1|Page
ASSISTING IN PHLEBOTOMY (MEDICAL
ASSISTANT) TEST BANK 2026-2027: 165
PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS &
RATIONALES | HIGH-YIELD.
# Table of Contents
| Section | Topic | Question Count |
|---------|-------|----------------|
| 1 | Phlebotomy Basics & Equipment | 20 |
| 2 | Order of Draw & Additives | 25 |
| 3 | Venipuncture Procedure & Technique | 20 |
| 4 | Capillary Punctures (Finger/Heel Sticks) | 15 |
| 5 | Complications & Troubleshooting | 20 |
| 6 | Patient Identification & Preparation | 15 |
| 7 | Safety & Infection Control (PPE, Sharps, Biohazards) | 15 |
| 8 | Specimen Handling, Processing & Transport | 15 |
| 9 | Special Populations (Geriatric, Pediatric, Difficult Draws) | 10 |
| 10 | High-Yield Clinical Case Questions | 10 |
| **Total** | | **165** |
,2|Page
---
# SECTION 1: Phlebotomy Basics & Equipment (20 Questions)
**1. What is the most commonly used vein for venipuncture in the
antecubital fossa?**
A. Basilic vein
B. Cephalic vein
C. Median cubital vein
D. Radial vein
**Answer: C – Median cubital vein**
*Rationale:* The median cubital vein is the first choice due to its large
size, easy accessibility, and fewer nearby nerves.
**2. Which gauge needle is most commonly used for routine adult
venipuncture?**
A. 16-gauge
B. 18-gauge
C. 21-gauge
D. 25-gauge
**Answer: C – 21-gauge**
,3|Page
*Rationale:* 21-gauge is standard for most adult venipuncture. 18-gauge
is larger (blood donation), 23-25 gauge for small/fragile veins.
**3. What color tube top is used for coagulation studies (PT, INR,
PTT)?**
A. Lavender (EDTA)
B. Light blue (sodium citrate)
C. Red (no additive)
D. Green (heparin)
**Answer: B – Light blue (sodium citrate)**
*Rationale:* Light blue tubes contain sodium citrate, which binds
calcium to prevent clotting. Must be filled completely to maintain
correct blood-to-additive ratio.
**4. What is the purpose of a tourniquet in phlebotomy?**
A. To sterilize the site
B. To slow venous flow and distend veins
C. To prevent hemolysis
D. To numb the area
**Answer: B – To slow venous flow and distend veins**
, 4|Page
*Rationale:* Tourniquet impedes venous return, causing veins to fill
with blood and become more visible/palpable. Should not be left on for
more than 1 minute.
**5. Which needle safety device is required by OSHA after a blood
draw?**
A. Reusable lancet
B. Retractable or self-sheathing needle
C. Glass syringe
D. Butterfly without safety
**Answer: B – Retractable or self-sheathing needle**
*Rationale:* OSHA Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act requires
safety-engineered sharps devices (retractable needles, hinged shields) to
reduce needlestick injuries.
**6. What is the proper angle of insertion for a standard
venipuncture?**
A. 5-10 degrees
B. 15-30 degrees
C. 45-60 degrees
D. 90 degrees
**Answer: B – 15-30 degrees**
ASSISTING IN PHLEBOTOMY (MEDICAL
ASSISTANT) TEST BANK 2026-2027: 165
PRACTICE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS &
RATIONALES | HIGH-YIELD.
# Table of Contents
| Section | Topic | Question Count |
|---------|-------|----------------|
| 1 | Phlebotomy Basics & Equipment | 20 |
| 2 | Order of Draw & Additives | 25 |
| 3 | Venipuncture Procedure & Technique | 20 |
| 4 | Capillary Punctures (Finger/Heel Sticks) | 15 |
| 5 | Complications & Troubleshooting | 20 |
| 6 | Patient Identification & Preparation | 15 |
| 7 | Safety & Infection Control (PPE, Sharps, Biohazards) | 15 |
| 8 | Specimen Handling, Processing & Transport | 15 |
| 9 | Special Populations (Geriatric, Pediatric, Difficult Draws) | 10 |
| 10 | High-Yield Clinical Case Questions | 10 |
| **Total** | | **165** |
,2|Page
---
# SECTION 1: Phlebotomy Basics & Equipment (20 Questions)
**1. What is the most commonly used vein for venipuncture in the
antecubital fossa?**
A. Basilic vein
B. Cephalic vein
C. Median cubital vein
D. Radial vein
**Answer: C – Median cubital vein**
*Rationale:* The median cubital vein is the first choice due to its large
size, easy accessibility, and fewer nearby nerves.
**2. Which gauge needle is most commonly used for routine adult
venipuncture?**
A. 16-gauge
B. 18-gauge
C. 21-gauge
D. 25-gauge
**Answer: C – 21-gauge**
,3|Page
*Rationale:* 21-gauge is standard for most adult venipuncture. 18-gauge
is larger (blood donation), 23-25 gauge for small/fragile veins.
**3. What color tube top is used for coagulation studies (PT, INR,
PTT)?**
A. Lavender (EDTA)
B. Light blue (sodium citrate)
C. Red (no additive)
D. Green (heparin)
**Answer: B – Light blue (sodium citrate)**
*Rationale:* Light blue tubes contain sodium citrate, which binds
calcium to prevent clotting. Must be filled completely to maintain
correct blood-to-additive ratio.
**4. What is the purpose of a tourniquet in phlebotomy?**
A. To sterilize the site
B. To slow venous flow and distend veins
C. To prevent hemolysis
D. To numb the area
**Answer: B – To slow venous flow and distend veins**
, 4|Page
*Rationale:* Tourniquet impedes venous return, causing veins to fill
with blood and become more visible/palpable. Should not be left on for
more than 1 minute.
**5. Which needle safety device is required by OSHA after a blood
draw?**
A. Reusable lancet
B. Retractable or self-sheathing needle
C. Glass syringe
D. Butterfly without safety
**Answer: B – Retractable or self-sheathing needle**
*Rationale:* OSHA Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act requires
safety-engineered sharps devices (retractable needles, hinged shields) to
reduce needlestick injuries.
**6. What is the proper angle of insertion for a standard
venipuncture?**
A. 5-10 degrees
B. 15-30 degrees
C. 45-60 degrees
D. 90 degrees
**Answer: B – 15-30 degrees**
