ASPT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ASPT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. When selecting a needle gauge for syringe blood collection, the MOST important consideration is: → Matching gauge to vein size and required sample volume
2. What angle should the needle be inserted at during a standard venipuncture? → 15–30 degrees
3. A patient states they are afraid of needles. The most appropriate response before the venipuncture is to: → Acknowledge the concern, explain the procedure calmly, and allow questions
4. When conducting a risk assessment for ASPT operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
5. Standard Precautions apply to which of the following? → Blood, all body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes of ALL patients
6. How frequently should ongoing assessments be conducted in American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians practice? → At regular intervals based on established protocols and as conditions change
7. A specimen labeled 'STAT' arrives at the lab at the same time as a routine specimen. Which specimen should be processed first? → The STAT specimen, as it has higher priority
8. Which government agency sets the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard that protects healthcare workers from occupational exposure? → OSHA
9. What is the purpose of a delta check in laboratory quality assurance? → Compare a patient's current result to a previous result to flag unusual changes
10. What is the minimum volume of blood typically required to fill a blood culture bottle adequately? → 8–10 mL
11. During a difficult draw, the phlebotomist repositions the needle slightly. This is acceptable when: → Only minor forward or backward adjustment is made without lateral movement
12. Which tube color is used for prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) testing? → Light blue
13. What does 'SST' stand for in the context of blood collection tubes? → Serum Separator Tube
14. Which specimen type is collected in a green-top tube containing lithium heparin? → Plasma for chemistry tests
15. What is the correct centrifugation speed range for most routine blood specimens? → 1,500–2,500 × g
16. What is a key practice in specimen handling and processing? → Following protocols and safety guidelines
17. What does 'turnaround time' (TAT) measure in laboratory quality assurance? → Time from specimen collection to result reporting
18. When performing a heel stick on a newborn, which area of the heel is the CORRECT puncture site? → The medial or lateral plantar surface
19. Which nerve runs near the basilic vein in the antecubital area, making it a higher-risk venipuncture site? → Medial cutaneous nerve of the forearm
20. What is a key practice in specimen collection techniques? → Following protocols and safety guidelines
21. Which of the following best describes a 'fomite' in the context of infection transmission? → An inanimate object that carries and transfers infectious agents
22. The purpose of an exposure control plan in a phlebotomy setting is to: → Outline steps to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens
23. What is a key practice in safety and infection control? → Following protocols and safety guidelines
24. What is a key practice in patient preparation? → Following protocols and safety guidelines
25. When processing a specimen for plasma, what step differentiates it from serum preparation? → Plasma can be centrifuged immediately without waiting for clot formation
26. When a patient is receiving an IV infusion, the phlebotomist should ideally collect the blood sample from: → The opposite arm from the IV infusion
27. What is a key practice in patient preparation? → Following protocols and safety guidelines
28. The gray-top tube contains which combination of additives? → Potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride
29. What is a key practice in specimen handling and processing? → Following protocols and safety guidelines
30. Which PPE item is most important when performing a venipuncture on a patient with a known bloodborne infection? → Gloves