ASCP PBT Certification Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The best site for venipuncture on an adult is the:
a. Basilic vein
b. Median cubital vein
c. Cephalic vein
d. Dorsal hand vein
The median cubital vein is preferred because it is large, well-
anchored, and usually less painful.
2. A tourniquet should not be left on for more than:
a. 30 seconds
b. 1 minute
c. 2 minutes
d. 5 minutes
Prolonged application can cause hemoconcentration and
inaccurate test results.
3. Which additive is found in an EDTA tube?
a. Sodium citrate
b. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
c. Heparin
d. Sodium fluoride
EDTA binds calcium and prevents blood from clotting, commonly
used for hematology.
,4. The first step in performing a venipuncture is:
a. Selecting the needle
b. Verifying patient identity
c. Applying the tourniquet
d. Cleaning the site
Patient identification is crucial to prevent errors and ensure
patient safety.
5. Capillary blood is obtained from:
a. Veins
b. Arteries
c. Capillaries
d. Lymphatic vessels
Capillary blood is a mixture of arterial, venous, and capillary
blood, often used for fingersticks.
6. Hemolysis in a blood sample can result from:
a. Slow venipuncture
b. Using the correct needle gauge
c. Vigorous shaking of the tube
d. Proper filling of tubes
Excessive shaking can rupture red blood cells, leading to
hemolysis.
7. The proper angle for inserting a needle into a vein is usually:
a. 5–10 degrees
b. 15–30 degrees
c. 45–60 degrees
d. 70–90 degrees
, This angle ensures the needle enters the vein without puncturing
the back wall.
8. The antiseptic commonly used for routine blood draws is:
a. Iodine
b. Alcohol
c. 70% Isopropyl alcohol
d. Chlorhexidine
70% alcohol effectively cleans the site and dries quickly to prevent
contamination.
9. A patient faints during a venipuncture. The first action should be
to:
a. Call security
b. Remove the needle immediately
c. Lower the patient to the floor
d. Continue the draw
Lowering the patient prevents injury and helps restore blood flow
to the brain.
10. The term “phlebotomy” refers to:
a. Study of blood diseases
b. Incision of a vein to draw blood
c. Blood transfusion
d. Blood testing
Phlebotomy literally means “cutting into a vein” for blood
collection.
11. Hemoconcentration is most likely to occur when a
tourniquet is:
a. Not applied
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The best site for venipuncture on an adult is the:
a. Basilic vein
b. Median cubital vein
c. Cephalic vein
d. Dorsal hand vein
The median cubital vein is preferred because it is large, well-
anchored, and usually less painful.
2. A tourniquet should not be left on for more than:
a. 30 seconds
b. 1 minute
c. 2 minutes
d. 5 minutes
Prolonged application can cause hemoconcentration and
inaccurate test results.
3. Which additive is found in an EDTA tube?
a. Sodium citrate
b. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
c. Heparin
d. Sodium fluoride
EDTA binds calcium and prevents blood from clotting, commonly
used for hematology.
,4. The first step in performing a venipuncture is:
a. Selecting the needle
b. Verifying patient identity
c. Applying the tourniquet
d. Cleaning the site
Patient identification is crucial to prevent errors and ensure
patient safety.
5. Capillary blood is obtained from:
a. Veins
b. Arteries
c. Capillaries
d. Lymphatic vessels
Capillary blood is a mixture of arterial, venous, and capillary
blood, often used for fingersticks.
6. Hemolysis in a blood sample can result from:
a. Slow venipuncture
b. Using the correct needle gauge
c. Vigorous shaking of the tube
d. Proper filling of tubes
Excessive shaking can rupture red blood cells, leading to
hemolysis.
7. The proper angle for inserting a needle into a vein is usually:
a. 5–10 degrees
b. 15–30 degrees
c. 45–60 degrees
d. 70–90 degrees
, This angle ensures the needle enters the vein without puncturing
the back wall.
8. The antiseptic commonly used for routine blood draws is:
a. Iodine
b. Alcohol
c. 70% Isopropyl alcohol
d. Chlorhexidine
70% alcohol effectively cleans the site and dries quickly to prevent
contamination.
9. A patient faints during a venipuncture. The first action should be
to:
a. Call security
b. Remove the needle immediately
c. Lower the patient to the floor
d. Continue the draw
Lowering the patient prevents injury and helps restore blood flow
to the brain.
10. The term “phlebotomy” refers to:
a. Study of blood diseases
b. Incision of a vein to draw blood
c. Blood transfusion
d. Blood testing
Phlebotomy literally means “cutting into a vein” for blood
collection.
11. Hemoconcentration is most likely to occur when a
tourniquet is:
a. Not applied
