CPT Phlebotomy Technician practice questions with answers

Answer: C) Document events so the facility can improve safety

• AIncorrect. It's for documentation and improvement.
• BIncorrect. It's for improvement.
• CCorrect. It isn't meant as a disciplinary record.
• DIncorrect. It's a separate internal record.

Answer: A) Undocumented actions may be treated as not done

• ACorrect. Accurate records protect patients and staff.
• BIncorrect. It concerns legal proof.
• CIncorrect. It's required.
• DIncorrect. It applies to all care.

Answer: A) Take the centrifuge out of service, document and report the failed check, and spin patient specimens in a centrifuge that has passed its checks

Lab equipment such as centrifuges must pass documented maintenance and function checks within the manufacturer's limits before patient specimens are processed. A unit that fails should be removed from service, and the failure documented and reported.

• ACorrect. CLIA requires function checks to be within the manufacturer's limits before patient testing, and maintenance and function checks must be documented. An out-of-limit centrifuge could separate specimens poorly or fail mechanically, so it must not be used until it is repaired and passes its checks again.
• BIncorrect. Changing spin time to make up for a failed check is not a validated procedure and does not correct the problem. Equipment that fails its function check should not be used for patient specimens.
• CIncorrect. Visual separation does not confirm correct speed or force. Incomplete separation or cell damage may not be visible and can affect test results. The check must be within limits before patient use.
• DIncorrect. Documenting the failure is required, but it is not enough. The centrifuge must be removed from patient use until it is serviced and passes its function check.

Answer: C) Confirm immunity

• AIncorrect. It measures hepatitis B antibodies.
• BIncorrect. It measures hepatitis B antibodies.
• CCorrect. A positive antibody level shows protection.
• DIncorrect. It measures hepatitis B antibodies.

Answer: C) Lower hematocrit from hemodilution

• AIncorrect. Values can change.
• BIncorrect. Plasma volume rises more than red cells.
• CCorrect. Pregnancy reference ranges may differ.
• DIncorrect. Blood type doesn't change.

Answer: C) Higher hemoglobin and red cell counts

• AIncorrect. Newborn values are higher.
• BIncorrect. Newborn values are higher.
• CCorrect. Values fall during the first months.
• DIncorrect. Newborn values differ.

Answer: A) Avoid that arm

• ACorrect. An arm with an AV fistula must not be used for venipuncture.
• BIncorrect. Using the fistula can damage the patient's dialysis access.
• CIncorrect. Pressure can damage the fistula.
• DIncorrect. The fistula arm must be avoided.

Answer: C) Anchor the vein more firmly

• AIncorrect. The tourniquet helps the vein stay visible.
• BIncorrect. Slow insertion lets the vein roll more.
• CCorrect. Pulling the skin taut below the site holds the vein in place.
• DIncorrect. Pressing above can collapse the vein.

Answer: C) Smoothly, same angle

• AIncorrect. Press only after the needle is out.
• BIncorrect. Twisting damages tissue.
• CCorrect. A smooth withdrawal at the same angle reduces tissue damage.
• DIncorrect. Jerky motion causes injury.

Answer: D) Potassium reads falsely high

• AIncorrect. EDTA carryover can alter results.
• BIncorrect. EDTA carryover mainly affects potassium and calcium.
• CIncorrect. Tubes do not change color.
• DCorrect. EDTA contains potassium and binds calcium, so it can raise potassium and lower calcium results.

Answer: C) Hold the holder steady so the needle doesn't move

• AIncorrect. Keep a steady hold.
• BIncorrect. Keep it steady.
• CCorrect. Movement can cause pain or a hematoma.
• DIncorrect. Keep it steady.

Answer: A) The aerobic bottle

• ACorrect. With a butterfly, the aerobic bottle goes first so tubing air enters it, not the anaerobic bottle.
• BIncorrect. Air from the tubing would enter the anaerobic bottle.
• CIncorrect. Blood cultures are drawn before other tubes.
• DIncorrect. Bottle order matters with a winged set.

Answer: A) Empty all pockets and show the collector the items in them

Before a chain-of-custody drug screen, the donor empties their pockets and shows the contents, takes off outer garments, and leaves personal belongings outside the restroom. This keeps anything that could be used to tamper with the specimen out of the collection area.

• ACorrect. Federal collection procedures require the donor to empty their pockets and show the contents, so nothing that could adulterate or substitute the specimen is brought into the collection site.
• BIncorrect. Drinking extra fluid before collection can dilute the specimen. The donor is not told to hydrate beforehand.
• CIncorrect. Personal belongings such as a purse or briefcase stay with the collector or in an agreed location, because they could be used to hide adulterants.
• DIncorrect. The donor is told not to flush. Water sources are secured so the specimen cannot be diluted or substituted.

Answer: C) About 55%

• AIncorrect. This is too low.
• BIncorrect. Plasma is the largest part of blood.
• CCorrect. Plasma is roughly 55% of blood; cells make up about 45%.
• DIncorrect. Cells make up a large share of blood too.

Answer: A) Laboratory information system (LIS)

The laboratory information system (LIS) is where specimen orders are entered, accession numbers are assigned, and specimens are tracked through to result reporting.

• ACorrect. The LIS logs and tracks specimens and their accession numbers, manages workflow, and reports results to providers.
• BIncorrect. PACS stores and displays medical images such as X-rays and CT scans. It does not track laboratory specimens.
• CIncorrect. A practice management system handles scheduling, registration and billing. It does not accession or track specimens through testing.
• DIncorrect. A pharmacy system manages medication orders and dispensing, not laboratory specimens.