NHA Phlebotomy Certification Exam|
Questions with Correct Answers &
Rationales| Phlebotomy Certification
2026
,1. Before performing a venipuncture, the phlebotomist must verify patient identity using:
A. Room number
B. Wristband and verbal confirmation of name and DOB
C. Physician’s order only
D. Bed location
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper patient identification requires two identifiers, typically full name and
date of birth, to prevent specimen errors and ensure patient safety.
2. Informed consent for venipuncture is generally:
A. Not required
B. Implied when the patient extends their arm
C. Only written
D. Required from family only
Answer: B
Rationale: Routine blood draws require implied consent demonstrated by patient
cooperation.
3. A phlebotomist accidentally draws blood from the wrong patient. This is classified as:
A. Assault
B. Battery
C. Negligence
D. Slander
Answer: C
Rationale: Failure to verify patient identity leading to error is negligence.
4. HIPAA regulations protect:
A. Equipment
B. Specimens
C. Patient health information
D. Physician orders
Answer: C
Rationale: HIPAA ensures confidentiality of protected health information (PHI).
5. When should hand hygiene be performed?
A. After glove removal
B. Before patient contact
C. After patient contact
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: Hand hygiene is required before and after patient contact and after glove
removal to prevent infection transmission.
SECTION II: INFECTION CONTROL & OSHA
6. Standard precautions apply to:
A. Only infected patients
, B. All patients
C. Pediatric patients
D. Surgical patients
Answer: B
Rationale: All blood and body fluids are treated as potentially infectious.
7. A needlestick injury should be reported:
A. At end of shift
B. Immediately
C. Next day
D. Only if symptoms occur
Answer: B
Rationale: Immediate reporting ensures timely evaluation and prophylaxis if needed.
8. The proper disposal container for sharps is:
A. Red biohazard bag
B. Regular trash
C. Puncture-resistant sharps container
D. Linen hamper
Answer: C
Rationale: OSHA mandates sharps disposal in puncture-resistant containers.
9. The purpose of PPE is to:
A. Protect equipment
B. Protect healthcare workers and patients
C. Increase speed
D. Reduce paperwork
Answer: B
Rationale: PPE prevents transmission of infectious agents.
10.Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for:
A. All healthcare workers
B. Only nurses
C. Only physicians
D. Laboratory managers
Answer: A
Rationale: OSHA requires offering Hepatitis B vaccine to at-risk employees.
SECTION III: ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
11.The preferred vein for venipuncture is the:
A. Basilic
B. Cephalic
C. Median cubital
D. Radial
Answer: C
Rationale: The median cubital vein is large and stable with lower complication risk.
12.The basilic vein is avoided when possible because it is near the:
A. Artery and nerve
B. Skin surface
Questions with Correct Answers &
Rationales| Phlebotomy Certification
2026
,1. Before performing a venipuncture, the phlebotomist must verify patient identity using:
A. Room number
B. Wristband and verbal confirmation of name and DOB
C. Physician’s order only
D. Bed location
Answer: B
Rationale: Proper patient identification requires two identifiers, typically full name and
date of birth, to prevent specimen errors and ensure patient safety.
2. Informed consent for venipuncture is generally:
A. Not required
B. Implied when the patient extends their arm
C. Only written
D. Required from family only
Answer: B
Rationale: Routine blood draws require implied consent demonstrated by patient
cooperation.
3. A phlebotomist accidentally draws blood from the wrong patient. This is classified as:
A. Assault
B. Battery
C. Negligence
D. Slander
Answer: C
Rationale: Failure to verify patient identity leading to error is negligence.
4. HIPAA regulations protect:
A. Equipment
B. Specimens
C. Patient health information
D. Physician orders
Answer: C
Rationale: HIPAA ensures confidentiality of protected health information (PHI).
5. When should hand hygiene be performed?
A. After glove removal
B. Before patient contact
C. After patient contact
D. All of the above
Answer: D
Rationale: Hand hygiene is required before and after patient contact and after glove
removal to prevent infection transmission.
SECTION II: INFECTION CONTROL & OSHA
6. Standard precautions apply to:
A. Only infected patients
, B. All patients
C. Pediatric patients
D. Surgical patients
Answer: B
Rationale: All blood and body fluids are treated as potentially infectious.
7. A needlestick injury should be reported:
A. At end of shift
B. Immediately
C. Next day
D. Only if symptoms occur
Answer: B
Rationale: Immediate reporting ensures timely evaluation and prophylaxis if needed.
8. The proper disposal container for sharps is:
A. Red biohazard bag
B. Regular trash
C. Puncture-resistant sharps container
D. Linen hamper
Answer: C
Rationale: OSHA mandates sharps disposal in puncture-resistant containers.
9. The purpose of PPE is to:
A. Protect equipment
B. Protect healthcare workers and patients
C. Increase speed
D. Reduce paperwork
Answer: B
Rationale: PPE prevents transmission of infectious agents.
10.Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for:
A. All healthcare workers
B. Only nurses
C. Only physicians
D. Laboratory managers
Answer: A
Rationale: OSHA requires offering Hepatitis B vaccine to at-risk employees.
SECTION III: ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
11.The preferred vein for venipuncture is the:
A. Basilic
B. Cephalic
C. Median cubital
D. Radial
Answer: C
Rationale: The median cubital vein is large and stable with lower complication risk.
12.The basilic vein is avoided when possible because it is near the:
A. Artery and nerve
B. Skin surface
