Phlebotomy Test Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the maximum recommended tourniquet application time before venipuncture? → 1 minute
2. Turnaround time (TAT) monitoring is classified as which type of quality indicator? → Process quality indicator covering all phases
3. What is 'venipuncture site rotation' most important for in patients requiring frequent blood draws? → Preventing vein damage, scarring, and thrombosis from repeated puncture at the same site
4. When drawing blood from a pediatric patient, which communication approach is most appropriate? → Use age-appropriate language and explain what will happen in simple terms
5. A patient requests a copy of their own lab results. Under HIPAA, the covered entity must generally provide access within: → 30 days (with a possible 30-day extension)
6. Which area of the neonatal heel is the CORRECT site for a heelstick? → Medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel
7. Which of the following is a sign that a venipuncture needle has been inserted too deeply? → No blood return despite correct technique, and the patient feels sharp deep pain
8. The additive in a green top tube is typically which of the following? → Lithium Heparin
9. Hemolysis in a specimen causes falsely ELEVATED results for which analyte? → Potassium
10. When reconstituting a lyophilized (freeze-dried) control or reagent, which technique ensures the most accurate result? → Gently swirl and roll the vial until fully dissolved without introducing bubbles
11. Which tube color is used for collecting specimens requiring EDTA as an anticoagulant? → Lavender
12. When a pediatric patient has difficult veins, which site is acceptable for venipuncture in children under 12 months? → Scalp veins (superficial temporal or frontal veins)
13. Which of the following specimens requires collection in a tan-top (K2EDTA) tube for lead testing in adults? → Whole blood in a tan-top (K2EDTA) tube
14. Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)? → Drawing blood and ensuring proper specimen labeling
15. Which additive in a light-blue (sodium citrate) tube requires a specific blood-to-additive ratio to ensure accurate coagulation results? → 9:1 blood to additive ratio
16. A heparin tube (green top) is positioned in the order of draw after the SST. Why is heparin drawn before EDTA but after SST? → Heparin carryover into EDTA tubes is less harmful than EDTA carryover into heparin tubes
17. Which ASCP-recognized principle requires that patient laboratory results be shared only with authorized healthcare personnel? → HIPAA confidentiality
18. Which patient position is PREFERRED to reduce the risk of vasovagal syncope during venipuncture? → Lying supine or seated with arm supported
19. Ethical non-maleficence in phlebotomy practice means: → Avoiding actions that cause unnecessary harm to the patient
20. Which NCCT certification is specifically designed for phlebotomy technicians? → NCPT
21. What is the correct action when a requisition order and the patient wristband do not match? → Do not perform the draw; notify the nurse immediately to resolve the discrepancy
22. Which of the following BEST describes 'hemoconcentration' caused by prolonged tourniquet use? → False elevation of large molecules like proteins and potassium
23. Which needle gauge is most commonly used for routine adult venipuncture? → 21 gauge
24. A patient identifies themselves, but the name on the tube label doesn't match the requisition. The phlebotomist should: → Stop the procedure and resolve the discrepancy before drawing blood
25. Which of the following is NOT an acceptable reason to reject a specimen in the laboratory? → Specimen collected 45 minutes before transport for routine chemistry
26. The ethical principle of 'Nonmaleficence' as it applies to phlebotomy is best described as: → The duty to 'do no harm' to the patient.
27. Light-sensitive specimens such as bilirubin or vitamin B12 should be: → Wrapped in foil or placed in amber containers to block light exposure
28. What is the CORRECT action if a patient has a dialysis fistula in one arm? → Avoid drawing blood from the fistula arm entirely
29. Which antiseptic is used to cleanse the venipuncture site before a routine blood draw? → 70% isopropyl alcohol
30. During a blood draw, gloves become visibly contaminated with blood. What is the appropriate action? → Stop, remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, and re-glove before continuing