Phlebotomy Technician Certification
Exam Practice Test Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of phlebotomy?
A. To collect blood for diagnostic testing
B. To administer medication
C. To monitor blood pressure
D. To measure blood oxygen
Answer: A
Rationale: The main goal of phlebotomy is to collect blood samples for
laboratory analysis and diagnostic purposes.
2. Which vein is most commonly used for venipuncture?
A. Basilic vein
,B. Median cubital vein
C. Cephalic vein
D. Radial vein
Rationale: The median cubital vein is preferred due to its size, location, and
lower risk of injury to surrounding structures.
3. What is the correct order of draw for venipuncture?
A. Green, red, lavender, blue
B. Red, blue, green, lavender
C. Blue, red, green, lavender, gray
D. Lavender, red, blue, gray
Rationale: The CLSI order of draw begins with blood culture or blue
(coagulation), followed by red (serum), green (heparin), lavender (EDTA),
and gray (fluoride).
4. What additive is found in a lavender top tube?
A. Heparin
B. Sodium citrate
C. EDTA
D. Sodium fluoride
Rationale: Lavender tubes contain EDTA, which prevents clotting by
binding calcium.
,5. How long should a tourniquet be applied before venipuncture?
A. 1–2 minutes
B. No longer than 1 minute
C. 3–4 minutes
D. 30 seconds
Rationale: A tourniquet should not be left on for more than one minute to
prevent hemoconcentration.
6. What is the first step in the phlebotomy procedure?
A. Apply tourniquet
B. Identify the patient
C. Clean the site
D. Insert the needle
Rationale: Proper patient identification ensures safety and accuracy before
any procedure.
7. Which of the following tubes is used for glucose testing?
A. Red
B. Lavender
C. Gray
D. Green
, Rationale: Gray-top tubes contain sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate
to preserve glucose.
8. What is the purpose of antiseptic during venipuncture?
A. To reduce the risk of infection
B. To prevent clotting
C. To lubricate the skin
D. To dilate the vein
Rationale: Antiseptics, such as 70% isopropyl alcohol, reduce microbial
load and infection risk.
9. What is the appropriate angle for needle insertion in venipuncture?
A. 15–30 degrees
B. 15–30 degrees
C. 45 degrees
D. 90 degrees
Rationale: The correct insertion angle ensures proper vein entry without
piercing through the vessel.
10. Which of the following is a common complication of phlebotomy?
A. Hypertension
B. Hematoma
Exam Practice Test Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of phlebotomy?
A. To collect blood for diagnostic testing
B. To administer medication
C. To monitor blood pressure
D. To measure blood oxygen
Answer: A
Rationale: The main goal of phlebotomy is to collect blood samples for
laboratory analysis and diagnostic purposes.
2. Which vein is most commonly used for venipuncture?
A. Basilic vein
,B. Median cubital vein
C. Cephalic vein
D. Radial vein
Rationale: The median cubital vein is preferred due to its size, location, and
lower risk of injury to surrounding structures.
3. What is the correct order of draw for venipuncture?
A. Green, red, lavender, blue
B. Red, blue, green, lavender
C. Blue, red, green, lavender, gray
D. Lavender, red, blue, gray
Rationale: The CLSI order of draw begins with blood culture or blue
(coagulation), followed by red (serum), green (heparin), lavender (EDTA),
and gray (fluoride).
4. What additive is found in a lavender top tube?
A. Heparin
B. Sodium citrate
C. EDTA
D. Sodium fluoride
Rationale: Lavender tubes contain EDTA, which prevents clotting by
binding calcium.
,5. How long should a tourniquet be applied before venipuncture?
A. 1–2 minutes
B. No longer than 1 minute
C. 3–4 minutes
D. 30 seconds
Rationale: A tourniquet should not be left on for more than one minute to
prevent hemoconcentration.
6. What is the first step in the phlebotomy procedure?
A. Apply tourniquet
B. Identify the patient
C. Clean the site
D. Insert the needle
Rationale: Proper patient identification ensures safety and accuracy before
any procedure.
7. Which of the following tubes is used for glucose testing?
A. Red
B. Lavender
C. Gray
D. Green
, Rationale: Gray-top tubes contain sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate
to preserve glucose.
8. What is the purpose of antiseptic during venipuncture?
A. To reduce the risk of infection
B. To prevent clotting
C. To lubricate the skin
D. To dilate the vein
Rationale: Antiseptics, such as 70% isopropyl alcohol, reduce microbial
load and infection risk.
9. What is the appropriate angle for needle insertion in venipuncture?
A. 15–30 degrees
B. 15–30 degrees
C. 45 degrees
D. 90 degrees
Rationale: The correct insertion angle ensures proper vein entry without
piercing through the vessel.
10. Which of the following is a common complication of phlebotomy?
A. Hypertension
B. Hematoma
