NHCO Phlebotomy Exam questions and answers
2026\2027 A+ Grade
Which of the following is the best indication that a patient might be at risk of syncope?
a. Involuntary movement
b. Lightheadedness and shallow breath
c. Small red spots appearing on skin
d. Paleness and sweating
- correct answer d. Paleness and sweating
Why is it important for a phlebotomist to invert anticoagulant tubes?
a. To prevent a pH imbalance
b. To prevent hemolysis
c. To ensure proper mixing of blood and additive
d. To prevent hemoconcentration
- correct answer c. To ensure proper mixing of blood and additive
Which of the following protects a patient's information?
a. OSHA
b. HIPPA
c. The Joint Commission
d. AAHSA
- correct answer b. HIPPA
,Which of the following needle sizes is NOT used for laboratory assays but for collection of donor units of
blood?
a. 18-gauge
b. 23-gague
c. 21-gague
d. 22-gague
- correct answer a. 18-gauge
How many minutes within collection of a urine sample should the phlebotomist take the temperature of
the specimen?
a. Within 10 minutes
b. Within 45 minutes
c. Within 30 seconds
d. Within 4 minutes
- correct answer d. Within 4 minutes
Quality control checklists ensure machines are inspected for compliance at time intervals specific to the
equipment and ________.
a. Clinical application
b. Chemical measurement
c. Expiration date
d. Stock rotation
- correct answer a. Clinical application
Which of the following actions will most likely prevent a needle stick injury?
a. Having a nurse or other healthcare team member dispose of used needles for the phlebotomist
, b. Replacing sharps containers when they have reached their fill line
c. Recapping every needle prior to discarding it in the sharps container
d. Wearing rubber gloves during venipuncture
- correct answer b. Replacing sharps containers when they have reached their fill line
Which of the following pieces of information need to be on a laboratory requisition form before a
phlebotomist should proceed with obtaining a blood specimen?
a. The patient's status as an organ donor
b. A specimen identification code
c. A laboratory's CLIA number
d. The patient's emergency contact
- correct answer b. A specimen identification code
A patient is listening to a phlebotomist explain the venipuncture process before initiating the blood
draw. The patient communicates their understanding but seems hesitant and confused. How should the
phlebotomist handle the situation?
a. The phlebotomist should surmise that the patient has heard enough information and get ready to
draw the patient's blood.
b. The phlebotomist should leave the room and ask for another doctor or nurse to explain the
procedure.
c. The phlebotomist should repeat the same explanation in a slower voice.
d. The phlebotomist should find another way to phrase the explanation and invite the patient to ask any
clarifying questions.
- correct answer d. The phlebotomist should find another way to phrase the explanation and invite the
patient to ask any clarifying questions.
The additive in a Pink Top Tube used in blood banking is which of the following?
a. Sodium polyanethole sulfonate (SPS)
b. Sodium heparin
2026\2027 A+ Grade
Which of the following is the best indication that a patient might be at risk of syncope?
a. Involuntary movement
b. Lightheadedness and shallow breath
c. Small red spots appearing on skin
d. Paleness and sweating
- correct answer d. Paleness and sweating
Why is it important for a phlebotomist to invert anticoagulant tubes?
a. To prevent a pH imbalance
b. To prevent hemolysis
c. To ensure proper mixing of blood and additive
d. To prevent hemoconcentration
- correct answer c. To ensure proper mixing of blood and additive
Which of the following protects a patient's information?
a. OSHA
b. HIPPA
c. The Joint Commission
d. AAHSA
- correct answer b. HIPPA
,Which of the following needle sizes is NOT used for laboratory assays but for collection of donor units of
blood?
a. 18-gauge
b. 23-gague
c. 21-gague
d. 22-gague
- correct answer a. 18-gauge
How many minutes within collection of a urine sample should the phlebotomist take the temperature of
the specimen?
a. Within 10 minutes
b. Within 45 minutes
c. Within 30 seconds
d. Within 4 minutes
- correct answer d. Within 4 minutes
Quality control checklists ensure machines are inspected for compliance at time intervals specific to the
equipment and ________.
a. Clinical application
b. Chemical measurement
c. Expiration date
d. Stock rotation
- correct answer a. Clinical application
Which of the following actions will most likely prevent a needle stick injury?
a. Having a nurse or other healthcare team member dispose of used needles for the phlebotomist
, b. Replacing sharps containers when they have reached their fill line
c. Recapping every needle prior to discarding it in the sharps container
d. Wearing rubber gloves during venipuncture
- correct answer b. Replacing sharps containers when they have reached their fill line
Which of the following pieces of information need to be on a laboratory requisition form before a
phlebotomist should proceed with obtaining a blood specimen?
a. The patient's status as an organ donor
b. A specimen identification code
c. A laboratory's CLIA number
d. The patient's emergency contact
- correct answer b. A specimen identification code
A patient is listening to a phlebotomist explain the venipuncture process before initiating the blood
draw. The patient communicates their understanding but seems hesitant and confused. How should the
phlebotomist handle the situation?
a. The phlebotomist should surmise that the patient has heard enough information and get ready to
draw the patient's blood.
b. The phlebotomist should leave the room and ask for another doctor or nurse to explain the
procedure.
c. The phlebotomist should repeat the same explanation in a slower voice.
d. The phlebotomist should find another way to phrase the explanation and invite the patient to ask any
clarifying questions.
- correct answer d. The phlebotomist should find another way to phrase the explanation and invite the
patient to ask any clarifying questions.
The additive in a Pink Top Tube used in blood banking is which of the following?
a. Sodium polyanethole sulfonate (SPS)
b. Sodium heparin
