NHA Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)

A phlebotomist needs to draw blood for a CBC, a BMP, and coagulation studies. Which tube should be filled FIRST?

• ALavender-top tube (EDTA)
• BLight blue-top tube (sodium citrate)
• CGreen-top tube (heparin) for the metabolic panel
• DGray-top tube (sodium fluoride)

Which vein is the FIRST choice for routine venipuncture in an adult patient?

• ACephalic vein
• BBasilic vein
• CMedian cubital vein
• DAccessory cephalic vein

A phlebotomist selects a 21-gauge needle for a routine venipuncture. What does the gauge number indicate about the needle?

• AA 21-gauge needle has a larger bore than a 23-gauge needle
• BA 21-gauge needle has a smaller bore than a 23-gauge needle
• CA 21-gauge needle is longer than a 23-gauge needle
• DThe gauge number refers to the length of the bevel

During venipuncture, the phlebotomist should insert the needle at what angle relative to the skin?

• A5 to 10 degrees
• B15 to 30 degrees
• C45 to 60 degrees
• D75 to 90 degrees

A patient complains of sharp, radiating pain shooting down the arm immediately after needle insertion. What should the phlebotomist do?

• ARedirect the needle slightly to find the vein
• BRemove the needle immediately and apply pressure
• CAsk the patient to relax and continue the draw
• DApply the tourniquet tighter to stabilize the vein

What is the maximum recommended time a tourniquet should remain on a patient during venipuncture?

• A30 seconds
• B1 minute
• C3 minutes
• D5 minutes

A phlebotomist is drawing a light blue-top tube for PT/INR testing. What is the critical fill requirement for this tube?

• AFill to at least 50% capacity
• BFill completely to the line - a 9:1 blood-to-anticoagulant ratio is required
• COverfill slightly to ensure adequate sample
• DAny amount of blood is acceptable if clotting is prevented

Which tube additive works by chelating (binding) calcium to prevent clotting?

• AHeparin (green-top tube)
• BEDTA (lavender-top tube)
• CSodium fluoride (gray-top tube)
• DSilica particles (red-top SST tube)

A patient has an IV line running in the left arm. The phlebotomist should:

• ADraw from the left arm below the IV site
• BDraw from the right arm using the preferred site
• CTurn off the IV for 2 minutes, then draw from the left arm
• DDraw from the left hand on the same side as the IV

The basilic vein is generally the LAST choice for venipuncture because:

• AIt is too small for standard needles
• BIt is located near the brachial artery and median nerve
• CIt does not contain enough blood volume
• DIt collapses more easily than other veins

After completing a venipuncture using an evacuated tube system, what is the CORRECT sequence for ending the procedure?

• ARemove the tourniquet, remove the needle, apply gauze
• BRemove the needle, remove the tourniquet, apply gauze
• CApply gauze, remove the tourniquet, remove the needle
• DRemove the tourniquet, apply gauze, remove the needle

A phlebotomist draws a red-top tube (no additive) and a lavender-top tube (EDTA). Why is it critical that the red-top tube be drawn BEFORE the lavender-top tube?

• AThe red-top tube requires more blood volume
• BEDTA from the lavender tube can carry over and affect chemistry results in the red tube
• CThe red-top tube must be drawn while blood is freshest
• DThe lavender-top tube requires longer tourniquet application time

When should a butterfly (winged infusion) needle set be used instead of a standard straight needle?

• AFor all adult patients to reduce pain
• BFor difficult veins, pediatric patients, hand veins, or elderly patients with fragile vei…
• COnly for blood cultures to maintain sterility
• DWhen drawing more than four tubes of blood

A phlebotomist notices that blood is flowing slowly into the tube and the patient reports increasing pain. The site is beginning to swell. What complication is most likely occurring?

• AVasovagal syncope
• BHematoma formation
• CArterial puncture with pulsatile flow
• DVein collapse