CHBT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What does ACT (Activated Clotting Time) measure in the context of hemodialysis anticoagulation monitoring? → The time for whole blood to clot, used to assess the adequacy of heparin anticoagulation
2. Which NFPA standard specifically governs electrical safety requirements in health care facilities, including dialysis units? → NFPA 99
3. Which of the following is the primary functional unit of the kidney? → Nephron
4. What is the maximum allowable endotoxin level in hemodialysis product water per AAMI standards? → 0.25 EU/mL
5. What is the function of a water softener in the pre-treatment stage of a dialysis water system? → To remove calcium and magnesium ions that would foul and damage the RO membrane
6. The term "sieving coefficient of a membrane" refers to the: → fraction of solute that passes through the membrane by convection.
7. During biomedical equipment inspection, an insulation resistance test on a dialysis machine reads 0.5 megaohm. What does this indicate? → Degraded insulation that may pose a safety hazard
8. A hemodialysis machine displays a 'transmembrane pressure (TMP) high' alarm. What is the most likely cause? → Clotting within the dialyzer fibers, increasing resistance to ultrafiltration
9. What is the consequence of using dialysate with too low a sodium concentration? → Hyponatremia, hypotension, muscle cramps, and risk of cerebral edema
10. During a hemodialysis treatment, a patient reports chest pain and shortness of breath. The technician should: → Stop the treatment immediately, call for emergency assistance, and monitor the patient
11. Which record must be maintained for every hemodialysis machine to document its preventive maintenance, repairs, and disinfection history? → Machine maintenance log
12. Which patient condition is a contraindication to standard heparin anticoagulation during hemodialysis? → Active intracranial hemorrhage or recent neurosurgery
13. In biomedical engineering terms, what does 'applied part' mean in the context of IEC 60601-1 for dialysis equipment? → The part of equipment that comes into physiological contact with the patient
14. Which ion in dialysate is primarily responsible for controlling dialysate conductivity? → Sodium
15. The most common cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States is: → diabetes.
16. What is the purpose of a 5-micron sediment filter placed upstream of the carbon tanks? → To remove particulate matter that would clog or foul the carbon beds and RO membrane
17. What gauge needle is most commonly used for cannulation of an arteriovenous graft or fistula in hemodialysis? → 15–16 gauge
18. Intradialytic hypotension is most commonly caused by: → Excessive ultrafiltration rate exceeding plasma refill capacity
19. A patient on hemodialysis is known to have heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Which anticoagulant is safe to use as an alternative? → Argatroban or lepirudin (direct thrombin inhibitors)
20. What is the purpose of the venous pressure monitor in the hemodialysis blood circuit? → To detect access recirculation or obstruction in the return line
21. All of the following statements about vitamins in dialysis patients are true EXCEPT: → dialysis does not remove water-soluble vitamins.
22. What is the purpose of bicarbonate in hemodialysis dialysate? → To correct metabolic acidosis by providing a buffer that crosses into the patient's blood
23. What is 'microshock' hazard in hemodialysis patients particularly relevant for those with central venous catheters? → Currents as low as 10–20 microamperes applied directly to the heart
24. Which of the following conditions is LEAST likely to be caused by uremia? → Urinary tract infection
25. What chemical is commonly used to disinfect a hemodialysis water distribution loop? → Peracetic acid or sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
26. A CHBT technician notices a patient's access site is bleeding excessively after needle removal. What is the first step? → Apply direct pressure to the site with sterile gauze
27. Which document must be verified before initiating a dialysis treatment to ensure patient safety? → The physician's dialysis prescription order
28. Which lab value should be monitored in a patient receiving continuous heparin anticoagulation during hemodialysis to detect over-anticoagulation? → Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) or Activated Clotting Time (ACT)
29. Which regulatory standard requires dialysis facilities to have a written emergency preparedness plan? → CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule (42 CFR Part 494)
30. The ultrafiltration coefficient of a dialyzer refers to the: → fluid that passes through the membrane in 1 hour.