Phlebotomy Test Phlebotomy Exam Simulation

Question 1

A physician orders a prothrombin time (PT/INR). Which tube is collected FIRST if no other tubes are being drawn?

Accepted Answer

Light blue top (sodium citrate)

Answer

Sodium citrate tubes for coagulation tests must be the first tube collected (after a discard tube in some protocols) to avoid EDTA or additive contamination that would interfere with coagulation testing.

Question 2

During venipuncture, the needle bevel should be positioned:

Accepted Answer

Upward (facing away from the skin)

Answer

The needle bevel must be up (facing the ceiling) so the sharp cutting edge enters the vein cleanly and blood enters the needle without the bevel edge cutting the vessel wall.

Question 3

A patient identifies themselves, but the name on the tube label doesn't match the requisition. The phlebotomist should:

Accepted Answer

Stop the procedure and resolve the discrepancy before drawing blood

Answer

Any patient identification discrepancy must be resolved BEFORE drawing blood; collecting on a mislabeled specimen is a serious patient safety error that can cause wrong-patient results.

Question 4

Which of the following represents the CORRECT order of draw for a patient requiring a CBC, BMP, and INR?

Accepted Answer

Light blue → Gold → Lavender

Answer

The correct order is light blue (sodium citrate/INR) first, then gold (SST/BMP) second, then lavender (EDTA/CBC) last, following the established CLSI order of draw.

Question 5

A tourniquet should be released:

Accepted Answer

As soon as blood begins flowing into the collection tube

Answer

The tourniquet should be released as soon as blood flow is established (within 1 minute of application) to prevent hemoconcentration and altered test results from prolonged venous occlusion.

Phlebotomy Practice Test Practice Test

Phlebotomy Practice Test Practice Test

Phlebotomy Test Phlebotomy Exam Simulation