notices a droplet of dried blood on the arm of the
phlebotomy chair. Which of the following should the phlebotomist do?
A. Use a gloved hand to scrape up the blood, clean with disinfectant, then absorb with paper
towel.
B. Use an alcohol pad to wipe the dried droplet of blood, then dry with paper towel.
C. Moisten the droplet with water, clean with anti-microbial soap, then dry with paper towel.
