CPT Practice Test – Venipuncture, Specimen
Collection, Safety, Infection Control and
Laboratory Procedures
1. A phlebotomist enters a patient’s room and finds the patient sleeping. The patient is
wearing an ID band, but the name on the door does not match the band. What is the most
appropriate next step?
A. Gently wake the patient and ask them to state their name and date of birth.
B. Ask the nurse to verify the patient’s identity and replace the ID band if necessary.
C. Proceed with the draw as long as the ID band matches the laboratory requisition.
D. Assume the door label is incorrect and use the hospital’s wristband as the sole identifier.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Positive identification is the most critical step in the phlebotomy process.
When a discrepancy exists between a patient’s ID band and other identifiers like room
labels or verbal statements, the phlebotomist must resolve the conflict with nursing staff
before proceeding. Relying on an incorrect identifier is a leading cause of pre-analytical
laboratory errors and patient harm.
2. A phlebotomist is preparing to collect blood for a PT/INR and a CBC. Which of the following
describes the correct order of draw?
A. Lavender tube, then Light Blue tube.
B. Green tube, then Light Blue tube.
,C. Red tube, then Lavender tube.
D. Light Blue tube, then Lavender tube.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: According to CLSI standards, the Light Blue (sodium citrate) tube must be
drawn before the Lavender (EDTA) tube to prevent additive carryover. EDTA contains
potassium which can interfere with coagulation testing and lead to false results. A common
trap is thinking the CBC is more urgent, but the order of draw is essential for specimen
integrity.
3. A patient in a hospital setting has been diagnosed with a Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
infection. What specific infection control measure must the phlebotomist follow?
A. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after glove removal.
B. Wash hands with soap and water rather than using hand sanitizer.
C. Wear an N95 respirator during the entire procedure.
D. Double-glove before entering the patient’s isolation room.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers, requiring the
mechanical action of handwashing with soap and water for removal. Following contact
precautions is vital to prevent the spread of this healthcare-associated infection. Many
examinees wrongly assume that sanitizers are always a sufficient substitute for
handwashing.
, 4. During a routine venipuncture, a hematoma begins to form rapidly at the site. What action
should the phlebotomist take immediately?
A. Release the tourniquet, remove the needle, and apply firm pressure.
B. Adjust the needle depth to stop the bleeding into the tissue.
C. Ask the patient to pump their fist to increase venous return.
D. Complete the collection quickly before the site becomes too swollen.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: When a hematoma forms, blood is leaking from the vein into the surrounding
tissue, which can lead to nerve compression or permanent injury. The procedure must be
terminated immediately by releasing the tourniquet and applying pressure to stop the
bleeding. Continuing the draw or adjusting the needle is a dangerous error that exacerbates
the complication.
5. When performing a dermal puncture on a 6-month-old infant, which of the following is the
most appropriate site?
A. The central arch of the foot.
B. The medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel.
C. The tip of the middle finger.
D. The posterior curvature of the heel.
Correct Answer: B
Collection, Safety, Infection Control and
Laboratory Procedures
1. A phlebotomist enters a patient’s room and finds the patient sleeping. The patient is
wearing an ID band, but the name on the door does not match the band. What is the most
appropriate next step?
A. Gently wake the patient and ask them to state their name and date of birth.
B. Ask the nurse to verify the patient’s identity and replace the ID band if necessary.
C. Proceed with the draw as long as the ID band matches the laboratory requisition.
D. Assume the door label is incorrect and use the hospital’s wristband as the sole identifier.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Positive identification is the most critical step in the phlebotomy process.
When a discrepancy exists between a patient’s ID band and other identifiers like room
labels or verbal statements, the phlebotomist must resolve the conflict with nursing staff
before proceeding. Relying on an incorrect identifier is a leading cause of pre-analytical
laboratory errors and patient harm.
2. A phlebotomist is preparing to collect blood for a PT/INR and a CBC. Which of the following
describes the correct order of draw?
A. Lavender tube, then Light Blue tube.
B. Green tube, then Light Blue tube.
,C. Red tube, then Lavender tube.
D. Light Blue tube, then Lavender tube.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: According to CLSI standards, the Light Blue (sodium citrate) tube must be
drawn before the Lavender (EDTA) tube to prevent additive carryover. EDTA contains
potassium which can interfere with coagulation testing and lead to false results. A common
trap is thinking the CBC is more urgent, but the order of draw is essential for specimen
integrity.
3. A patient in a hospital setting has been diagnosed with a Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
infection. What specific infection control measure must the phlebotomist follow?
A. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after glove removal.
B. Wash hands with soap and water rather than using hand sanitizer.
C. Wear an N95 respirator during the entire procedure.
D. Double-glove before entering the patient’s isolation room.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based hand sanitizers, requiring the
mechanical action of handwashing with soap and water for removal. Following contact
precautions is vital to prevent the spread of this healthcare-associated infection. Many
examinees wrongly assume that sanitizers are always a sufficient substitute for
handwashing.
, 4. During a routine venipuncture, a hematoma begins to form rapidly at the site. What action
should the phlebotomist take immediately?
A. Release the tourniquet, remove the needle, and apply firm pressure.
B. Adjust the needle depth to stop the bleeding into the tissue.
C. Ask the patient to pump their fist to increase venous return.
D. Complete the collection quickly before the site becomes too swollen.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: When a hematoma forms, blood is leaking from the vein into the surrounding
tissue, which can lead to nerve compression or permanent injury. The procedure must be
terminated immediately by releasing the tourniquet and applying pressure to stop the
bleeding. Continuing the draw or adjusting the needle is a dangerous error that exacerbates
the complication.
5. When performing a dermal puncture on a 6-month-old infant, which of the following is the
most appropriate site?
A. The central arch of the foot.
B. The medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel.
C. The tip of the middle finger.
D. The posterior curvature of the heel.
Correct Answer: B
