Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Study Guide

A phlebotomist is working with an administrative assistant to schedule an appointment for a patient who requires a postprandial glucose test. At which of the following times should the patients appointment is scheduled.

A. Upon waking up

B. 2 hour after eating a meal

C. immediately after exercising

D. 30 minutes before bedtime

A. Upon waking up

Which of the following needles should a phlebotomist use for a venipuncture using a winged infusion set and a 5 mL syringe

A. 23-gauge

B. 18-gauge

C.25 Gauge

D. 27-gauge

D. 27-gauge

Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take for a patient who has a recent double mastectomy

A.Proceed without modification since the mastectomy was bilateral

B. Evaluate each arm and draw only from the arm with minimal inflammation

C.Evaluate each arm and draw from the most acceptable distal vein in either arm

D. Contact the ordering provider and obtain permission to draw from either of the arms

C.Evaluate each arm and draw from the most acceptable distal vein in either arm

After Centrifuging, a green top tube yields a specimen of

A. Serum

B. Plasma

C. Clotted Blood

D. Whole Blood

B. Plasma

Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take after collecting blood into a serum separation tube?

A. Shake the tube five to eight times

B. Invert the tube three or four times

C. Roll the tube five to ten times

D. Invert the tube five to eight times

D. Invert the tube five to eight times

A phlebotomist is explaining the venipuncture procedure to a patient who is seated. In which of the following positions should the phlebotomist instruct the patient to place their arm?

A. Distal portion of the arm in the downward position

B. Wrist positioned with dorsal side upward

C. Next to the patient while in prone position

D. Fingers oriented laterally

B. Wrist positioned with dorsal side upward

A phlebotomist is preparing to draw blood from an infant. To calculate the blood volume that can be drawn, which of the following types of patient information must the phlebotomist have

A.Blood type

B. Height

C. Birth date

D. Weight

D. Weight

A Phlebotomist should recognize that proper hand hygiene can result in which of the following?

A. A decrease in the incidence of health care- associated infections

B. An increase in thew accuracy of lab results

C. A decrease in the rejection of lab specimens

D. An increase in the potential sources of pathogens

A. A decrease in the incidence of health care- associated infections

A phlebotomist is instructing a patient on how to collect a stool specimen. Which of the following instructions should the phlebotomist give the patient about the procedure?

A. Avoid urine contact with the specimen

B. Refrigerate the specimen after the collection

C. Label the lid of the container

D. Wear sterile gloves during collection

A. Avoid urine contact with the specimen

Which of the following lancet positions should a phlebotomist use for a capillary blood collection on a healthy adult patient?

A. Perpendicular to the fingerprint grooves

B. Parallel to the nail bed

C. Along the lateral portion of the first digit

D. Along the medial portion of the fifth digit

A. Perpendicular to the fingerprint grooves

A phlebotomist is preparing to draw blood from a patient for therapeutic drug monitoring. Which of the following questions should the phlebotomist ask for ?

A.When was your last does of lithium

B. For how long have you been fasting

C. When did you have your last alcoholic beverage

D. Have you finished drinking the glucose solution

A.When was your last does of lithium

The results from which o0f the following tests are an example of POC testing

A. An elevated sweat chloride test

B. A positive HIV test

C. An elevated blood glucose test

D. A positive hepatitis test

C. An elevated blood glucose test

Which of the following information must a phlebotomist include on the label of a venipuncture specimen

A. Phlebotomist credentials

B. Ordering providers NPI number

C. Time of venipuncture

D. Location of venipuncture

C. Time of venipuncture

When preparing for a blood smear, which of the following should a phlebotomist use to ensure the best results

A. Venous blood from EDTA tube

B. Venous blood from sodium citrate tube

C. Venous blood from a fluoride tube

D. Venous Blood from a heparin tube

A. Venous blood from EDTA tube

Which of the following blood components is needed for hemostasis to take place

A. Erythrocytes

B. Leukocytes

C. Neutrophils

D Thrombocytes

D Thrombocytes

Which of the following is an appropriate technique for a specimen collection

A. Performing a heel stick on a 5 year old patient

B.Performing a finger stick on a toddler

C.Performing a thumb stick on an infant

D. Performing a thumb stick on a 5 year old

B.Performing a finger stick on a toddler

Utilizing tubes that have expired may result in which of the following?

A. Loss of vacuum

B. Hemoconcentration

C.Hemolysis

D. Elevation of the red blood cell count

A. Loss of vacuum

A phlebotomy technician is caring for a patient who is in shock. Which of the following actions should the technicians take?

A.Keep the patient warm

B. Administer fluids to the patient

C. Place the patient in a upright position

D. Lower the patients legs

A.Keep the patient warm

Which of the following criteria is acceptable in determining the quality of a peripheral blood smear

A. Covers a quarter of the slide

B. A well defined edge

C. Covers the entire slide

D. A feathered edge

B. A well defined edge

How should a phlebotomist instruct a female patient to collect a urine specimen for culture testing

A. Do not touch inside the container, clean the urinary meatus from back to front, begin voiding in toilet, and then collect specimen

B. Do not touch inside the container, clean the urinary meatus from back to front, and then collect specimen

C.Do not touch inside the container, clean the urinary meatus from front to back, begin voiding in toilet, and then collect specimen

D. Do not touch inside the container, clean the urinary meatus from f begin voiding in toilet, and then collect specimen

C.Do not touch inside the container, clean the urinary meatus from front to back, begin voiding in toilet, and then collect specimen

A phlebotomist should identify which of the following as the best site for phenylketonuria collection on a infant

A. The medial or lateral areas of the heel

B. The central area of the heel

C. The medial or lateral area of the fingertip

D. The central area of the fingertip

A. The medial or lateral areas of the heel

Which of the following pairs of blood tests is appropriate for a fasting specimen

A. Glucose and triglycerides

B. BUN and Alkaline Phosphatase

C. Creatinine and total protein

D. Lactate dehydrogenase and albumin

A. Glucose and triglycerides

A phlebotomist is obtaining a venipuncture specimen and has decided to use the vein which lies on the outer edge of the arm. Which of the following veins has the phlebotomist selected

A.Cephalic

B. Median cubital

C. Basilic

D. Dorsal

A.Cephalic

There has been a chemical spill in the laboratory. To which of the following should a phlebotomist refer for directions to clean up the spill

A. CLIA

B. OSHA

C.SDS

D. CDC

C.SDS

A phlebotomist finds a patient who is unresponsive and not breathing. In which of the following positions should the phlebotomist place the patient before initiating CPR

A. Supine

B. Semi-Fowlers

C. Prone

D. Side lying

A. Supine

Which of the following is the appropriate procedure for handling an ammonia specimen

A.Protect from light

B. Transport on ice

C. Transport in warm water

D. Protect from diurnal variation

B. Transport on ice

A patient is on contact isolation precautions . What PPE, other than the standard gloves, would be required

A. surgical Mask

B.N95 mask

C. Face shield or goggles

D. Gown

D. Gown

A phlebotomist has just confirmed critical values on a lab test. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take when the physicians office is already closed

A. Contact the physician by paging or calling right away

B. Leave a message at the physicians office number

C.Call the physicians office the next day.

D. Fax the results to the physicians office with a stat fax cover

A. Contact the physician by paging or calling right away

A phlebotomist is required to use the sharps container to dispose which of the following items after performing a capillary collection

A. Lancet

B. Used gauze

C. Microtainer tube

D. Alcohol wipe

A. Lancet

Which of the following techniques of needle insertion into the antecubital space is in accordance with suggested venipuncture guidelines

A.Perpendicular to the vein at an angle of 30 to 45 degrees

B. With the bevel faced up at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees

C.Parallel to the vein at an angle of 35 degrees

d. With the bevel faced down at an angle of 25 degrees

B. With the bevel faced up at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees

Which of the following is caused by excessive shaking of a tube

A. Hemophilia

B. Hemoconcentration

C. Hemolysis

D. Hemostasis

C. Hemolysis

Which of the following information is required for proper out patient identification

A. Patients age and gender

B. Physicians name and test ordered

C. Patients SSN and date of order

D. Patients name and date of birth

D. Patients name and date of birth

A phlebotomist is preparing a blood smear slide. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take before transporting the specimen

A. Allow the smear to air dry

B. Blow the air on the smear to dry it

C. Place the smear in the freezer to dry

D. Use sterile gauze to gently dry the smear

A. Allow the smear to air dry

A phlebotomist should identify that which of the following over the counter products taken by a patient can affect a liver function panel

A. ZInc

B. Acetaminophen

C. Ibuprofen

D. Melatonin

B. Acetaminophen

A phlebotomist should administer CPR to which of the following patients

A. A patient who has chest pain

B. A patient who is pulseless

C. A patient who is lethargic

D. A patient who is short of breath

B. A patient who is pulseless

Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take when using a tourniquet

A. Tie a knot with the tourniquet that'll not slip

B. Release the tourniquet with one hand

C.Position the tourniquet 3-4 inches below the site

D. Wash the tourniquet with soap and water after use

B. Release the tourniquet with one hand

Fasting specimens are performed for which of the following tests

A. pregnancy

B. Thyroid

C. Cholesterol

D. Creatinine

C. Cholesterol

While performing donor phlebotomy for a blood bank, the phlebotomist should use a

A. 12 to 14 gauge needle

B. 16-18 gauge needle

C. 21 to 22 gauge needle

D. 23-25 gauge needle

B. 16-18 gauge needle

According to the CLSI order of draw guidelines, which of the following samples should the phlebotomist collect first

A. Coagulation

B. Cultures

C. Electrolytes

D. Glucose

B. Cultures

Which of the following nonverbal factors ca have a positive impact when phlebotomists introduce themselves to patients

A. Keep arms crossed while talking to a patient

B. Avoid direct eye contact with a patient

C. Remain standing when a patient is sitting

D. Take a position facing a patient

D. Take a position facing a patient

Which of the following types of bleeding should a phlebotomist notify a provider or nurse about

A. Arterial

B.Venous

C. Capillary

D. Subcutaneous

A. Arterial

According to CLSI, the standard depth of a dermal puncture for an infant is

A. 3mm

B. 2mm

C. .30 mm

D. .20mm

B. 2mm

Aseptic techniques are followed by phlebotomists during phlebotomy procedures for which of the following reasons

A. to maintain the stability of patient specimens

B. To increase the likelihood of successful collection

C. To minimize the volume of blood sample required

D. To decrease the risk of infection to patients and phlebotomist

D. To decrease the risk of infection to patients and phlebotomist

How can a phlebotomist distinguish whether a collection tube contains serum or plasma?

A.SST in the collection tube indicates plasma

B. Sodium fluoride in the collection tube indicates serum

C. Sodium citrate in the collection indicates serum

D.EDTA in the collection tube indicates plasma

A.SST in the collection tube indicates plasma

By wearing a face shield when coming into contact with body fluids, a phlebotomist is preventing exposure by which of the following modes of transmission?

A. Permucosal

B. Vector

C. Fomite

D.Percutaneous

A. Permucosal

When performing a dermal puncture on patients 1 year of age and older the phlebotomist should place the lancet in which of the following locations

A. Middle (3rd)

B. The thumb

C. Index (2nd)

D. Pinky (5th)

A. Middle (3rd)

An 8 year old patient arrives to the lab for blood work. Which of the following information is required on the venipuncture requisition

A. Lab accreditation status

B. Guardians name and DOB

C. Requesting providers name

D. Phlebotomist name

C. Requesting providers name

A phlebotomist is preparing to perform venipuncture on a patient who had a right sided mastectomy. Which of the following is the correct site to perform the collection?

A. left antecubital

B.Right cephalic

C. Left femoral artery

D. Right Basilic

A. left antecubital

When drawing blood on a preschooler, the phlebotomist should

A. Explain the procedure to the parent and child

B. Not tell the child when the needle stick is coming

C. obtain heel stick

D. Obtain a thumb stick

A. Explain the procedure to the parent and child

Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take when a patient has a seizure during blood collection

A. Complete blood collection

B. Restrain the patient

C. Use a tongue depressor to hold patient tongue down

D. Move the patient to the floor

D. Move the patient to the floor

Which of the following methods provides the most secure and reliable delivery of lab results

A. Electronic reports

B. Courier delivery

C. Verbal reports

D. Fax

A. Electronic reports

Failure to demonstrate proper care that results in an injury to another person is an example of

A. assault

B. Battery

C. Negligance

D. Fraud

C. Negligance

An adult patient gives implied consent to a phlebotomist when which of the following occurs

A. When the patient signs a release for their lab results

B. When the patient signs a document of agreement for the research study

C. When the patient offers their arm out for the phlebotomist

D. When the patient family member nods for the phlebotomist to proceed

C. When the patient offers their arm out for the phlebotomist

A phlebotomist has duplicate orders for a patient. How should it be verified

A. Confirm with the patient what lab work the provider prescribed

B. Determine the requisition matches with the patients previous test requisition

C. Draw both orders

D. Call the provider to confirm the test requisition for the patient

D. Call the provider to confirm the test requisition for the patient

A phlebotomist us preparing to collect a capillary blood specimen from a patient using the aseptic technique. Which of the following cleansing agents should the phlebotomist use

A. Povidone- iodine

B. Hand sanitizer

C. 70% isopropyl alcohol

D. 10% chlorine bleach solution

C. 70% isopropyl alcohol

Which of the following blood specimen tests are photosensitive and should be protected from light during handling and transportation

A. Gastrin

B. ammonia

C. Pyruvate

D. Bilirubin

D. Bilirubin

Which of the following governing bodies mandates the use of safety features on needles and the immediate disposal as one unit in a biohazard container after use?

A. CDC

B. OSHA

C. HIPAA

D. CLIA

B. OSHA

Which of the following orders of draw should a phlebotomist use for a venipuncture collection

A. Sodium citrate, sodium heparin, SST, EDTA

B.Sodium citrate, SST, sodium heparin, EDTA

C. SST, EDTA, sodium heparin, sodium citrate

D. EDTA, SST, sodium heparin,sodium citrate,

B.Sodium citrate, SST, sodium heparin, EDTA

Which of the following is the correct location to anchor a vein before performing a venipuncture

A. 3-4 inches above puncture site

B. 1-2 inches below puncture site

C. 1-2 inches medial to puncture site

D. 3-4 inches lateral to puncture site

B. 1-2 inches below puncture site

A phlebotomist has washed their hands in preparation for a routine venipuncture. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take to dry their hands

A. Dry hands wit sterile towel

B. Dry hands with a clean disposable towel

C. Dry hands with the sanitizing gel

D. Dry hands with disposable sanitizing cloth

B. Dry hands with a clean disposable towel

Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take to comply with guidelines for a CLIA- waived procedure

A. document quality control results

B. Report results immediately to CLIA

C. Transport specimens within 24hrs

D. Process a specimen within 1hr of collection

D. Process a specimen within 1hr of collection

A phlebotomist is preparing to collect a blood specimen from a patient who has a self reported needle phobia. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take

A. Encourage patient to chew gum during the procedure

B. Instruct patient to lie supine during the procedure

C. Place the patients elbow joint in 90 degrees of flexion

D. Warm the site for 10 minutes before venipuncture

B. Instruct patient to lie supine during the procedure

Which of the following is used to stabilize a patients arm during a venipuncture

A. arm restraints

B. A blood pressure cuff

C. a phlebotomy wedge

D. A phlebotomy cart

C. a phlebotomy wedge

Which of the following processes occurs after a venipuncture to control the bleeding

A. Homeostasis

B. Hemostasis

C. Hematopoiesis

d. Hemoconcentration

B. Hemostasis

Which of the following practices should a phlebotomist follow to help monitor the volumes of blood collected in pediatric patients?

A. Limit the collection of blood from a patient to three times per day

B. Maintain an updated log of blood collected from patients

C. Use patients armbands to identify restrictions on blood draw volume

D. Obtain a stat prescription before drawing blood

C. Use patients armbands to identify restrictions on blood draw volume

Which of the following is a phlebotomist required to document on a CBC specimen label

A. patients insurance provider name

B. Phlebotomist full name]

C. Phlebotomist cert number

D. Patient identification number

D. Patient identification number

A phlebotomist enters a patients room and observes the patient to be motionless and cyanotic . Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take first

A.ask the patient if they are okay in a loud voice

B. Perform head-tilt/chin lift maneuver

C. Administer two rescue breaths

D. Look, listen and feel for breathing movements

D. Look, listen and feel for breathing movements

After collecting a bilirubin test, which of the following steps must be taken postvenipuncture to ensure accurate test results

A. Specimen should be chilled

B. Specimen should be spun down and frozen

C. Specimen should be kept away from direct light

D. Specimen should be transferred to a light blue tube

C. Specimen should be kept away from direct light

When preparing to explain a phlebotomy procedure to a patient , which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take

A. Plan to use empathy towards the patient during the procedure

B. Ensure that technical medical terminology is used

C. Plan to communicate while in the patients intimate personal space

D. Remain in a standing position while the patient sits in the chair

A. Plan to use empathy towards the patient during the procedure

A lab is scheduled for a routine annual inspection with the primary focus on equipment maintenance logs. Which of the following areas will be the focus of the inspection

A. mechanical safety

B. Chemical safety

C.Radiation safety

D. Electrical safety

A. mechanical safety

After cleaning the collection site with an antiseptic agent, the phlebotomist should do which of the following.

A. Allow the site to air dry

B. Wipe the site dry with sterile gauze

C. Dry the site by fanning it

D. Blot the site dry using sterile gauze

A. Allow the site to air dry

A large spill has occurred in a lab involving venous blood. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take

A. Cover the spill util maintenance arrives

B. Pour bleach on the spill and let soak for 60 seconds

C. Evacuate the lab

D.Apply liquid thickening agent on top of the spill

D, Apply liquid thickening agent on top of the spill

How many times should an EDTA tube be inverted after blood collection

A. 5-7

B. 2-4

C. 1-3

D. 8-10

D. 8-10

A phlebotomist is preparing to obtain an inpatient specimen from a patient. Which of the following locations is the proper place for the phlebotomist to place the tourniquet

A. on top of patients burn wound

B. Over the patients gown sleeves

C. Above the patients IV site

D. Over the patients weeping rash

B. Over the patients gown sleeves

A phlebotomist should use a blood transfer device with which of the following methods of blood collection

A. Winged infusion

B. Syringe

C. Evacuated tube system

D. Capillary puncture

B. Syringe

A phlebotomist should instruct a patient to take which of the following actions when providing a sputum specimen

A. collect the stool directly into a sterile container

B. Discard the first urine of the day and collect for 24hrs

C. Aggressively swab the inside of the cheek

D. Take a deep and then expectorate

D. Take a deep and then expectorate

Which of the following actions is required immediately after a phlebotomist experiences an accidental needle stick injury when drawing blood from a patient who has HIV

A. Report the exposure to the supervisor

B. Report the exposure to CDC

C. Send the patient to further STI testing

D. Save the collection device for the future evaluation

A. Report the exposure to the supervisor

When performing a test for PKU, the specimen should be processed using...

A. Filter paper

B. Microtainer

C. Capillary Tube

D. Transfer Device

C. Capillary Tube

If a phlebotomist hands are visibly soiled in blood or body fluids , which of the following decontamination agents should they use to clean themselves

A. Alcohol based hand rub

B. Sterile water rinse

C. Soap and water

D. Alcohol rinse

C. Soap and waterI

If a tube is not inverted correctly after collection it may cause:

A. hemoconcentration

B. false test results

C. A failure in the centrifugation process

D. cell dilution

B. false test results

A phlebotomist has entered incorrect information in a patients paper after a venipuncture procedure. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist take to correct the error

A. Notify the provider about the error

B.Ask an administrator to erase the error and inout the correct information

C. Strike a line through the error and initial

D. Erase the error and enter the correct information

A. Notify the provider about the error

Which of the following information should the physicians office provide a phlebotomist for a lab specimen collection

A. Lab accession number

B. Physicians NPI number

C. Lab requisition form

D. Physicians encounter form

C. Lab requisition form

Which of the following anticoagulants is found in Lavender topped blood collection tube

A. Sodium heparin

B. Sodium Citrate

C. EDTA

D. lithium Heparin

C. EDTA

A phlebotomist is called to the emergency department to draw blood from a patient who is in critical condition. Which of the following is the applicable consent for this procedure

A. Informed

B. Implied

C. Expressed

D. Written

B. Implied

A phlebotomist is performing a venipuncture on a patient who is allergic to alcohol. Which of the following is an appropriate antiseptic in place of alcohol

A. Sterile water

B. Antiseptic foam

C. Chlorexidine

D. Saline

C. Chlorexidine

Which of the following test performed to identify bacteria

A. Glucose intolerance test

B. Peripheral blood smear

C. Blood culture

D. Lactic acid

C. Blood culture

A phlebotomist is processing a urine specimen in the lab. Which of the following personal protective equipment is required to maintain safety regulations in the lab

A. Face shield

B. Hairnet

C. Shoe covers

D. Surgical gloves

A. Face shield

Which of the following tube additives promotes clot formation

A. Heparin

B. Oxalate

C. Citrate

D. Silica

C. Citrate

Which of the following color top tubes will the phlebotomist need to perform an A1C, CBC, Heparin panel and a comprehensive metabolic panel

A. Yellow and blue

B. Gold and lavender

C. Green and Gray

D. Red and black

B. Gold and lavender

A phlebotomist should collect which of the following equipment for an ordered comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

A. Tourniquet, multi-sample needle, collection tube

B. Sterile cup, reagent strip, disinfectant towelette

C. Aerobic culture bottle, anaerobic culture bottle, chlorhexidine swabs

D. Lancets, microhematocrit tubes, clay sealant

A. Tourniquet, multi-sample needle, collection tube

Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take next for an adult capillary puncture after sanitizing and puncturing the site

A. Wipe away the first drop of blood

B. Collect the specimen with the capillary tube inverted at a 30 degree angle

C. Firmly squeeze the site site until desired tube is filled

D. Wait for 30 seconds until the site has produced enough blood to collect

A. Wipe away the first drop of blood

A phlebotomist is planning to collect a specimen to measure a patients serum cortisol levels. Which of the following factors should be considered

A. Body tempature

B. Time of day

C. Alcohol consumption

D. prandial status

B. Time of day

Which of the following actions should a phlebotomist take first after removing the needle from the patients arm

A. Label the collection tubes

B. Activate the needle safety device

C. Invert collection tubes gently

D. Dispose of the tube holder and needle

B. Activate the needle safety device

Which of the following is the general concept behind standard precautions

A. Ensure that employees receive training regarding workplace hazards

B. Provide information about hazardous chemicals to the environment within

C. Assume that all body fluids are infected with bloodbourne pathogens

D. Maintain a workplace that is free of environmental hazards

C. Assume that all body fluids are infected with bloodbourne pathogens

Every state in the U.S. requires that newborns be tested for which of the following disorders?

A. septicemia

B. Bacteremia

C. Phenylkrtonuira

D. Proteinuria

C. Phenylkrtonuira

Which of the following pieces if information is a phlebotomist required to include on the label of a blood specimen tube

A.Phlebotomist initials

B. Providers NPI number

C. Lab address

D. Patients phone number

A.Phlebotomist initials

If no vein is apparent on the first inspection, which of the following actions should a phlebotomy technician take before reapplying the tourniquet?

A. Tell the patient to pump their fist rapidly

B. Apply ice pack to the patients arm

C. Have the patient rest their arm in a downward position

D. Tap repeatedly on the patients arm

A. Tell the patient to pump their fist rapidly

Which of the following methods of reporting results by a clinical lab abides by the recommended standards set by the Joint Commission

A. An in person report from clinical lab technician to the nurse

B. An emailed report from the clinical lab technician to the patient

C. A called in report from the clinical lab technician to the phlebotomist

D. A faxed report from the clinical lab technician to the physician

D. A faxed report from the clinical lab technician to the physician

A phlebotomist allows another administrative employee to us their login password to enter a patients lab results. Which of the following regulates the confidentiality that has been breached in this situation

A. OSHA

B. HIPAA

C. FDA

D. CLIA

B. HIPAA

A phlebotomist experiences a needlestick injury and discusses the event with the patients partner without the patients permission. The phlebotomist is now in violation of

A. OSHA

B. Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act

C. The Joint Commission

D. HIPAA

D. HIPAA