Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) MCQ Flashcards
7 cards from real Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) MCQ flashcards as text
A blood culture collection requires which of the following skin antiseptic protocols?
Answer: Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine gluconate after alcohol
Blood cultures require a two-step disinfection: 70% isopropyl alcohol followed by either povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine gluconate to reduce the risk of contamination.
Which tube color is used to collect specimens for lead testing?
Answer: Royal blue (EDTA)
Royal blue-top tubes with EDTA are used for trace element and heavy metal testing, including lead, because they are manufactured to minimize metal contamination.
A phlebotomist notices petechiae on a patient's arm after tourniquet application. This finding may indicate:
Answer: A platelet or capillary disorder
Petechiae (small red spots) appearing after tourniquet use suggest a possible platelet deficiency or capillary fragility disorder and should be reported to the clinician.
What is the maximum recommended time a tourniquet should remain applied before venipuncture?
Answer: 1 minute
A tourniquet should not remain in place for more than 1 minute, as prolonged application causes hemoconcentration and can alter test results.
When collecting a specimen for ammonia testing, which special handling step is required?
Answer: Place specimen on ice and transport immediately
Ammonia specimens must be placed on ice immediately after collection and transported quickly because ammonia levels rise rapidly at room temperature.
Which of the following is the correct angle of needle insertion for a standard venipuncture?
Answer: 15–30 degrees
A needle angle of 15–30 degrees is recommended for venipuncture to allow entry into the vein without going through the posterior wall.
A patient has a cast on the right arm and a fistula on the left arm. Where should the phlebotomist collect the specimen?
Answer: Hand veins on the left
An arm with an AV fistula must never be used for venipuncture due to risk of infection and inaccurate results; hand veins on the opposite (left) side are the safest alternative when the right arm is also unavailable.