NCCT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A specimen collected in a light blue-top tube is received by the lab with a fill level at only 50%. What will the lab most likely do? → Reject the specimen
2. Which laboratory department performs blood typing, crossmatching, and antibody screening? → Blood bank (immunohematology/transfusion services)
3. What is a 'requisition' in phlebotomy? → A written or electronic order for laboratory tests
4. Which of the following is not necessary for a properly filled out requisition? → Patient history
5. Which vessel is palpated and avoided during venipuncture because it pulses? → Brachial artery
6. Which regulatory body requires that POCT facilities comply with CLIA standards? → Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
7. Which organization is in charge of overseeing lab workplace safety? → Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
8. How long should a tourniquet remain on the arm before it must be released during venipuncture? → 1 minute
9. Which plasma protein is essential for blood clot formation? → Fibrinogen
10. What should a phlebotomist check on the requisition before entering the patient's room? → Patient name, test(s) ordered, date/time, special requirements, and ordering physician
11. What does the delta check in laboratory quality assurance evaluate? → The comparison of a patient's current results to their previous results for the same test
12. When collecting blood cultures from a patient, which site should be cleaned first? → The venipuncture site on the patient
13. A phlebotomist arrives to draw blood from a sleeping patient. What is the correct approach? → Gently wake the patient and verify their identity before drawing
14. When collecting a throat swab for rapid strep testing, where should the swab be applied? → The posterior pharynx and tonsillar area
15. What does 'lipemia' indicate in a blood sample? → Excess lipids causing a cloudy or milky appearance
16. The tricuspid valve is located between which two chambers of the heart? → Right atrium and right ventricle
17. What is the purpose of the buffy coat layer visible after blood centrifugation? → It is a thin layer of white blood cells and platelets between plasma and red blood cells
18. What is the primary role of albumin in the blood? → Maintaining osmotic pressure and transporting substances
19. What size venipuncture needle has the smallest gauge? → 23
20. What is the purpose of applying steady pressure without milking or squeezing during capillary collection? → To prevent hemolysis and tissue fluid contamination
21. When drawing blood for a patient with suspected tuberculosis, which type of isolation precaution requires the use of a fitted N95 respirator? → Airborne Precautions
22. What is the outcome of the 3.2% sodium citrate additive? → The prevention of clotting by binding calcium.
23. Which medical term means an abnormally low platelet count? → Thrombocytopenia
24. What does the term 'hematocrit' measure? → Percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells
25. What is the purpose of a butterfly (winged infusion) needle set? → To access small or difficult veins with greater control
26. Why should blood specimens for coagulation testing NOT be collected from a heparin lock or heparinized line? → Residual heparin will falsely prolong coagulation test results
27. Which term describes the collapse of a vein during blood collection? → Vein collapse
28. Which of the following is a critical timing requirement for blood culture collection? → Collections from different sites should be drawn at separate venipuncture sites
29. What is the primary function of red blood cells? → Transport oxygen via hemoglobin
30. When performing venipuncture using the evacuated tube system, what indicates that the needle has entered the vein? → A flash of blood appears in the hub of the needle or tubing