NHA Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam (CPT) Exam –
Complete Questions, Correct Answers with Detailed
Explanations| Latest Update 2026/2027 | Graded A+
Question 1
A phlebotomy technician arrives to collect a blood specimen from a patient.
What is the first action the technician should take?
A. Apply the tourniquet
B. Verify the patient’s identity
C. Select the venipuncture site
D. Prepare the collection tubes
Correct Answer: B. Verify the patient’s identity
Explanation:
Patient identification is the most important first step in specimen collection.
The technician should use at least two patient identifiers, such as name and
date of birth, to prevent specimen errors.
Question 2
Which of the following is an acceptable patient identifier?
A. Room number
B. Bed number
C. Date of birth
D. Diagnosis
Correct Answer: C. Date of birth
Explanation:
Acceptable identifiers include information such as the patient’s full name, date
of birth, or medical record number. Room and bed numbers are not
considered reliable identifiers.
1|Page
,Question 3
What is the primary purpose of wearing gloves during phlebotomy
procedures?
A. To prevent needle injuries
B. To protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens
C. To improve vein visibility
D. To keep hands warm
Correct Answer: B. To protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens
Explanation:
Gloves provide a barrier against blood and body fluids that may contain
infectious organisms.
Question 4
Which vein is most commonly preferred for routine venipuncture?
A. Basilic vein
B. Cephalic vein
C. Median cubital vein
D. Radial vein
Correct Answer: C. Median cubital vein
Explanation:
The median cubital vein is usually the preferred site because it is large, stable,
and less likely to move during needle insertion.
Question 5
A tourniquet should generally be applied how far above the venipuncture site?
2|Page
,A. 1 inch
B. 3–4 inches
C. 6 inches
D. 10 inches
Correct Answer: B. 3–4 inches
Explanation:
The tourniquet is typically placed 3–4 inches above the selected venipuncture
site to restrict blood flow and help veins become more prominent.
Question 6
Which antiseptic is commonly used before routine venipuncture?
A. Hydrogen peroxide
B. Alcohol-based antiseptic (70% isopropyl alcohol)
C. Iodine only
D. Sterile water
Correct Answer: B. Alcohol-based antiseptic (70% isopropyl alcohol)
Explanation:
70% isopropyl alcohol is commonly used to disinfect the skin before routine
blood collection.
Question 7
What is the correct angle for inserting a venipuncture needle?
A. 5 degrees
B. 15–30 degrees
C. 45–60 degrees
D. 90 degrees
Correct Answer: B. 15–30 degrees
3|Page
, Explanation:
A 15–30 degree angle allows proper entry into the vein while reducing the
risk of penetrating through the vein.
Question 8
Which tube is commonly used for a complete blood count (CBC)?
A. Lavender-top tube
B. Light blue-top tube
C. Gray-top tube
D. Red-top tube
Correct Answer: A. Lavender-top tube
Explanation:
Lavender-top tubes contain EDTA, an anticoagulant used for hematology tests
such as CBCs.
Question 9
What additive is found in light blue-top tubes?
A. EDTA
B. Sodium citrate
C. Heparin
D. Fluoride
Correct Answer: B. Sodium citrate
Explanation:
Light blue-top tubes contain sodium citrate and are used for coagulation
studies.
Question 10
4|Page
Complete Questions, Correct Answers with Detailed
Explanations| Latest Update 2026/2027 | Graded A+
Question 1
A phlebotomy technician arrives to collect a blood specimen from a patient.
What is the first action the technician should take?
A. Apply the tourniquet
B. Verify the patient’s identity
C. Select the venipuncture site
D. Prepare the collection tubes
Correct Answer: B. Verify the patient’s identity
Explanation:
Patient identification is the most important first step in specimen collection.
The technician should use at least two patient identifiers, such as name and
date of birth, to prevent specimen errors.
Question 2
Which of the following is an acceptable patient identifier?
A. Room number
B. Bed number
C. Date of birth
D. Diagnosis
Correct Answer: C. Date of birth
Explanation:
Acceptable identifiers include information such as the patient’s full name, date
of birth, or medical record number. Room and bed numbers are not
considered reliable identifiers.
1|Page
,Question 3
What is the primary purpose of wearing gloves during phlebotomy
procedures?
A. To prevent needle injuries
B. To protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens
C. To improve vein visibility
D. To keep hands warm
Correct Answer: B. To protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens
Explanation:
Gloves provide a barrier against blood and body fluids that may contain
infectious organisms.
Question 4
Which vein is most commonly preferred for routine venipuncture?
A. Basilic vein
B. Cephalic vein
C. Median cubital vein
D. Radial vein
Correct Answer: C. Median cubital vein
Explanation:
The median cubital vein is usually the preferred site because it is large, stable,
and less likely to move during needle insertion.
Question 5
A tourniquet should generally be applied how far above the venipuncture site?
2|Page
,A. 1 inch
B. 3–4 inches
C. 6 inches
D. 10 inches
Correct Answer: B. 3–4 inches
Explanation:
The tourniquet is typically placed 3–4 inches above the selected venipuncture
site to restrict blood flow and help veins become more prominent.
Question 6
Which antiseptic is commonly used before routine venipuncture?
A. Hydrogen peroxide
B. Alcohol-based antiseptic (70% isopropyl alcohol)
C. Iodine only
D. Sterile water
Correct Answer: B. Alcohol-based antiseptic (70% isopropyl alcohol)
Explanation:
70% isopropyl alcohol is commonly used to disinfect the skin before routine
blood collection.
Question 7
What is the correct angle for inserting a venipuncture needle?
A. 5 degrees
B. 15–30 degrees
C. 45–60 degrees
D. 90 degrees
Correct Answer: B. 15–30 degrees
3|Page
, Explanation:
A 15–30 degree angle allows proper entry into the vein while reducing the
risk of penetrating through the vein.
Question 8
Which tube is commonly used for a complete blood count (CBC)?
A. Lavender-top tube
B. Light blue-top tube
C. Gray-top tube
D. Red-top tube
Correct Answer: A. Lavender-top tube
Explanation:
Lavender-top tubes contain EDTA, an anticoagulant used for hematology tests
such as CBCs.
Question 9
What additive is found in light blue-top tubes?
A. EDTA
B. Sodium citrate
C. Heparin
D. Fluoride
Correct Answer: B. Sodium citrate
Explanation:
Light blue-top tubes contain sodium citrate and are used for coagulation
studies.
Question 10
4|Page
