NHCO Phlebotomy Certification NHCO Phlebotomy Certification Exam
Exam Exam Coverage Outline
1. Medical Terminology
Common prefixes, suffixes, and root words
Abbreviations used in laboratory settings
Anatomical terms and directional
terminology
2. Anatomy and Physiology
Circulatory system structure and function
Veins commonly used for venipuncture
(median cubital, cephalic, basilic)
Basic blood composition (plasma, RBCs,
WBCs, platelets)
3. Infection Control and Safety
Standard precautions
,OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
PPE (gloves, masks, gowns)
Hand hygiene procedures
Sharps disposal protocols
4. Phlebotomy Equipment and Supplies
Needles (straight, butterfly/winged infusion
sets)
Evacuation tube system components
Syringes
Tourniquets
Antiseptics and disinfectants
5. Order of Draw
Correct tube color sequence
Additives and their purposes
Preventing cross-contamination of additives
6. Venipuncture Procedures
Patient identification verification
Site selection and preparation
Proper needle angle and insertion
, Proper needle angle and insertion
technique
Tube mixing procedures
Post-procedure care
7. Capillary (Dermal) Puncture
Appropriate sites (adult vs. infant)
Order of collection
When capillary collection is indicated
8. Specimen Handling and Processing
Labeling requirements
Chain of custody
Centrifugation basics
Specimen transport and storage
9. Complications and Special Situations
Hematoma prevention
Fainting (syncope) management
Hemolysis prevention
Difficult draws
10. Professionalism and Ethics
Patient confidentiality (HIPAA basics)
Exam Exam Coverage Outline
1. Medical Terminology
Common prefixes, suffixes, and root words
Abbreviations used in laboratory settings
Anatomical terms and directional
terminology
2. Anatomy and Physiology
Circulatory system structure and function
Veins commonly used for venipuncture
(median cubital, cephalic, basilic)
Basic blood composition (plasma, RBCs,
WBCs, platelets)
3. Infection Control and Safety
Standard precautions
,OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
PPE (gloves, masks, gowns)
Hand hygiene procedures
Sharps disposal protocols
4. Phlebotomy Equipment and Supplies
Needles (straight, butterfly/winged infusion
sets)
Evacuation tube system components
Syringes
Tourniquets
Antiseptics and disinfectants
5. Order of Draw
Correct tube color sequence
Additives and their purposes
Preventing cross-contamination of additives
6. Venipuncture Procedures
Patient identification verification
Site selection and preparation
Proper needle angle and insertion
, Proper needle angle and insertion
technique
Tube mixing procedures
Post-procedure care
7. Capillary (Dermal) Puncture
Appropriate sites (adult vs. infant)
Order of collection
When capillary collection is indicated
8. Specimen Handling and Processing
Labeling requirements
Chain of custody
Centrifugation basics
Specimen transport and storage
9. Complications and Special Situations
Hematoma prevention
Fainting (syncope) management
Hemolysis prevention
Difficult draws
10. Professionalism and Ethics
Patient confidentiality (HIPAA basics)
