California Certified Phlebotomy Technician
Exam Test Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2025/2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of a phlebotomist?
To collect blood specimens for laboratory analysis
Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood samples that help in the
diagnosis and treatment of patients.
2. Which of the following is the most common site for venipuncture?
Median cubital vein
This vein is located in the antecubital fossa and is typically the easiest
and safest vein to access.
3. How should a phlebotomist verify a patient’s identity?
Ask the patient to state their full name and date of birth
Verifying with open-ended questions helps prevent errors in
identification.
4. What additive is found in the lavender-top blood collection tube?
EDTA
EDTA prevents coagulation by binding calcium and is commonly used
for hematology tests.
,5. Which test requires the collection of blood in a light blue-top tube?
Prothrombin Time (PT)
The light blue tube contains sodium citrate, which preserves clotting
factors for coagulation studies.
6. Which of the following best describes standard precautions?
Treating all human blood and body fluids as potentially infectious
Standard precautions are a set of infection control practices used
universally in healthcare settings.
7. Which action should a phlebotomist take if they accidentally puncture an
artery?
Withdraw the needle and apply firm pressure for at least 5
minutes
Arterial punctures can result in heavy bleeding and must be managed
immediately.
8. What is the maximum number of attempts a phlebotomist should make to
draw blood?
Two
More than two failed attempts increase risk and discomfort and
warrant notifying a supervisor.
9. What is the correct angle for needle insertion during venipuncture?
15 to 30 degrees
This range allows proper vein entry without going too deep or missing
the vein.
10. Which department analyzes CBC tests?
Hematology
, CBC (Complete Blood Count) evaluates blood cells and is processed
in the hematology lab.
11. Which color tube should be used for a glucose test?
Gray
Gray-top tubes contain potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride to
preserve glucose.
12. What should be done if a hematoma forms during venipuncture?
Remove the tourniquet and needle, then apply pressure
This stops further blood leakage into surrounding tissue.
13. When drawing blood cultures, which should be collected first?
Aerobic bottle
Aerobic cultures are collected before anaerobic to avoid air
contamination.
14. What is the correct order of draw using the CLSI guidelines?
Blood cultures, light blue, red, green, lavender, gray
This order reduces the risk of cross-contamination of additives.
15. Which type of isolation requires gloves, gown, and mask?
Contact and droplet precautions
These precautions prevent the spread of infectious agents by contact
or respiratory droplets.
16. What is the purpose of the tourniquet in venipuncture?
To make the veins more visible and easier to palpate
Tourniquets temporarily stop venous blood flow, causing veins to
distend.
Exam Test Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2025/2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of a phlebotomist?
To collect blood specimens for laboratory analysis
Phlebotomists are trained to draw blood samples that help in the
diagnosis and treatment of patients.
2. Which of the following is the most common site for venipuncture?
Median cubital vein
This vein is located in the antecubital fossa and is typically the easiest
and safest vein to access.
3. How should a phlebotomist verify a patient’s identity?
Ask the patient to state their full name and date of birth
Verifying with open-ended questions helps prevent errors in
identification.
4. What additive is found in the lavender-top blood collection tube?
EDTA
EDTA prevents coagulation by binding calcium and is commonly used
for hematology tests.
,5. Which test requires the collection of blood in a light blue-top tube?
Prothrombin Time (PT)
The light blue tube contains sodium citrate, which preserves clotting
factors for coagulation studies.
6. Which of the following best describes standard precautions?
Treating all human blood and body fluids as potentially infectious
Standard precautions are a set of infection control practices used
universally in healthcare settings.
7. Which action should a phlebotomist take if they accidentally puncture an
artery?
Withdraw the needle and apply firm pressure for at least 5
minutes
Arterial punctures can result in heavy bleeding and must be managed
immediately.
8. What is the maximum number of attempts a phlebotomist should make to
draw blood?
Two
More than two failed attempts increase risk and discomfort and
warrant notifying a supervisor.
9. What is the correct angle for needle insertion during venipuncture?
15 to 30 degrees
This range allows proper vein entry without going too deep or missing
the vein.
10. Which department analyzes CBC tests?
Hematology
, CBC (Complete Blood Count) evaluates blood cells and is processed
in the hematology lab.
11. Which color tube should be used for a glucose test?
Gray
Gray-top tubes contain potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride to
preserve glucose.
12. What should be done if a hematoma forms during venipuncture?
Remove the tourniquet and needle, then apply pressure
This stops further blood leakage into surrounding tissue.
13. When drawing blood cultures, which should be collected first?
Aerobic bottle
Aerobic cultures are collected before anaerobic to avoid air
contamination.
14. What is the correct order of draw using the CLSI guidelines?
Blood cultures, light blue, red, green, lavender, gray
This order reduces the risk of cross-contamination of additives.
15. Which type of isolation requires gloves, gown, and mask?
Contact and droplet precautions
These precautions prevent the spread of infectious agents by contact
or respiratory droplets.
16. What is the purpose of the tourniquet in venipuncture?
To make the veins more visible and easier to palpate
Tourniquets temporarily stop venous blood flow, causing veins to
distend.
