NCCT Practice Test Exam Actual
Questions and Answers 2026
Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take to
decrease the potential for hemolysis of blood specimen in an EDTA
tube?
A. Store the tube in the refrigerator after the specimen has been
collected
B. Use a 25 gauge needle or smaller to collect the specimen
C. Allow the tube to stand for 20 minutes prior to processing
D. Gently invert the tube after collecting the specimen -
correct answer ✅Gently invert the tube after collecting the
specimen
Since an EDTA tube contains anticoagulant, it is important to
immediately mix the blood as soon as it is collected to ensure that
it doesn't clot. The phlebotomist should gently invert the tube after
collecting the specimen to maintain specimen integrity and prevent
rupture of RBC's in the sample.
Small red spots appear near the tourniquet on a patient's arm. This
is MOST likely an indication of
A. a collapsed vein.
B. a hematoma.
C. petechiae.
,NCCT Practice Test Exam Actual
Questions and Answers 2026
D. edema. -
correct answer ✅Petechiae
Small red spots near the tourniquet on a patient's arm are most
likely indicative of petechiae. Petechiae are small, red, non-raised
spots that appear in response to pressure from the tourniquet.
Which of the following is outside the scope of practice for a
phlebotomist?
A. Verifying equipment function on point of care testing using a
control.
B. Prioritizing collections based on order requests.
C. Recording quality control results on a log sheet.
D. Performing CLIA high complexity tests. -
correct answer ✅Performing CLIA high complexity tests
CLIA refers to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment,
which specifies personnel requirements for performing laboratory
testing based upon their complexity. Moderate and high complexity
testing are outside the scope of practice for a phlebotomist.
,NCCT Practice Test Exam Actual
Questions and Answers 2026
Medical assistants may perform CLIA-waived testing, such as Point
of Care Testing, with proper training.
If a phlebotomist has questions about disposing of outdated
hazardous chemicals, where should she look to find this
information?
A. HIPAA
B. MSDS
C. CLIA
D. NIOSH -
correct answer ✅MSDS
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a hazardous chemical
reference. It provides healthcare workers with procedures for
working with substances safety to ensure regulatory compliance.
When inserting a needle during venipuncture, the bevel should be
in which of the following positions in relation to the vein?
A. Up
B. Down
C. Left
, NCCT Practice Test Exam Actual
Questions and Answers 2026
D. Right -
correct answer ✅Up
Which of the following is an example of a pre-analytical error made
at the time of collection?
A. Delay in transporting
B. Failing to mix tubes
C. Incomplete requisition
D. Waiting to centrifuge -
correct answer ✅Failing to mix tubes
If the blood is not well mixed with the anticoagulant, partial clotting
can occur leading to microscopic fibrin strands and inaccurate test
results.
Which of the following is the appropriate blood collection device
for obtaining a blood spot collection on an infant?
A. Syringe
B. Lancet
C. Micro-collection container
Questions and Answers 2026
Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take to
decrease the potential for hemolysis of blood specimen in an EDTA
tube?
A. Store the tube in the refrigerator after the specimen has been
collected
B. Use a 25 gauge needle or smaller to collect the specimen
C. Allow the tube to stand for 20 minutes prior to processing
D. Gently invert the tube after collecting the specimen -
correct answer ✅Gently invert the tube after collecting the
specimen
Since an EDTA tube contains anticoagulant, it is important to
immediately mix the blood as soon as it is collected to ensure that
it doesn't clot. The phlebotomist should gently invert the tube after
collecting the specimen to maintain specimen integrity and prevent
rupture of RBC's in the sample.
Small red spots appear near the tourniquet on a patient's arm. This
is MOST likely an indication of
A. a collapsed vein.
B. a hematoma.
C. petechiae.
,NCCT Practice Test Exam Actual
Questions and Answers 2026
D. edema. -
correct answer ✅Petechiae
Small red spots near the tourniquet on a patient's arm are most
likely indicative of petechiae. Petechiae are small, red, non-raised
spots that appear in response to pressure from the tourniquet.
Which of the following is outside the scope of practice for a
phlebotomist?
A. Verifying equipment function on point of care testing using a
control.
B. Prioritizing collections based on order requests.
C. Recording quality control results on a log sheet.
D. Performing CLIA high complexity tests. -
correct answer ✅Performing CLIA high complexity tests
CLIA refers to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment,
which specifies personnel requirements for performing laboratory
testing based upon their complexity. Moderate and high complexity
testing are outside the scope of practice for a phlebotomist.
,NCCT Practice Test Exam Actual
Questions and Answers 2026
Medical assistants may perform CLIA-waived testing, such as Point
of Care Testing, with proper training.
If a phlebotomist has questions about disposing of outdated
hazardous chemicals, where should she look to find this
information?
A. HIPAA
B. MSDS
C. CLIA
D. NIOSH -
correct answer ✅MSDS
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a hazardous chemical
reference. It provides healthcare workers with procedures for
working with substances safety to ensure regulatory compliance.
When inserting a needle during venipuncture, the bevel should be
in which of the following positions in relation to the vein?
A. Up
B. Down
C. Left
, NCCT Practice Test Exam Actual
Questions and Answers 2026
D. Right -
correct answer ✅Up
Which of the following is an example of a pre-analytical error made
at the time of collection?
A. Delay in transporting
B. Failing to mix tubes
C. Incomplete requisition
D. Waiting to centrifuge -
correct answer ✅Failing to mix tubes
If the blood is not well mixed with the anticoagulant, partial clotting
can occur leading to microscopic fibrin strands and inaccurate test
results.
Which of the following is the appropriate blood collection device
for obtaining a blood spot collection on an infant?
A. Syringe
B. Lancet
C. Micro-collection container
