NHA PHlebotomy tecHNiciAN (cPt) certificAtioN
exAmiNAtioN, 2026/2027 – blood collectioN ANd PAtieNt
cAre comPeteNcy AssessmeNt
SECTION 1: INFECTION CONTROL AND SAFETY (Questions 1-15)
**Question 1**
What is the single most important procedure for preventing the spread of infection in
phlebotomy?
A) Wearing gloves
B) Hand hygiene
C) Using alcohol wipes
D) Disposing of sharps properly
**Answer:** B) Hand hygiene
**Rationale:** Hand hygiene (handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand
rub) is the single most effective method for preventing healthcare-associated
infections. It must be performed before and after every patient encounter, before
donning gloves, and after glove removal.
---
**Question 2**
According to Standard Precautions, when should gloves be worn during blood
collection?
,A) Only when the patient has a known infection
B) Only during venipuncture, not during capillary puncture
C) During all blood collection procedures
D) Only when handling specimens after collection
**Answer:** C) During all blood collection procedures
**Rationale:** Standard Precautions require that gloves be worn for ALL blood
collection procedures, regardless of the patient's known or suspected infection status.
This protects both the phlebotomist and the patient.
---
**Question 3**
What type of fire extinguisher should be used for an electrical fire in the laboratory?
A) Class A
B) Class B
C) Class C
D) Class D
**Answer:** C) Class C
**Rationale:** Class C fire extinguishers are designed for electrical fires involving
energized electrical equipment. Class A is for ordinary combustibles (wood, paper),
Class B for flammable liquids, and Class D for combustible metals.
---
**Question 4**
,What is the proper method for disposing of a used needle?
A) Recapping and placing in regular trash
B) Placing uncapped in a puncture-resistant sharps container
C) Bending the needle before disposal
D) Placing in a biohazard bag
**Answer:** B) Placing uncapped in a puncture-resistant sharps container
**Rationale:** Used needles must be placed uncapped (never recapped) directly into a
puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container that is clearly labeled with the
biohazard symbol. Recapping increases the risk of needlestick injuries.
---
**Question 5**
What is the purpose of a Chemical Hygiene Plan?
A) To list all chemicals used in the facility
B) To protect laboratory workers from chemical hazards
C) To inventory laboratory equipment
D) To schedule chemical deliveries
**Answer:** B) To protect laboratory workers from chemical hazards
**Rationale:** The Chemical Hygiene Plan is a written program required by OSHA that
outlines procedures, equipment, and work practices to protect laboratory workers from
chemical hazards, including proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals.
, ---
**Question 6**
What does the acronym RACE stand for in fire safety?
A) Run, Alert, Contain, Extinguish
B) Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish
C) Remove, Activate, Call, Evacuate
D) Respond, Assess, Contain, Exit
**Answer:** B) Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish
**Rationale:** RACE is the standard fire safety protocol: Rescue anyone in immediate
danger, Alarm (activate the fire alarm), Contain the fire by closing doors/windows, and
Extinguish the fire if safe to do so (or Evacuate).
---
**Question 7**
How often should routine equipment cleaning and disinfection be performed in the
phlebotomy area?
A) Weekly
B) Daily
C) Between each patient
D) Monthly
**Answer:** C) Between each patient
exAmiNAtioN, 2026/2027 – blood collectioN ANd PAtieNt
cAre comPeteNcy AssessmeNt
SECTION 1: INFECTION CONTROL AND SAFETY (Questions 1-15)
**Question 1**
What is the single most important procedure for preventing the spread of infection in
phlebotomy?
A) Wearing gloves
B) Hand hygiene
C) Using alcohol wipes
D) Disposing of sharps properly
**Answer:** B) Hand hygiene
**Rationale:** Hand hygiene (handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand
rub) is the single most effective method for preventing healthcare-associated
infections. It must be performed before and after every patient encounter, before
donning gloves, and after glove removal.
---
**Question 2**
According to Standard Precautions, when should gloves be worn during blood
collection?
,A) Only when the patient has a known infection
B) Only during venipuncture, not during capillary puncture
C) During all blood collection procedures
D) Only when handling specimens after collection
**Answer:** C) During all blood collection procedures
**Rationale:** Standard Precautions require that gloves be worn for ALL blood
collection procedures, regardless of the patient's known or suspected infection status.
This protects both the phlebotomist and the patient.
---
**Question 3**
What type of fire extinguisher should be used for an electrical fire in the laboratory?
A) Class A
B) Class B
C) Class C
D) Class D
**Answer:** C) Class C
**Rationale:** Class C fire extinguishers are designed for electrical fires involving
energized electrical equipment. Class A is for ordinary combustibles (wood, paper),
Class B for flammable liquids, and Class D for combustible metals.
---
**Question 4**
,What is the proper method for disposing of a used needle?
A) Recapping and placing in regular trash
B) Placing uncapped in a puncture-resistant sharps container
C) Bending the needle before disposal
D) Placing in a biohazard bag
**Answer:** B) Placing uncapped in a puncture-resistant sharps container
**Rationale:** Used needles must be placed uncapped (never recapped) directly into a
puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container that is clearly labeled with the
biohazard symbol. Recapping increases the risk of needlestick injuries.
---
**Question 5**
What is the purpose of a Chemical Hygiene Plan?
A) To list all chemicals used in the facility
B) To protect laboratory workers from chemical hazards
C) To inventory laboratory equipment
D) To schedule chemical deliveries
**Answer:** B) To protect laboratory workers from chemical hazards
**Rationale:** The Chemical Hygiene Plan is a written program required by OSHA that
outlines procedures, equipment, and work practices to protect laboratory workers from
chemical hazards, including proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals.
, ---
**Question 6**
What does the acronym RACE stand for in fire safety?
A) Run, Alert, Contain, Extinguish
B) Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish
C) Remove, Activate, Call, Evacuate
D) Respond, Assess, Contain, Exit
**Answer:** B) Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish
**Rationale:** RACE is the standard fire safety protocol: Rescue anyone in immediate
danger, Alarm (activate the fire alarm), Contain the fire by closing doors/windows, and
Extinguish the fire if safe to do so (or Evacuate).
---
**Question 7**
How often should routine equipment cleaning and disinfection be performed in the
phlebotomy area?
A) Weekly
B) Daily
C) Between each patient
D) Monthly
**Answer:** C) Between each patient
