Phlebotomy Certification Exam Questions & Answers 2026 | High-
Yield Review | Graded A+
1. A "tiger top" tube is designed for collection of blood to obtain a _________
sample
clot
serum
whole blood
plasma
2. If a phlebotomist fails to apply a tourniquet before a blood draw, what
potential issue might arise?
The blood may become contaminated during the draw.
The veins may not be adequately distended, making access difficult.
The sample may not be collected in the correct tube.
The patient may experience excessive bleeding after the draw.
3. What is the most important step in the blood collection procedure?
Finding a vein
Identifying the patient
Drawing the correct order of draw
Reading the lab requisition correctly
Identifying yourself
4. If a phlebotomist notices that a patient's vein is starting to collapse during a
blood draw, what immediate action should they take to prevent it?
, Increase the speed of the draw.
Reduce the vacuum pressure or stop pulling on the plunger.
Apply more pressure to the site.
Change the needle size to a larger gauge.
5. Describe how the color of a blood tube relates to its specific function in
phlebotomy.
The color of a blood tube is used to identify the manufacturer.
The color of a blood tube indicates its size and volume capacity.
The color of a blood tube indicates the type of additive it contains,
which determines its function for specific tests.
The color of a blood tube is purely aesthetic and has no relation to its
function.
6. What thyroid panel is indicative of primary hypothyroidism?
Low TSH, Low T3/T4
High TSH, High T3/T4
High TSH, Low T3/T4
Low TSH, High T3/T4
7. If a phlebotomist encounters a patient with small or difficult veins, how can
knowledge of vein anatomy assist in the blood collection process?
It enables the phlebotomist to use larger needles without concern.
It helps the phlebotomist identify alternative veins or techniques for
successful blood draws.
It allows the phlebotomist to skip the blood draw altogether.
, It provides information on how to perform a blood transfusion.
8. Hemolysis is defined as
excess bilirubin that give it a greenish-yellow appearance
plasma that has been allowed to clot over time
release of the red cell contents that give it a red to pinkish color
increased lipids in the blood that give the serum a milky appearance
9. Which of the following best describes a hematocrit (Hct)?
The fraction of plasma in a sample of whole blood
The volume of whole blood minus the volume of plasma
The amount of RBCs in a packed cell volume (PCV)
The percentage of RBCs in a sample of whole blood
10. What is hemolysis and how can it affect test results?
Formation of blood clots
Destruction of white blood cells
Coagulation of plasma blood
Rupturing of red blood cells causing erroneous test results
11. What does the hematocrit (Hct) indicate in a blood sample?
Percentage of red blood cells in total blood volume
Total white blood cell count
Amount of plasma in the blood
Level of glucose in the blood
, 12. What is the primary purpose of additives in blood collection tubes?
Increase the volume of the blood sample.
Facilitate the transport of the blood sample.
Enhance the color of the blood sample.
Prevent clotting or preserve the sample for specific tests.
13. Describe why skin sterilization is critical in the phlebotomy process.
Skin sterilization is not necessary if gloves are worn.
Skin sterilization is only necessary for certain patients.
Skin sterilization is critical to prevent infection and contamination
of the blood sample.
Skin sterilization is used to improve the visibility of veins.
14. Describe the factors that can lead to hemolysis during the blood collection
process.
Improper technique or equipment can lead to hemolysis during
blood collection.
Hemolysis is caused by the presence of anticoagulants in blood
tubes.
Hemolysis is a result of the blood being exposed to air.
Hemolysis occurs only when blood is stored for too long.
15. If a phlebotomist fails to properly sterilize the skin before a blood draw,
what potential issue could arise?
Improper blood tube selection.
Increased blood viscosity.
Yield Review | Graded A+
1. A "tiger top" tube is designed for collection of blood to obtain a _________
sample
clot
serum
whole blood
plasma
2. If a phlebotomist fails to apply a tourniquet before a blood draw, what
potential issue might arise?
The blood may become contaminated during the draw.
The veins may not be adequately distended, making access difficult.
The sample may not be collected in the correct tube.
The patient may experience excessive bleeding after the draw.
3. What is the most important step in the blood collection procedure?
Finding a vein
Identifying the patient
Drawing the correct order of draw
Reading the lab requisition correctly
Identifying yourself
4. If a phlebotomist notices that a patient's vein is starting to collapse during a
blood draw, what immediate action should they take to prevent it?
, Increase the speed of the draw.
Reduce the vacuum pressure or stop pulling on the plunger.
Apply more pressure to the site.
Change the needle size to a larger gauge.
5. Describe how the color of a blood tube relates to its specific function in
phlebotomy.
The color of a blood tube is used to identify the manufacturer.
The color of a blood tube indicates its size and volume capacity.
The color of a blood tube indicates the type of additive it contains,
which determines its function for specific tests.
The color of a blood tube is purely aesthetic and has no relation to its
function.
6. What thyroid panel is indicative of primary hypothyroidism?
Low TSH, Low T3/T4
High TSH, High T3/T4
High TSH, Low T3/T4
Low TSH, High T3/T4
7. If a phlebotomist encounters a patient with small or difficult veins, how can
knowledge of vein anatomy assist in the blood collection process?
It enables the phlebotomist to use larger needles without concern.
It helps the phlebotomist identify alternative veins or techniques for
successful blood draws.
It allows the phlebotomist to skip the blood draw altogether.
, It provides information on how to perform a blood transfusion.
8. Hemolysis is defined as
excess bilirubin that give it a greenish-yellow appearance
plasma that has been allowed to clot over time
release of the red cell contents that give it a red to pinkish color
increased lipids in the blood that give the serum a milky appearance
9. Which of the following best describes a hematocrit (Hct)?
The fraction of plasma in a sample of whole blood
The volume of whole blood minus the volume of plasma
The amount of RBCs in a packed cell volume (PCV)
The percentage of RBCs in a sample of whole blood
10. What is hemolysis and how can it affect test results?
Formation of blood clots
Destruction of white blood cells
Coagulation of plasma blood
Rupturing of red blood cells causing erroneous test results
11. What does the hematocrit (Hct) indicate in a blood sample?
Percentage of red blood cells in total blood volume
Total white blood cell count
Amount of plasma in the blood
Level of glucose in the blood
, 12. What is the primary purpose of additives in blood collection tubes?
Increase the volume of the blood sample.
Facilitate the transport of the blood sample.
Enhance the color of the blood sample.
Prevent clotting or preserve the sample for specific tests.
13. Describe why skin sterilization is critical in the phlebotomy process.
Skin sterilization is not necessary if gloves are worn.
Skin sterilization is only necessary for certain patients.
Skin sterilization is critical to prevent infection and contamination
of the blood sample.
Skin sterilization is used to improve the visibility of veins.
14. Describe the factors that can lead to hemolysis during the blood collection
process.
Improper technique or equipment can lead to hemolysis during
blood collection.
Hemolysis is caused by the presence of anticoagulants in blood
tubes.
Hemolysis is a result of the blood being exposed to air.
Hemolysis occurs only when blood is stored for too long.
15. If a phlebotomist fails to properly sterilize the skin before a blood draw,
what potential issue could arise?
Improper blood tube selection.
Increased blood viscosity.
