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
When labeling a blood specimen tube, which information is REQUIRED at the bedside before leaving the patient?
Answer: Patient name, date of birth, date/time of collection, and phlebotomist ID
CLSI and accreditation standards require that tubes be labeled at the time of collection with patient identifiers (name, DOB), collection date/time, and the collector's ID.
A newborn heelstick should be performed at which depth to avoid bone puncture?
Answer: No more than 2.0 mm
Neonatal heelstick lancets should not penetrate more than 2.0 mm to avoid puncturing the calcaneus bone and causing osteomyelitis.
Which of the following represents a pre-analytical error in phlebotomy?
Answer: Misidentifying the patient before collection
Pre-analytical errors occur before the specimen reaches the analyzer; patient misidentification during collection is a classic and dangerous pre-analytical error.
What is the purpose of warming the heelstick site before performing a capillary puncture on a neonate?
Answer: To increase arterial blood flow and improve specimen volume
Warming the site (up to 42°C for 3–5 minutes) causes local vasodilation, arterialization of capillary blood, and increased blood flow for adequate specimen collection.
Which of the following is the CORRECT chain of custody procedure when collecting a forensic or legal blood specimen (e.g., blood alcohol)?
Answer: Document every transfer of the specimen and use a sealed, initialed evidence bag
Forensic specimens require strict chain-of-custody documentation — every person who handles the specimen must sign and date to ensure integrity and admissibility.
A phlebotomist is asked to collect a timed specimen for cortisol. The order states '8 AM fasting.' The patient says they ate at 7:30 AM. What should the phlebotomist do?
Answer: Collect the specimen and document the patient's non-fasting status
The phlebotomist should collect the specimen since the timed draw is clinically critical, but must document the patient's actual fasting status so clinicians can interpret results accurately.
What is the PRIMARY reason for allowing alcohol to dry completely after site preparation before performing a venipuncture?
Answer: To prevent stinging, hemolysis, and inaccurate ethanol test results
Wet alcohol at the puncture site causes patient stinging, can hemolyze the specimen, and will falsely elevate blood alcohol (ethanol) test results.