CAL Regional Phlebotomy Midterm – 100 Practice
Questions and Answers with Rationales – CPT-1
Certification Exam Prep – California Phlebotomy Technician
– 2026/2027 Updated
Intro
This resource contains 100 original practice questions for the CAL Regional Phlebotomy
Midterm and California CPT-1 certification exam. Covers venipuncture techniques, tube
additives and order of draw (CLSI standard), patient identification (two identifiers),
complications (hematoma, hemolysis, nerve injury), safety protocols (OSHA,
standard precautions, PPE), capillary puncture (heel for infants, middle/ring finger for
adults), California CPT-1 requirements, and specimen handling. Answers in bold
italic with detailed italicized rationales.
1. What is the primary function of a phlebotomist?
A) Prescribe medication for blood disorders
B) Collect blood specimens for laboratory analysis
C) Perform surgical procedures
D) Analyze blood samples in the lab
Answer: B
Phlebotomists are trained to obtain blood specimens while maintaining patient safety and
specimen integrity. Their primary role is collection, not analysis or diagnosis .
2. Which of the following is the most common site for routine venipuncture?
A) Basilic vein
B) Cephalic vein
C) Median cubital vein
D) Dorsal hand vein
, Answer: C
The median cubital vein is located in the antecubital fossa and is typically the easiest and
safest vein to access. It is superficial, well-anchored, and generally has fewer nerves .
3. What is the primary purpose of using a tourniquet during venipuncture?
A) To disinfect the skin
B) To increase blood flow into the vein
C) To collapse the vein
D) To prevent hemolysis
Answer: B
*A tourniquet temporarily restricts venous return, causing veins to become more prominent
and easier to access for venipuncture. It should be applied 3-4 inches above the puncture
site .*
4. How should a phlebotomist verify a patient’s identity?
A) Ask, "Is your name John Smith?"
B) Check the patient's room number only
C) Ask the patient to state their full name and date of birth
D) Ask another staff member to confirm
Answer: C
Verifying with open-ended questions prevents errors in identification. The patient should
state their full name and date of birth, which is then compared to the requisition and
wristband .
5. What additive is found in the lavender-top blood collection tube?
A) Heparin
B) Sodium citrate
C) EDTA
D) Sodium fluoride
Answer: C
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) prevents coagulation by binding calcium and is
commonly used for hematology tests including CBC (Complete Blood Count) .
6. Which test requires the collection of blood in a light blue-top tube?
A) Complete Blood Count (CBC)
B) Prothrombin Time (PT) and coagulation studies
C) Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
D) Blood glucose
Questions and Answers with Rationales – CPT-1
Certification Exam Prep – California Phlebotomy Technician
– 2026/2027 Updated
Intro
This resource contains 100 original practice questions for the CAL Regional Phlebotomy
Midterm and California CPT-1 certification exam. Covers venipuncture techniques, tube
additives and order of draw (CLSI standard), patient identification (two identifiers),
complications (hematoma, hemolysis, nerve injury), safety protocols (OSHA,
standard precautions, PPE), capillary puncture (heel for infants, middle/ring finger for
adults), California CPT-1 requirements, and specimen handling. Answers in bold
italic with detailed italicized rationales.
1. What is the primary function of a phlebotomist?
A) Prescribe medication for blood disorders
B) Collect blood specimens for laboratory analysis
C) Perform surgical procedures
D) Analyze blood samples in the lab
Answer: B
Phlebotomists are trained to obtain blood specimens while maintaining patient safety and
specimen integrity. Their primary role is collection, not analysis or diagnosis .
2. Which of the following is the most common site for routine venipuncture?
A) Basilic vein
B) Cephalic vein
C) Median cubital vein
D) Dorsal hand vein
, Answer: C
The median cubital vein is located in the antecubital fossa and is typically the easiest and
safest vein to access. It is superficial, well-anchored, and generally has fewer nerves .
3. What is the primary purpose of using a tourniquet during venipuncture?
A) To disinfect the skin
B) To increase blood flow into the vein
C) To collapse the vein
D) To prevent hemolysis
Answer: B
*A tourniquet temporarily restricts venous return, causing veins to become more prominent
and easier to access for venipuncture. It should be applied 3-4 inches above the puncture
site .*
4. How should a phlebotomist verify a patient’s identity?
A) Ask, "Is your name John Smith?"
B) Check the patient's room number only
C) Ask the patient to state their full name and date of birth
D) Ask another staff member to confirm
Answer: C
Verifying with open-ended questions prevents errors in identification. The patient should
state their full name and date of birth, which is then compared to the requisition and
wristband .
5. What additive is found in the lavender-top blood collection tube?
A) Heparin
B) Sodium citrate
C) EDTA
D) Sodium fluoride
Answer: C
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) prevents coagulation by binding calcium and is
commonly used for hematology tests including CBC (Complete Blood Count) .
6. Which test requires the collection of blood in a light blue-top tube?
A) Complete Blood Count (CBC)
B) Prothrombin Time (PT) and coagulation studies
C) Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
D) Blood glucose
