January 2026 | Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam Prep
– National Phlebotomy Certification (CPT / PBT) | COMPLETE
Practice Questions with Verified Answers | Updated 2025–2026
Edition | High-Yield Study Guide for Phlebotomy Licensing &
Certification Exam Success
,January 2026 | Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam Prep
– National Phlebotomy Certification (CPT / PBT) | COMPLETE
Practice Questions with Verified Answers | Updated 2025–2026
Edition | High-Yield Study Guide for Phlebotomy Licensing &
Certification Exam Success
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of the tourniquet in phlebotomy?
• A) To prevent hemolysis
• B) To engorge the veins
• C) To sanitize the skin
• D) To reduce pain
Correct Option: B) To engorge the veins
Rationale: The tourniquet temporarily restricts blood flow, causing the veins to fill with
blood and become more prominent, making them easier to puncture. Proper
application is crucial for successful venipuncture.
Question 2:
Which of the following anticoagulants is commonly used for plasma collection?
• A) EDTA
• B) Sodium citrate
• C) Heparin
• D) Potassium oxalate
Correct Option: C) Heparin
Rationale: Heparin is an effective anticoagulant that inhibits thrombin, making it ideal
for collecting plasma. It allows for accurate testing while preventing clotting during the
collection process.
Question 3:
When should the aliquot sample be prepared in relation to the original specimen?
• A) After centrifugation
• B) Before centrifugation
• C) During the collection
• D) At room temperature
Correct Option: A) After centrifugation
Rationale: Aliquots should be prepared after centrifugation to separate the plasma or
, January 2026 | Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam Prep
– National Phlebotomy Certification (CPT / PBT) | COMPLETE
Practice Questions with Verified Answers | Updated 2025–2026
Edition | High-Yield Study Guide for Phlebotomy Licensing &
Certification Exam Success
serum from the cells. This helps in maintaining the integrity of the sample for accurate
testing and analysis.
Question 4:
What is the maximum amount of time that a tourniquet should be applied to a patient's
arm during venipuncture?
• A) 1 minute
• B) 2 minutes
• C) 3 minutes
• D) 5 minutes
Correct Option: A) 1 minute
Rationale: A tourniquet should generally not be applied for more than 1 minute to
prevent hemoconcentration, which can lead to inaccurate test results due to increased
levels of proteins and other substances in the blood.
Question 5:
Which of the following is a critical step after completing a blood draw?
• A) Disposing of the needle in the regular trash
• B) Asking the patient to leave immediately
• C) Applying an adequate pressure to the site
• D) Removing gloves without washing hands
Correct Option: C) Applying an adequate pressure to the site
Rationale: Applying adequate pressure to the draw site helps prevent bleeding and
hematoma formation. It is essential for patient safety and comfort post-procedure
before the patient leaves the collection area.
Question 6:
What is the purpose of the bevel of the needle in venipuncture?
• A) To enhance blood flow
• B) To reduce pain during puncture
• C) To create a smooth entry
– National Phlebotomy Certification (CPT / PBT) | COMPLETE
Practice Questions with Verified Answers | Updated 2025–2026
Edition | High-Yield Study Guide for Phlebotomy Licensing &
Certification Exam Success
,January 2026 | Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam Prep
– National Phlebotomy Certification (CPT / PBT) | COMPLETE
Practice Questions with Verified Answers | Updated 2025–2026
Edition | High-Yield Study Guide for Phlebotomy Licensing &
Certification Exam Success
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of the tourniquet in phlebotomy?
• A) To prevent hemolysis
• B) To engorge the veins
• C) To sanitize the skin
• D) To reduce pain
Correct Option: B) To engorge the veins
Rationale: The tourniquet temporarily restricts blood flow, causing the veins to fill with
blood and become more prominent, making them easier to puncture. Proper
application is crucial for successful venipuncture.
Question 2:
Which of the following anticoagulants is commonly used for plasma collection?
• A) EDTA
• B) Sodium citrate
• C) Heparin
• D) Potassium oxalate
Correct Option: C) Heparin
Rationale: Heparin is an effective anticoagulant that inhibits thrombin, making it ideal
for collecting plasma. It allows for accurate testing while preventing clotting during the
collection process.
Question 3:
When should the aliquot sample be prepared in relation to the original specimen?
• A) After centrifugation
• B) Before centrifugation
• C) During the collection
• D) At room temperature
Correct Option: A) After centrifugation
Rationale: Aliquots should be prepared after centrifugation to separate the plasma or
, January 2026 | Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam Prep
– National Phlebotomy Certification (CPT / PBT) | COMPLETE
Practice Questions with Verified Answers | Updated 2025–2026
Edition | High-Yield Study Guide for Phlebotomy Licensing &
Certification Exam Success
serum from the cells. This helps in maintaining the integrity of the sample for accurate
testing and analysis.
Question 4:
What is the maximum amount of time that a tourniquet should be applied to a patient's
arm during venipuncture?
• A) 1 minute
• B) 2 minutes
• C) 3 minutes
• D) 5 minutes
Correct Option: A) 1 minute
Rationale: A tourniquet should generally not be applied for more than 1 minute to
prevent hemoconcentration, which can lead to inaccurate test results due to increased
levels of proteins and other substances in the blood.
Question 5:
Which of the following is a critical step after completing a blood draw?
• A) Disposing of the needle in the regular trash
• B) Asking the patient to leave immediately
• C) Applying an adequate pressure to the site
• D) Removing gloves without washing hands
Correct Option: C) Applying an adequate pressure to the site
Rationale: Applying adequate pressure to the draw site helps prevent bleeding and
hematoma formation. It is essential for patient safety and comfort post-procedure
before the patient leaves the collection area.
Question 6:
What is the purpose of the bevel of the needle in venipuncture?
• A) To enhance blood flow
• B) To reduce pain during puncture
• C) To create a smooth entry
