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.
Q21What is the normal range for adult blood pressure?
✓ Correct answer: B. 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg
Answer: 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg Phlebotomists may check a patient's blood pressure to ensure it is within the normal range. The normal range for adult blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg is considered hypotensive, while blood pressure above 120/80 mmHg is considered hypertensive.
Q22How long does it typically take for a laboratory to process a routine blood culture test?
✓ Correct answer: A. 48-72 hours
Answer: 48-72 hours Routine blood culture tests typically take between 48 to 72 hours to process because they require time for bacterial growth and subsequent identification.
Q23In a clinical setting, what is the term used to describe the process of blood collection throughout different times of the day to account for physiological variations?
✓ Correct answer: D. Diurnal variations
Answer: Diurnal variations Diurnal variations refer to changes in physiological parameters such as hormone levels, blood pressure, and other bodily functions that occur at different times throughout the day. Understanding these variations is crucial in a clinical setting to ensure accurate blood collection and analysis.
Q24A phlebotomist working in a pediatric clinic receives an order for a blood draw. In which situation should the phlebotomist ask for a nurse’s help?
✓ Correct answer: A. The patient is a newborn requiring a heel stick blood collection.
Answer: The patient is a newborn requiring a heel stick blood collection. A nurse or specialized staff should perform heel stick blood collections on newborns. Special precautions and techniques are needed for newborns to ensure their safety and to obtain an accurate sample. This type of collection requires specialized training and equipment to avoid injury or infection.
Q25What is a primary disadvantage of using a centrifuge over manual separation when processing blood samples?
✓ Correct answer: C. Centrifuges can cause hemolysis if not used properly
Centrifuges can cause hemolysis, which is the destruction of red blood cells, if the machine is not operated correctly. This is a significant disadvantage compared to manual separation methods, which are less likely to cause hemolysis.
Q26When processing blood samples labeled as urgent or for critical conditions, what should be done with the results?
✓ Correct answer: B. Confirmed for accuracy by 'read-back'
Answer: Confirmed for accuracy by 'read-back' When phoning test results, it is important to make certain the person receiving the results is authorized to receive the information, writes it down, and then reads it back to you for accuracy. This practice is known as 'read-back.' Urgent and critical condition test results are reported to the physician right away, not to the patient. Results are reported first before a decision is made about repeating the test if indicated.
Q27Jon is a phlebotomist working at a mobile clinic that provides healthcare services at various community centers. He needs to collect and process blood specimens from multiple patients in one day. After drawing blood and labeling the samples, what is the most appropriate step Jon should take to ensure proper processing of the specimens?
✓ Correct answer: D. Contact a specialized lab courier service trained in handling biological samples to transport the specimens securely
The best way to coordinate processing for specimens in a mobile clinic setup is to use specialized couriers trained in handling biological samples. These couriers are equipped with the necessary tools to ensure that the specimens are transported securely and arrive at the lab without being compromised. Improper handling or transport of specimens can lead to sample degradation, incorrect results, and potential fines or legal issues.
Q28What does the appearance of a flash of blood in the barrel of a syringe indicate during an arterial blood gas (ABG) draw?
✓ Correct answer: D. That the needle is in the artery
Answer: That the needle is in the artery During an arterial blood gas (ABG) draw, a flash of blood in the syringe barrel indicates that the needle is correctly positioned in the artery. This is essential for obtaining an arterial blood sample. If the blood stops flowing, repositioning the needle may be necessary to resume blood flow.
Q29Which of the following is NOT an objective of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996?
✓ Correct answer: C. To increase the accessibility of complete medical records to the general public
Answer: To increase the accessibility of complete medical records to the general public HIPAA establishes guidelines to ensure the privacy and security of patient health information. While it promotes the patient's control over their own health data and aims to combat healthcare fraud and abuse, it does not support public access to complete medical records.
Q30Before a 24-hour urine collection, what should the phlebotomist instruct the patient to do to ensure accurate results?
✓ Correct answer: C. Discard the first-morning urine sample
Answer: Discard the first-morning urine sample For a 24-hour urine collection, the patient should discard the first-morning urine sample to start the collection period with an empty bladder. This helps ensure that the collected urine represents the entire 24-hour period accurately.
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