Page 1 of 92
California Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT-1) EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR – JUST RELEASED
California Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT-1) Exam
Exam Coverage – CPT-1
The California CPT-1 Exam focuses on entry-level phlebotomy knowledge and skills. Key content
areas include:
1. Basic Phlebotomy Concepts
2. Venipuncture and Capillary Collection
3. Specimen Handling and Processing
4. Medical Terminology and Anatomy
5. Safety and Infection Control
6. Patient Interaction and Communication
7. Regulatory Guidelines and Legal Considerations
8. Quality Assurance and Troubleshooting
CPT-1 Practice Exam – MCQs (Questions 1–50)
1. Which of the following is the most important first step before performing a venipuncture?
, Page 2 of 92
A. Selecting the correct needle gauge
B. Properly identifying the patient using two identifiers
C. Applying a tourniquet
D. Disinfecting the collection site
Answer: B
Rationale: Patient safety is paramount. Verifying identity with two identifiers prevents errors
before specimen collection.
2. Which PPE is required when performing phlebotomy on a patient suspected of having a
bloodborne infection?
A. Gloves only
B. Gloves and gown only
C. Gloves, gown, and mask or face shield as needed
D. None; standard precautions are sufficient
Answer: C
Rationale: Gloves, gown, and mask/face shield are necessary for protection against
bloodborne pathogens.
3. Which vein is most commonly used for routine venipuncture in adults?
, Page 3 of 92
A. Cephalic vein
B. Basilic vein
C. Median cubital vein
D. Dorsal metacarpal vein
Answer: C
Rationale: The median cubital vein is preferred due to its size, accessibility, and low risk of
complications.
4. What is the proper order of draw for multiple tubes?
A. Lavender, light blue, green, red
B. Light blue, red, green, lavender
C. Red, green, lavender, light blue
D. Green, lavender, red, light blue
Answer: B
Rationale: The order of draw prevents cross-contamination of additives, as per CLSI guidelines.
5. Which type of specimen is collected using a fingerstick?
A. Whole blood from a vein
B. Capillary blood from a capillary puncture
, Page 4 of 92
C. Arterial blood
D. Urine sample
Answer: B
Rationale: Fingersticks obtain capillary blood, commonly used for glucose or hemoglobin tests.
6. How should a phlebotomist handle a specimen with a hemolyzed sample?
A. Send it to the lab as is
B. Label it properly and recollect if necessary
C. Mix it with anticoagulant to fix hemolysis
D. Freeze immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: Hemolyzed samples can produce inaccurate results; recollection ensures valid test
results.
7. Which action is required immediately after performing venipuncture?
A. Dispose of gloves
B. Apply pressure to the puncture site and label the tube
C. Remove the needle and leave the site open
D. Shake the tube vigorously
California Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT-1) EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS LATEST
UPDATE THIS YEAR – JUST RELEASED
California Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT-1) Exam
Exam Coverage – CPT-1
The California CPT-1 Exam focuses on entry-level phlebotomy knowledge and skills. Key content
areas include:
1. Basic Phlebotomy Concepts
2. Venipuncture and Capillary Collection
3. Specimen Handling and Processing
4. Medical Terminology and Anatomy
5. Safety and Infection Control
6. Patient Interaction and Communication
7. Regulatory Guidelines and Legal Considerations
8. Quality Assurance and Troubleshooting
CPT-1 Practice Exam – MCQs (Questions 1–50)
1. Which of the following is the most important first step before performing a venipuncture?
, Page 2 of 92
A. Selecting the correct needle gauge
B. Properly identifying the patient using two identifiers
C. Applying a tourniquet
D. Disinfecting the collection site
Answer: B
Rationale: Patient safety is paramount. Verifying identity with two identifiers prevents errors
before specimen collection.
2. Which PPE is required when performing phlebotomy on a patient suspected of having a
bloodborne infection?
A. Gloves only
B. Gloves and gown only
C. Gloves, gown, and mask or face shield as needed
D. None; standard precautions are sufficient
Answer: C
Rationale: Gloves, gown, and mask/face shield are necessary for protection against
bloodborne pathogens.
3. Which vein is most commonly used for routine venipuncture in adults?
, Page 3 of 92
A. Cephalic vein
B. Basilic vein
C. Median cubital vein
D. Dorsal metacarpal vein
Answer: C
Rationale: The median cubital vein is preferred due to its size, accessibility, and low risk of
complications.
4. What is the proper order of draw for multiple tubes?
A. Lavender, light blue, green, red
B. Light blue, red, green, lavender
C. Red, green, lavender, light blue
D. Green, lavender, red, light blue
Answer: B
Rationale: The order of draw prevents cross-contamination of additives, as per CLSI guidelines.
5. Which type of specimen is collected using a fingerstick?
A. Whole blood from a vein
B. Capillary blood from a capillary puncture
, Page 4 of 92
C. Arterial blood
D. Urine sample
Answer: B
Rationale: Fingersticks obtain capillary blood, commonly used for glucose or hemoglobin tests.
6. How should a phlebotomist handle a specimen with a hemolyzed sample?
A. Send it to the lab as is
B. Label it properly and recollect if necessary
C. Mix it with anticoagulant to fix hemolysis
D. Freeze immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: Hemolyzed samples can produce inaccurate results; recollection ensures valid test
results.
7. Which action is required immediately after performing venipuncture?
A. Dispose of gloves
B. Apply pressure to the puncture site and label the tube
C. Remove the needle and leave the site open
D. Shake the tube vigorously
