NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Exam practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q1To calculate the blood volume of a newborn, which equation should you use?
✓ Correct answer: D. 1 kilogram of body weight = 80 milliliters of blood volume
Answer: 1 kilogram of body weight = 80 milliliters of blood volume Calculating total blood volume may be necessary for certain patients at risk of iatrogenic anemia. Actual blood volume is based on weight and is calculated using the equation of 1 kilogram of body weight = 80 milliliters of blood volume.
Q2In an outpatient laboratory setting, phlebotomists must effectively communicate with patients and their families. Which of the following strategies would NOT hinder effective communication?
✓ Correct answer: D. Using clear and simple language
Answer: Using clear and simple language Using clear and simple language facilitates effective communication, as it ensures that patients and their families accurately understand the information being conveyed. In contrast, using medical jargon, ignoring non-verbal cues, and assuming understanding without feedback can create barriers to effective communication.
Q3During blood collection, it is crucial to avoid removing too much blood from a neonate. What amount of blood loss, relative to the neonate's total blood volume, can be life-threatening?
✓ Correct answer: A. More than 10%
Answer: More than 10% More than 10% blood loss in a short period of time can be life-threatening for a neonate and may lead to cardiac arrest or death. Phlebotomists should be vigilant in monitoring blood volumes during collection, especially in vulnerable populations like neonates, to avoid critical blood loss.
Q4To ensure the safety of pediatric patients during blood draws, the clinic has a policy that limits the amount of blood that can be drawn to 3% of a child's total blood volume in a 14-day period. A 5-year-old male patient who weighs 40 pounds is scheduled for multiple blood tests. Which of the following is true about volume requirements for this high-risk patient? The average blood volume for a child is 80 mL per kilogram of body weight.
✓ Correct answer: B. The total volume of blood that is drawn over 14 days should not exceed 44 mL.
Answer: The total volume of blood that is drawn over 14 days should not exceed 44 mL. Convert the weight from pounds to kilograms (1 lb = 0.454 kg) 40 lbs = 18.16 kg Calculate the total blood volume (18.16 kg x 80 mL) = 1452.80 mL Calculate 3% of blood volume (0.03 x 1452.80 mL) = 43.584 mL The total blood that can be drawn from this patient during a 14-day period is 43.584 mL. The patient's age and weight dictate the blood volume requirements, while gender and specific conditions do not affect them.
Q5Michael is in the laboratory attempting to collect a blood sample for arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. He experiences difficulty obtaining a smooth and continuous blood flow from the arterial site. Which of the following should Michael do to improve the collection of the arterial blood sample?
✓ Correct answer: C. Use heparinized syringe
Answer: Use heparinized syringe When collecting samples for arterial blood gas analyses, a heparinized syringe is used to prevent coagulation and to help maintain the integrity of the blood sample. Using a larger needle or applying excessive pressure can damage the arterial structure, while using a tourniquet is not appropriate for arterial blood sampling.
Q6What is an advantage of using the microcollection container for capillary blood gases?
✓ Correct answer: A. They eliminate the need for arterial puncture
Answer: They eliminate the need for arterial puncture Arterial puncture for blood gas analysis can be technically challenging and painful. Using a microcollection container for capillary blood gases allows the phlebotomist to collect the sample from a capillary bed, typically from a finger or heel stick, which is less invasive and safer than arterial collection.
Q7When handling a biohazard spill in the lab, at what stage should a technician remove their gloves?
✓ Correct answer: C. After safely disposing of all contaminated materials
Answer: After safely disposing of all contaminated materials Gloves should be removed and hands sanitized after handling and disposing of all contaminated materials to prevent the spread of biohazards. Ensure the area is cleaned before removing gloves to maintain a sterile environment. Gloves should not be removed before the cleanup is completed or after leaving the lab as this increases the risk of cross-contamination.
Q8Which of the following items should not be discarded in a red biohazard waste bag?
✓ Correct answer: B. Unused gauze pads
Answer: Unused gauze pads Unused gauze pads do not contain biohazardous material and can go in the regular trash. It is essential to avoid placing non-biohazardous items in biohazard waste bags to prevent unnecessary disposal costs and to leave space for hazardous materials. Contaminated needles, blood-soaked bandages, and used lancets should all be discarded in appropriate biohazard containers to minimize the risk of exposure to potentially infectious materials.
Q9According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, proper handling of needlestick injuries involves:
✓ Correct answer: C. Immediately washing the area with soap and water and reporting the injury
Answer: Immediately washing the area with soap and water and reporting the injury OSHA guidelines emphasize that healthcare workers should immediately wash the area of needlestick injury with soap and water, report the injury to a supervisor, and seek medical evaluation. Applying antiseptic or alcohol wipes is not sufficient as it does not replace immediate soap and water washing. Delay in reporting can hinder timely intervention, and bandaging without reporting can result in serious health consequences.
Q10What is the primary purpose of implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in a phlebotomy lab?
✓ Correct answer: D. To ensure consistency and quality in sampling procedures
Answer: To ensure consistency and quality in sampling procedures Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are designed to ensure that all procedures are performed consistently and to a high standard, beyond merely meeting minimum requirements. This helps maintain quality control and accurate results in lab environments.
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