Ohio School of Phlebotomy Final Exam 2026/2027 | 131 Questions with Verified Answers
Ohio School of Phlebotomy Final Exam (2026/2027)
131 Questions with Complete Verified Solutions
NHA | ASCP | AMT | CLSI Standards Aligned | 70% Passing Score
Cognitive Distribution: 35% Recall | 50% Application | 15% Analysis
Section 1: Safety, Infection Control & OSHA Compliance (Q1-Q25)
Q1: A phlebotomist accidentally sustains a needlestick injury while performing a venipuncture on a patient
known to be HIV-positive. According to OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard protocols, what is the FIRST
action the phlebotomist should take?
A. Immediately report to the occupational health department and wait for instructions
B. Wash the area with soap and water, allow it to bleed freely, and then report to the supervisor
[CORRECT]
C. Apply a bandage immediately and continue working until the shift ends
D. Document the incident in the sharps injury log before seeking medical attention
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The immediate first response to a needlestick injury is to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and allow it
to bleed, which helps flush out potential pathogens at the puncture site. Option A delays critical first aid; Option C ignores the
exposure and risks infection; Option D prioritizes paperwork over immediate wound care, which is incorrect per OSHA
protocol.
Q2: Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), how long must a sharps injury log be
maintained?
A. 1 year from the date of injury
B. 3 years from the date of injury
C. 5 years from the date of injury [CORRECT]
D. Permanently for the duration of employment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires that sharps injury logs be maintained for a minimum of 5 years
from the date of the injury, documenting the type and brand of device involved, the department where the incident occurred, and
an explanation of how the incident happened. One year and three years are insufficient retention periods, and permanent
retention is not required by this standard.
Q3: A blood spill occurs on the laboratory countertop. According to CDC guidelines, what is the correct bleach
dilution for disinfecting the blood spill?
A. 1:100 dilution of household bleach (5.25-6.15% sodium hypochlorite)
B. 1:10 dilution of household bleach (5.25-6.15% sodium hypochlorite) [CORRECT]
C. Full-strength undiluted household bleach
D. 1:50 dilution of hydrogen peroxide
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The CDC recommends a 1:10 dilution of household bleach (5.25-6.15% sodium hypochlorite) for blood spills,
providing 5000-6000 ppm of available chlorine, which is effective against bloodborne pathogens including HIV and hepatitis B.
A 1:100 dilution is too weak to reliably disinfect blood spills. Full-strength bleach is unnecessarily corrosive to surfaces.
Hydrogen peroxide at 1:50 is not the CDC-recommended protocol for blood spill disinfection.
Page 1
, Ohio School of Phlebotomy Final Exam 2026/2027 | 131 Questions with Verified Answers
Q4: A phlebotomist has had a significant percutaneous exposure to HIV-positive blood. Within what timeframe
should HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) ideally be initiated?
A. Within 24 hours of exposure
B. Within 48 hours of exposure
C. Within 72 hours of exposure, though immediate initiation is preferred [CORRECT]
D. Within 7 days of exposure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: HIV PEP should ideally begin as soon as possible after exposure and must be initiated within 72 hours for any
meaningful effectiveness. The sooner PEP is started, the more effective it is at preventing HIV infection. Waiting 24 or 48 hours
is not wrong but delays reduce efficacy. Seven days is far beyond the effective window.
Q5: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn for ALL routine venipuncture procedures under
Standard Precautions?
A. Gloves, gown, face shield, and shoe covers
B. Gloves only [CORRECT]
C. Gloves and face shield
D. No PPE is required for routine venipuncture
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Standard Precautions, as outlined by the CDC, require gloves for all blood draws because of the potential for
contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Gowns, face shields, and shoe covers are additional PPE
indicated when there is risk of splash or spray, not for routine venipuncture. Option D is completely incorrect as PPE is always
required when handling blood.
Q6: Which of the following items must be disposed of in a sharps container?
A. Used gauze pads and cotton balls
B. Needles, lancets, and broken glass contaminated with blood [CORRECT]
C. Used examination gloves
D. Paper towels used to wipe the venipuncture site
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sharps containers are designed for items that can puncture or cut skin, including needles, lancets, and contaminated
broken glass. Gauze pads, cotton balls, and gloves (Options A and C) that are saturated with blood should go in biohazard
bags. Paper towels without significant blood contamination go in regular waste.
Q7: What is the role of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the phlebotomy setting?
A. The CDC manufactures and distributes blood collection tubes
B. The CDC provides safety guidelines and recommendations for medical offices and facilities
[CORRECT]
C. The CDC licenses and certifies phlebotomists at the state level
D. The CDC conducts all laboratory testing on patient specimens
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The CDC provides evidence-based safety guidelines, infection control recommendations, and best practices for
healthcare facilities, including phlebotomy settings. The CDC does not manufacture supplies, certify individuals, or perform
patient testing. Certification is handled by organizations such as NHA, ASCP, and AMT.
Q8: A phlebotomist is performing a blood draw on a patient placed under contact isolation precautions. In
addition to gloves, which PPE is MOST likely required?
A. A surgical mask and eye protection
B. A gown [CORRECT]
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, Ohio School of Phlebotomy Final Exam 2026/2027 | 131 Questions with Verified Answers
C. A respirator (N95 mask)
D. Shoe covers only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Contact isolation precautions require a gown in addition to gloves to prevent the transmission of infectious agents
spread by direct or indirect contact. Surgical masks and N95 respirators are for airborne or droplet precautions, not contact
isolation. Shoe covers alone do not provide adequate protection for contact isolation.
Q9: What type of infection is classified as nosocomial?
A. An infection acquired from animal contact
B. A hospital-acquired infection [CORRECT]
C. An infection caused by a virus only
D. A community-acquired infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A nosocomial infection, also known as a healthcare-associated infection (HAI), is an infection that a patient acquires
while receiving treatment in a healthcare facility. It is not related to animal contact, specific to viral pathogens, or acquired in
the community.
Q10: A phlebotomist needs to remove contaminated gloves after a blood draw. What is the correct technique?
A. Pull the first glove off by grasping the palm area, then pull the second glove off using the same hand
B. Grasp the outside of one glove near the wrist and peel it off, then slide a finger of the bare
hand under the cuff of the second glove to peel it off inside out [CORRECT]
C. Remove both gloves simultaneously by pulling from the fingertips
D. Cut the gloves off with scissors to avoid contamination
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct glove removal technique involves grasping the outside of one glove near the wrist and peeling it off, then
sliding a finger of the bare hand under the cuff of the remaining glove to peel it off inside out. This technique minimizes contact
with the contaminated outer surface. Pulling from the palm area or cutting with scissors increases contamination risk.
Q11: After a blood spill has been properly cleaned and disinfected, what should be done with the disposable
materials used?
A. Dispose of them in the regular trash
B. Autoclave them before disposal in regular trash
C. Place them in a biohazard bag for proper disposal [CORRECT]
D. Rinse and reuse them to minimize waste
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: All disposable materials used to clean a blood spill, including paper towels and absorbent materials, are considered
potentially infectious and must be placed in a biohazard bag (red bag) for proper disposal. Regular trash disposal is
inappropriate for blood-contaminated materials. Reusing disposable items is never acceptable in infection control.
Q12: Which of the following is the MOST effective method for hand hygiene in the phlebotomy setting?
A. Washing hands with plain soap and water for 5 seconds
B. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hands are not visibly soiled [CORRECT]
C. Wiping hands with a dry paper towel
D. Wearing gloves eliminates the need for hand hygiene
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are highly effective for hand hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled, as
recommended by the CDC. They rapidly reduce microbial counts. Handwashing with soap and water is required when hands
are visibly contaminated. Dry paper towels do not reduce microbial load. Gloves do not eliminate the need for hand hygiene
Page 3
Ohio School of Phlebotomy Final Exam (2026/2027)
131 Questions with Complete Verified Solutions
NHA | ASCP | AMT | CLSI Standards Aligned | 70% Passing Score
Cognitive Distribution: 35% Recall | 50% Application | 15% Analysis
Section 1: Safety, Infection Control & OSHA Compliance (Q1-Q25)
Q1: A phlebotomist accidentally sustains a needlestick injury while performing a venipuncture on a patient
known to be HIV-positive. According to OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard protocols, what is the FIRST
action the phlebotomist should take?
A. Immediately report to the occupational health department and wait for instructions
B. Wash the area with soap and water, allow it to bleed freely, and then report to the supervisor
[CORRECT]
C. Apply a bandage immediately and continue working until the shift ends
D. Document the incident in the sharps injury log before seeking medical attention
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The immediate first response to a needlestick injury is to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and allow it
to bleed, which helps flush out potential pathogens at the puncture site. Option A delays critical first aid; Option C ignores the
exposure and risks infection; Option D prioritizes paperwork over immediate wound care, which is incorrect per OSHA
protocol.
Q2: Under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), how long must a sharps injury log be
maintained?
A. 1 year from the date of injury
B. 3 years from the date of injury
C. 5 years from the date of injury [CORRECT]
D. Permanently for the duration of employment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires that sharps injury logs be maintained for a minimum of 5 years
from the date of the injury, documenting the type and brand of device involved, the department where the incident occurred, and
an explanation of how the incident happened. One year and three years are insufficient retention periods, and permanent
retention is not required by this standard.
Q3: A blood spill occurs on the laboratory countertop. According to CDC guidelines, what is the correct bleach
dilution for disinfecting the blood spill?
A. 1:100 dilution of household bleach (5.25-6.15% sodium hypochlorite)
B. 1:10 dilution of household bleach (5.25-6.15% sodium hypochlorite) [CORRECT]
C. Full-strength undiluted household bleach
D. 1:50 dilution of hydrogen peroxide
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The CDC recommends a 1:10 dilution of household bleach (5.25-6.15% sodium hypochlorite) for blood spills,
providing 5000-6000 ppm of available chlorine, which is effective against bloodborne pathogens including HIV and hepatitis B.
A 1:100 dilution is too weak to reliably disinfect blood spills. Full-strength bleach is unnecessarily corrosive to surfaces.
Hydrogen peroxide at 1:50 is not the CDC-recommended protocol for blood spill disinfection.
Page 1
, Ohio School of Phlebotomy Final Exam 2026/2027 | 131 Questions with Verified Answers
Q4: A phlebotomist has had a significant percutaneous exposure to HIV-positive blood. Within what timeframe
should HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) ideally be initiated?
A. Within 24 hours of exposure
B. Within 48 hours of exposure
C. Within 72 hours of exposure, though immediate initiation is preferred [CORRECT]
D. Within 7 days of exposure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: HIV PEP should ideally begin as soon as possible after exposure and must be initiated within 72 hours for any
meaningful effectiveness. The sooner PEP is started, the more effective it is at preventing HIV infection. Waiting 24 or 48 hours
is not wrong but delays reduce efficacy. Seven days is far beyond the effective window.
Q5: Which personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn for ALL routine venipuncture procedures under
Standard Precautions?
A. Gloves, gown, face shield, and shoe covers
B. Gloves only [CORRECT]
C. Gloves and face shield
D. No PPE is required for routine venipuncture
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Standard Precautions, as outlined by the CDC, require gloves for all blood draws because of the potential for
contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Gowns, face shields, and shoe covers are additional PPE
indicated when there is risk of splash or spray, not for routine venipuncture. Option D is completely incorrect as PPE is always
required when handling blood.
Q6: Which of the following items must be disposed of in a sharps container?
A. Used gauze pads and cotton balls
B. Needles, lancets, and broken glass contaminated with blood [CORRECT]
C. Used examination gloves
D. Paper towels used to wipe the venipuncture site
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sharps containers are designed for items that can puncture or cut skin, including needles, lancets, and contaminated
broken glass. Gauze pads, cotton balls, and gloves (Options A and C) that are saturated with blood should go in biohazard
bags. Paper towels without significant blood contamination go in regular waste.
Q7: What is the role of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the phlebotomy setting?
A. The CDC manufactures and distributes blood collection tubes
B. The CDC provides safety guidelines and recommendations for medical offices and facilities
[CORRECT]
C. The CDC licenses and certifies phlebotomists at the state level
D. The CDC conducts all laboratory testing on patient specimens
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The CDC provides evidence-based safety guidelines, infection control recommendations, and best practices for
healthcare facilities, including phlebotomy settings. The CDC does not manufacture supplies, certify individuals, or perform
patient testing. Certification is handled by organizations such as NHA, ASCP, and AMT.
Q8: A phlebotomist is performing a blood draw on a patient placed under contact isolation precautions. In
addition to gloves, which PPE is MOST likely required?
A. A surgical mask and eye protection
B. A gown [CORRECT]
Page 2
, Ohio School of Phlebotomy Final Exam 2026/2027 | 131 Questions with Verified Answers
C. A respirator (N95 mask)
D. Shoe covers only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Contact isolation precautions require a gown in addition to gloves to prevent the transmission of infectious agents
spread by direct or indirect contact. Surgical masks and N95 respirators are for airborne or droplet precautions, not contact
isolation. Shoe covers alone do not provide adequate protection for contact isolation.
Q9: What type of infection is classified as nosocomial?
A. An infection acquired from animal contact
B. A hospital-acquired infection [CORRECT]
C. An infection caused by a virus only
D. A community-acquired infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A nosocomial infection, also known as a healthcare-associated infection (HAI), is an infection that a patient acquires
while receiving treatment in a healthcare facility. It is not related to animal contact, specific to viral pathogens, or acquired in
the community.
Q10: A phlebotomist needs to remove contaminated gloves after a blood draw. What is the correct technique?
A. Pull the first glove off by grasping the palm area, then pull the second glove off using the same hand
B. Grasp the outside of one glove near the wrist and peel it off, then slide a finger of the bare
hand under the cuff of the second glove to peel it off inside out [CORRECT]
C. Remove both gloves simultaneously by pulling from the fingertips
D. Cut the gloves off with scissors to avoid contamination
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct glove removal technique involves grasping the outside of one glove near the wrist and peeling it off, then
sliding a finger of the bare hand under the cuff of the remaining glove to peel it off inside out. This technique minimizes contact
with the contaminated outer surface. Pulling from the palm area or cutting with scissors increases contamination risk.
Q11: After a blood spill has been properly cleaned and disinfected, what should be done with the disposable
materials used?
A. Dispose of them in the regular trash
B. Autoclave them before disposal in regular trash
C. Place them in a biohazard bag for proper disposal [CORRECT]
D. Rinse and reuse them to minimize waste
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: All disposable materials used to clean a blood spill, including paper towels and absorbent materials, are considered
potentially infectious and must be placed in a biohazard bag (red bag) for proper disposal. Regular trash disposal is
inappropriate for blood-contaminated materials. Reusing disposable items is never acceptable in infection control.
Q12: Which of the following is the MOST effective method for hand hygiene in the phlebotomy setting?
A. Washing hands with plain soap and water for 5 seconds
B. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hands are not visibly soiled [CORRECT]
C. Wiping hands with a dry paper towel
D. Wearing gloves eliminates the need for hand hygiene
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are highly effective for hand hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled, as
recommended by the CDC. They rapidly reduce microbial counts. Handwashing with soap and water is required when hands
are visibly contaminated. Dry paper towels do not reduce microbial load. Gloves do not eliminate the need for hand hygiene
Page 3
