NCCT Practice Test Exam 2025 with
Complete Solutions
Gently invert the tube after collecting the specimen
Since an EDTA tube contains anticoagulant, it is important to immediately mix the blood
as soon as it is collected to ensure that it doesn't clot. The phlebotomist should gently
invert the tube after collecting the specimen to maintain specimen integrity and prevent
rupture of RBC's in the sample. - ANS-Which of the following actions should the
phlebotomist take to decrease the potential for hemolysis of blood specimen in an
EDTA tube?
A. Store the tube in the refrigerator after the specimen has been collected
B. Use a 25 gauge needle or smaller to collect the specimen
C. Allow the tube to stand for 20 minutes prior to processing
D. Gently invert the tube after collecting the specimen
Petechiae
Small red spots near the tourniquet on a patient's arm are most likely indicative of
petechiae. Petechiae are small, red, non-raised spots that appear in response to
pressure from the tourniquet. - ANS-Small red spots appear near the tourniquet on a
patient's arm. This is MOST likely an indication of
A. a collapsed vein.
B. a hematoma.
C. petechiae.
D. edema.
Performing CLIA high complexity tests
CLIA refers to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment, which specifies
personnel requirements for performing laboratory testing based upon their complexity.
Moderate and high complexity testing are outside the scope of practice for a
phlebotomist. Medical assistants may perform CLIA-waived testing, such as Point of
Care Testing, with proper training. - ANS-Which of the following is outside the scope of
practice for a phlebotomist?
A. Verifying equipment function on point of care testing using a control.
B. Prioritizing collections based on order requests.
C. Recording quality control results on a log sheet.
D. Performing CLIA high complexity tests.
,MSDS
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a hazardous chemical reference. It provides
healthcare workers with procedures for working with substances safety to ensure
regulatory compliance. - ANS-If a phlebotomist has questions about disposing of
outdated hazardous chemicals, where should she look to find this information?
A. HIPAA
B. MSDS
C. CLIA
D. NIOSH
Up - ANS-When inserting a needle during venipuncture, the bevel should be in which of
the following positions in relation to the vein?
A. Up
B. Down
C. Left
D. Right
Failing to mix tubes
If the blood is not well mixed with the anticoagulant, partial clotting can occur leading to
microscopic fibrin strands and inaccurate test results. - ANS-Which of the following is an
example of a pre-analytical error made at the time of collection?
A. Delay in transporting
B. Failing to mix tubes
C. Incomplete requisition
D. Waiting to centrifuge
Lancet
PKU is a neonatal screening test collected on a blot card. The recommended method of
blood collection on infants less than a year old is via capillary (thus eliminating the
venipuncture choices) - ANS-Which of the following is the appropriate blood collection
device for obtaining a blood spot collection on an infant?
A. Syringe
B. Lancet
C. Micro-collection container
D. Evacuated tube
Distal to the IV in the left arm
Drawing in the antecubital area of the right arm or above the IV in the left arm would
lead to contamination of the sample with the fluid being administered. The test results
would then reflect the contents of the fluid or dilute the analyte to be measured.
Incorrect patient treatment might result. In this case, the safest place to draw would be
distal to (away from) the IV left arm. The middle or ring finger could be used for a
,dermal puncture but not for venous blood. - ANS-A phlebotomist has orders to collect
blood specimens from a patient who has IVs in his right forearm and in the left
antecubital area. Where should the phlebotomist collect a venous blood specimen?
A. The middle or ring finger of right hand
B. In the antecubital area of the right arm
C. Above the IV in the left arm
D. Distal to the IV in the left arm
Check controls on urinalysis reagent strips daily.
Proper Quality Control ensures accuracy and reliability of test results while detecting
and eliminating errors. It is an important component of patient care to make sure results
are accurate, therefore it is important to check controls on urinalysis dipsticks daily. -
ANS-Which of the following actions is an example of compliance with Quality Control
(QC) guidelines for phlebotomy?
A. Check controls on urinalysis reagent strips daily.
B. Ensure supplies in venipuncture trays are no more than one month beyond the
expiration date.
C. Ensure reusable supplies in venipuncture trays are recycled.
D. Check glucometer controls monthly.
Light Blue Top
Sodium citrate (light blue top tube) is the anticoagulant of choice for coagulation studies
such as PT/INR (Protime/International Normalization Ratio) because it does not bind to
calcium or inactivate heparin, which may be required to be present in such testing -
ANS-A patient on coumadin therapy is at the lab for a weekly coagulation test. Which of
the following tubes should the phlebotomist collect for this test?
A. Red top
B. Lavender top
C. Light blue top
D. Green top
Hematoma
A hematoma is a large painful bruise at the puncture site, caused or created by blood
seeping into the surrounding tissues, one of the causes is the delay in tourniquet
release and pulling the vacuum tube out. Since the tourniquet is causing the veins to
bulge this will prevent quick clotting, and cause bruising. - ANS-While performing a
venipuncture, the phlebotomist removes the filled tubes, but forgets to remove the
tourniquet prior to needle withdrawal. Which of the following is the MOST likely result?
A. Syncope
, B. Hemoconcentrated specimen
C. Hematoma
D. Hemolyzed specimen
8-12 hours
To ensure accuracy of the blood test results. Gum chewing, eating mints, and/or
smoking are not allowed. Sips of water may be permitted depending on provider NPO
policy. - ANS-The phlebotomist is educating the patient on fasting diet requirements
prior to a glucose tolerance test. Which of the following is the minimum time frame the
patient must remain fasting before the start of the test?
A.13-24 hours
B. 8-12 hours
C. 1-2 hours
D. 3-4 hours
Blood culture bottles, Light blue, Red, Lavender - ANS-The phlebotomist has an order
to collect a complete blood count with differential, partial thromboplastin time, basic
metabolic panel, and blood cultures. What is the collection tubes in the correct order of
draw.
A. Red
B. Lavender
C. Blood culture bottles
D. Light blue
The type or absence of an additive - ANS-What does the color of an evacuated
collection tube represent?
A. A visual identifier for tests expected to be above or below normal range
B. The minimum volume of blood to be obtained
C. The personal protective equipment required for collection
D. The type or absence of an additive
"I will wear a gown, gloves, and mask for inpatient collections." - ANS-Which of the
following statements by a new phlebotomist indicates the need for further education on
standard precautions?
A. "I will wear a gown, gloves, and mask for inpatient collections."
B. "I will perform hand hygiene after removing gloves."
C. "Sharps containers should be replaced when 2/3 full."
D. "Antimicrobial wipes may be used for cleaning a collection area at the end of a shift."
Identify the patient - ANS-Which of the following steps is completed FIRST in
performing venipuncture?
Complete Solutions
Gently invert the tube after collecting the specimen
Since an EDTA tube contains anticoagulant, it is important to immediately mix the blood
as soon as it is collected to ensure that it doesn't clot. The phlebotomist should gently
invert the tube after collecting the specimen to maintain specimen integrity and prevent
rupture of RBC's in the sample. - ANS-Which of the following actions should the
phlebotomist take to decrease the potential for hemolysis of blood specimen in an
EDTA tube?
A. Store the tube in the refrigerator after the specimen has been collected
B. Use a 25 gauge needle or smaller to collect the specimen
C. Allow the tube to stand for 20 minutes prior to processing
D. Gently invert the tube after collecting the specimen
Petechiae
Small red spots near the tourniquet on a patient's arm are most likely indicative of
petechiae. Petechiae are small, red, non-raised spots that appear in response to
pressure from the tourniquet. - ANS-Small red spots appear near the tourniquet on a
patient's arm. This is MOST likely an indication of
A. a collapsed vein.
B. a hematoma.
C. petechiae.
D. edema.
Performing CLIA high complexity tests
CLIA refers to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment, which specifies
personnel requirements for performing laboratory testing based upon their complexity.
Moderate and high complexity testing are outside the scope of practice for a
phlebotomist. Medical assistants may perform CLIA-waived testing, such as Point of
Care Testing, with proper training. - ANS-Which of the following is outside the scope of
practice for a phlebotomist?
A. Verifying equipment function on point of care testing using a control.
B. Prioritizing collections based on order requests.
C. Recording quality control results on a log sheet.
D. Performing CLIA high complexity tests.
,MSDS
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a hazardous chemical reference. It provides
healthcare workers with procedures for working with substances safety to ensure
regulatory compliance. - ANS-If a phlebotomist has questions about disposing of
outdated hazardous chemicals, where should she look to find this information?
A. HIPAA
B. MSDS
C. CLIA
D. NIOSH
Up - ANS-When inserting a needle during venipuncture, the bevel should be in which of
the following positions in relation to the vein?
A. Up
B. Down
C. Left
D. Right
Failing to mix tubes
If the blood is not well mixed with the anticoagulant, partial clotting can occur leading to
microscopic fibrin strands and inaccurate test results. - ANS-Which of the following is an
example of a pre-analytical error made at the time of collection?
A. Delay in transporting
B. Failing to mix tubes
C. Incomplete requisition
D. Waiting to centrifuge
Lancet
PKU is a neonatal screening test collected on a blot card. The recommended method of
blood collection on infants less than a year old is via capillary (thus eliminating the
venipuncture choices) - ANS-Which of the following is the appropriate blood collection
device for obtaining a blood spot collection on an infant?
A. Syringe
B. Lancet
C. Micro-collection container
D. Evacuated tube
Distal to the IV in the left arm
Drawing in the antecubital area of the right arm or above the IV in the left arm would
lead to contamination of the sample with the fluid being administered. The test results
would then reflect the contents of the fluid or dilute the analyte to be measured.
Incorrect patient treatment might result. In this case, the safest place to draw would be
distal to (away from) the IV left arm. The middle or ring finger could be used for a
,dermal puncture but not for venous blood. - ANS-A phlebotomist has orders to collect
blood specimens from a patient who has IVs in his right forearm and in the left
antecubital area. Where should the phlebotomist collect a venous blood specimen?
A. The middle or ring finger of right hand
B. In the antecubital area of the right arm
C. Above the IV in the left arm
D. Distal to the IV in the left arm
Check controls on urinalysis reagent strips daily.
Proper Quality Control ensures accuracy and reliability of test results while detecting
and eliminating errors. It is an important component of patient care to make sure results
are accurate, therefore it is important to check controls on urinalysis dipsticks daily. -
ANS-Which of the following actions is an example of compliance with Quality Control
(QC) guidelines for phlebotomy?
A. Check controls on urinalysis reagent strips daily.
B. Ensure supplies in venipuncture trays are no more than one month beyond the
expiration date.
C. Ensure reusable supplies in venipuncture trays are recycled.
D. Check glucometer controls monthly.
Light Blue Top
Sodium citrate (light blue top tube) is the anticoagulant of choice for coagulation studies
such as PT/INR (Protime/International Normalization Ratio) because it does not bind to
calcium or inactivate heparin, which may be required to be present in such testing -
ANS-A patient on coumadin therapy is at the lab for a weekly coagulation test. Which of
the following tubes should the phlebotomist collect for this test?
A. Red top
B. Lavender top
C. Light blue top
D. Green top
Hematoma
A hematoma is a large painful bruise at the puncture site, caused or created by blood
seeping into the surrounding tissues, one of the causes is the delay in tourniquet
release and pulling the vacuum tube out. Since the tourniquet is causing the veins to
bulge this will prevent quick clotting, and cause bruising. - ANS-While performing a
venipuncture, the phlebotomist removes the filled tubes, but forgets to remove the
tourniquet prior to needle withdrawal. Which of the following is the MOST likely result?
A. Syncope
, B. Hemoconcentrated specimen
C. Hematoma
D. Hemolyzed specimen
8-12 hours
To ensure accuracy of the blood test results. Gum chewing, eating mints, and/or
smoking are not allowed. Sips of water may be permitted depending on provider NPO
policy. - ANS-The phlebotomist is educating the patient on fasting diet requirements
prior to a glucose tolerance test. Which of the following is the minimum time frame the
patient must remain fasting before the start of the test?
A.13-24 hours
B. 8-12 hours
C. 1-2 hours
D. 3-4 hours
Blood culture bottles, Light blue, Red, Lavender - ANS-The phlebotomist has an order
to collect a complete blood count with differential, partial thromboplastin time, basic
metabolic panel, and blood cultures. What is the collection tubes in the correct order of
draw.
A. Red
B. Lavender
C. Blood culture bottles
D. Light blue
The type or absence of an additive - ANS-What does the color of an evacuated
collection tube represent?
A. A visual identifier for tests expected to be above or below normal range
B. The minimum volume of blood to be obtained
C. The personal protective equipment required for collection
D. The type or absence of an additive
"I will wear a gown, gloves, and mask for inpatient collections." - ANS-Which of the
following statements by a new phlebotomist indicates the need for further education on
standard precautions?
A. "I will wear a gown, gloves, and mask for inpatient collections."
B. "I will perform hand hygiene after removing gloves."
C. "Sharps containers should be replaced when 2/3 full."
D. "Antimicrobial wipes may be used for cleaning a collection area at the end of a shift."
Identify the patient - ANS-Which of the following steps is completed FIRST in
performing venipuncture?
