CPT Final Practice Examination – Full-Length
Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam
Preparation
1. A phlebotomist enters a patient’s room and notices the patient does not have an
identification band on their wrist. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist
take first?
A. Ask the patient to state their full name and date of birth and proceed if it matches the
requisition.
B. Check the patient’s ankle for the identification band.
C. Use the ID band attached to the patient’s bed rail to verify identity.
D. Ask the nurse to identify the patient and place a new ID band on the patient’s wrist.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Proper patient identification is the most critical step in the phlebotomy
process to ensure specimen integrity and patient safety. According to CLSI standards, if an
inpatient is missing an ID band, a nurse must positively identify the patient and apply a
new band before the draw occurs. Relying on an unattached band or verbal confirmation
alone for an inpatient is a common error that can lead to fatal transfusion reactions or
diagnostic mistakes.
,2. When performing a venipuncture for a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), a Complete
Blood Count (CBC), and a Prothrombin Time (PT), what is the correct order of draw?
A. Lavender, Light Blue, SST
B. Light Blue, Lavender, SST
C. SST, Light Blue, Lavender
D. Light Blue, SST, Lavender
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The order of draw is designed to prevent cross-contamination of additives
that can interfere with lab results. The Light Blue tube (Sodium Citrate) must be drawn first
among these to ensure accurate coagulation results, followed by the SST (Serum Separator
Tube) for chemistry, and finally the Lavender tube (EDTA) for hematology. Drawing the
EDTA tube before the others could contaminate the SST with potassium or the Light Blue
tube with chelating agents, leading to false results.
3. A phlebotomist is preparing to perform a venipuncture on a patient who has had a double
mastectomy. Where should the phlebotomist attempt to draw the blood?
A. The arm that had the most recent surgery.
B. The dorsal hand veins of either arm.
C. Either antecubital fossa is acceptable as long as the tourniquet is not tight.
D. The physician must be consulted for a designated site, typically the feet or a specific arm.
, Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Mastectomies often involve the removal of lymph nodes, which causes
lymphostasis and increases the risk of infection and lymphedema. When a double
mastectomy has been performed, the phlebotomist must not use either arm without
written permission from the physician. In many clinical settings, this necessitates a
physician’s order to draw from an alternative site like the feet or a specific vein to protect
the patient’s vascular health.
4. Which of the following is the primary reason to allow the alcohol to air dry on the skin
before performing a venipuncture?
A. To ensure the site is completely sterile for the procedure.
B. To prevent hemolysis of the specimen and a stinging sensation for the patient.
C. To allow the phlebotomist time to finish labeling the tubes.
D. To prevent the needle from slipping during insertion.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Alcohol requires time to effectively reduce the microbial load on the skin
surface through evaporation. If the needle passes through wet alcohol, it can cause the red
blood cells to rupture (hemolysis) and cause the patient significant discomfort.
Phlebotomists often make the mistake of blowing on the site or waving their hand to speed
up the process, which actually re-contaminates the area.
Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam
Preparation
1. A phlebotomist enters a patient’s room and notices the patient does not have an
identification band on their wrist. Which of the following actions should the phlebotomist
take first?
A. Ask the patient to state their full name and date of birth and proceed if it matches the
requisition.
B. Check the patient’s ankle for the identification band.
C. Use the ID band attached to the patient’s bed rail to verify identity.
D. Ask the nurse to identify the patient and place a new ID band on the patient’s wrist.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Proper patient identification is the most critical step in the phlebotomy
process to ensure specimen integrity and patient safety. According to CLSI standards, if an
inpatient is missing an ID band, a nurse must positively identify the patient and apply a
new band before the draw occurs. Relying on an unattached band or verbal confirmation
alone for an inpatient is a common error that can lead to fatal transfusion reactions or
diagnostic mistakes.
,2. When performing a venipuncture for a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), a Complete
Blood Count (CBC), and a Prothrombin Time (PT), what is the correct order of draw?
A. Lavender, Light Blue, SST
B. Light Blue, Lavender, SST
C. SST, Light Blue, Lavender
D. Light Blue, SST, Lavender
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The order of draw is designed to prevent cross-contamination of additives
that can interfere with lab results. The Light Blue tube (Sodium Citrate) must be drawn first
among these to ensure accurate coagulation results, followed by the SST (Serum Separator
Tube) for chemistry, and finally the Lavender tube (EDTA) for hematology. Drawing the
EDTA tube before the others could contaminate the SST with potassium or the Light Blue
tube with chelating agents, leading to false results.
3. A phlebotomist is preparing to perform a venipuncture on a patient who has had a double
mastectomy. Where should the phlebotomist attempt to draw the blood?
A. The arm that had the most recent surgery.
B. The dorsal hand veins of either arm.
C. Either antecubital fossa is acceptable as long as the tourniquet is not tight.
D. The physician must be consulted for a designated site, typically the feet or a specific arm.
, Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Mastectomies often involve the removal of lymph nodes, which causes
lymphostasis and increases the risk of infection and lymphedema. When a double
mastectomy has been performed, the phlebotomist must not use either arm without
written permission from the physician. In many clinical settings, this necessitates a
physician’s order to draw from an alternative site like the feet or a specific vein to protect
the patient’s vascular health.
4. Which of the following is the primary reason to allow the alcohol to air dry on the skin
before performing a venipuncture?
A. To ensure the site is completely sterile for the procedure.
B. To prevent hemolysis of the specimen and a stinging sensation for the patient.
C. To allow the phlebotomist time to finish labeling the tubes.
D. To prevent the needle from slipping during insertion.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Alcohol requires time to effectively reduce the microbial load on the skin
surface through evaporation. If the needle passes through wet alcohol, it can cause the red
blood cells to rupture (hemolysis) and cause the patient significant discomfort.
Phlebotomists often make the mistake of blowing on the site or waving their hand to speed
up the process, which actually re-contaminates the area.
