Download ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam (PBT) – Full-Length Practice Questions And C and more Exams Advanced Education in PDF only on Docsity!
ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Certification Exam (PBT) – Full-Length Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
- The primary purpose of patient identification prior to phlebotomy is to: A.Ensure correct billing B.Prevent specimen contamination C. Ensure the specimen is collected from the correct patient D.Improve patient satisfaction Answer: C Rationale: Proper patient identification prevents specimen mix-ups and ensures accurate test results linked to the correct patient.
C. EDTA
D.Sodium fluoride Answer: C Rationale: EDTA prevents clotting by chelating calcium and is used for hematology tests.
- The correct order of draw for evacuated tubes begins with: A.Serum tubes B.EDTA tubes C. Heparin tubes D. Blood culture bottles Answer: D Rationale: Blood cultures are drawn first to prevent contamination from additives.
- A tourniquet should not remain on a patient’s arm for longer than: A. 30 seconds B. 1 minute C. 2 minutes D. 3 minutes
Answer: B Rationale: Prolonged tourniquet application can cause hemoconcentration and inaccurate results.
- Which condition increases the risk of excessive bleeding after venipuncture? A.Diabetes mellitus B.Hypertension C. Hemophilia D.Dehydration Answer: C Rationale: Hemophilia is a clotting disorder that increases bleeding risk.
- The recommended antiseptic for routine venipuncture is: A.Povidone-iodine B.Benzalkonium chloride C. 70% isopropyl alcohol D.Hydrogen peroxide Answer: C Rationale: 70% isopropyl alcohol effectively cleans the site and reduces microbial contamination.
C. Green-top D.Lavender-top Answer: B Rationale: Light blue-top tubes contain sodium citrate for coagulation testing.
- A patient becomes pale and dizzy during blood collection. The phlebotomist should first: A.Continue the draw quickly B. Remove the tourniquet and needle C. Call the physician D.Ask the patient to stand Answer: B Rationale: Removing the needle and tourniquet helps prevent fainting and injury.
- Which action helps prevent needlestick injuries? A.Recapping needles B.Removing needles by hand C. Activating safety devices immediately D.Carrying uncapped needles
Answer: C Rationale: Safety devices reduce accidental needlestick injuries when activated promptly.
- Capillary puncture is preferred for: A.Blood cultures B.Large volume samples C. Infants and small children D.Coagulation testing Answer: C Rationale: Capillary puncture is less invasive and suitable for infants and small children.
- The best site for capillary puncture in an adult is the: A.Heel B. Side of the fingertip C. Palm D.Wrist Answer: B Rationale: The side of the fingertip provides adequate blood flow with less discomfort.
C. Glass serum tube D.Plain tube Answer: B Rationale: Additive tubes require gentle inversion to mix blood with anticoagulant.
- The purpose of labeling specimens at the bedside is to: A.Save time B.Improve workflow C. Ensure accurate patient identification D.Reduce paperwork Answer: C Rationale: Labeling at the bedside reduces the risk of specimen misidentification.
- Which PPE is required when performing venipuncture? A.Mask only B.Gown only C. Gloves D.Shoe covers
Answer: C Rationale: Gloves protect both patient and phlebotomist from bloodborne pathogens.
- What color tube is used for serum chemistry tests? A.Lavender B. Red or gold C. Light blue D.Gray Answer: B Rationale: Red or gold-top tubes are used to obtain serum for chemistry testing.
- A patient has an IV in the right arm. The phlebotomist should: A.Draw above the IV B. Use the opposite arm C. Turn off the IV and draw below D.Draw from the IV line Answer: B Rationale: Drawing from the opposite arm prevents dilution and inaccurate results.
Answer: C Rationale: Gray-top tubes contain sodium fluoride to preserve glucose levels.
- The maximum depth for a heel puncture in an infant is: A.0.5 mm B. 2.0 mm C. 3.5 mm D.5.0 mm Answer: B Rationale: Limiting depth prevents bone injury in infants.
- A tourniquet should be applied: A.Directly over the puncture site B. 3–4 inches above the site C. On the forearm D.On the wrist Answer: B Rationale: Proper placement helps engorge veins without interfering with puncture.
- Which test is affected by prolonged tourniquet application? A.Blood type B. Potassium C. ESR D.Blood culture Answer: B Rationale: Hemoconcentration can falsely elevate potassium levels.
- What is the primary role of a phlebotomy technician? A.Diagnose disease B.Interpret test results C. Collect blood specimens safely D.Prescribe treatment Answer: C Rationale: Phlebotomists are responsible for safe and accurate specimen collection.
- A patient refuses a blood draw. The phlebotomist should: A.Proceed anyway B.Restrain the patient C. Notify the nurse or physician D.Document and discard request
B.When torn C. When contaminated D. All of the above Answer: D Rationale: Gloves must be changed to maintain infection control standards.
- A green-top tube contains: A.EDTA B.Sodium citrate C. Heparin D.Sodium fluoride Answer: C Rationale: Heparin prevents clotting and is used for plasma chemistry tests.
- Which factor can cause falsely elevated glucose results? A.Delayed processing B. Drawing above an IV with glucose C. Hemolysis D.Fasting
Answer: B Rationale: IV fluids containing glucose can contaminate specimens.
- The proper disposal of used needles is: A.Regular trash B.Biohazard bag C. Sharps container D.Linen bin Answer: C Rationale: Sharps containers prevent needlestick injuries and exposure.
- Which specimen requires protection from light? A.CBC B. Bilirubin C. PT D.Glucose Answer: B Rationale: Bilirubin degrades when exposed to light.
- The primary reason for warming a capillary puncture site is to: A.Reduce pain B.Sterilize skin
- The legal concept of assault in phlebotomy refers to: A.Physical injury B. Threatening to perform a procedure without consent C. Poor technique D.Breach of confidentiality Answer: B Rationale: Assault involves the threat or attempt without consent.
- A patient with mastectomy on the left side should have blood drawn from: A.Left arm B.Left hand C. Right arm D.Any site Answer: C Rationale: The affected side should be avoided to prevent complications.
- Which test is commonly ordered STAT? A.Cholesterol B.HbA1c C. Blood gases D.Vitamin D
Answer: C Rationale: Blood gases are often urgent for assessing respiratory status.
- The main risk of shaking blood specimens is: A.Clotting B. Hemolysis C. Contamination D.Evaporation Answer: B Rationale: Vigorous shaking damages red blood cells.
- Which patient position reduces risk of fainting? A.Standing B.Sitting upright C. Reclining D.Walking Answer: C Rationale: Reclining improves blood flow to the brain and reduces syncope risk.
- What is the function of EDTA? A.Preserve glucose
