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Ready to Ace Your Phlebotomy Exam? Take the Free Practice Test!

Think you can ace our phlebotomy test practice? Challenge yourself today!

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Patrick TuiteUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for phlebotomy knowledge quiz on a golden yellow background.

This phlebotomy practice test helps you prepare for certification with realistic, timed questions. Work through venipuncture steps, order of draw, tubes, and safety so you can spot gaps before the exam and build speed. When you want a deeper run, switch to a full-length mock exam to simulate test day.

Which additive is in the light-blue top tube used for coagulation studies such as PT and aPTT?
Sodium citrate (3.2 percent)
EDTA (K2)
Sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate
Heparin (lithium)
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What is the recommended angle of needle insertion for routine antecubital venipuncture?
90 degrees
35 to 45 degrees
15 to 30 degrees
5 to 10 degrees
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The primary purpose of the tourniquet in venipuncture is to
Sterilize the venipuncture site
Prevent hemolysis of the sample
Increase arterial pressure for better flow
Engorge veins by temporarily restricting venous blood flow
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Which vein is generally preferred for routine venipuncture in the antecubital area?
Basilic vein
Median cubital vein
Dorsal hand vein
Femoral vein
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Maximum recommended tourniquet application time prior to venipuncture is
5 minutes
1 minute
2 minutes
30 seconds
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The first step in resolving an identification discrepancy at the bedside is to
Ask a coworker to confirm the patient by sight
Politely stop and verify identity using two unique identifiers and the order
Proceed if the patient states their name
Label tubes later at the nurses station
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Which additive is in lavender or purple top tubes?
EDTA
Lithium heparin
No additive, serum only
Sodium citrate
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Correct order of draw for venipuncture using evacuated tubes is
Blood culture, gray, light blue, red/gold, green, lavender
Blood culture, light blue, red/gold, green, lavender, gray
Red/gold, light blue, blood culture, lavender, green, gray
Light blue, blood culture, red/gold, green, lavender, gray
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Which tube additive preserves glucose by inhibiting glycolysis?
EDTA
Sodium citrate
Sodium fluoride with potassium oxalate
Thrombin
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Which action most effectively prevents hemolysis during venipuncture?
Use the smallest gauge needle available (e.g., 27G)
Shake tubes vigorously to mix additives
Pull the plunger back rapidly on a syringe
Allow alcohol to dry completely before puncture
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For a patient with a mastectomy on the right side, where should venipuncture be performed?
Right arm if veins are more prominent
Either arm is acceptable without restrictions
Left arm, avoiding areas of edema or complications
Right arm above the mastectomy site
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Proper site cleansing for blood culture collection typically uses
Hydrogen peroxide
Chlorhexidine gluconate scrub
Plain tap water
Isopropyl alcohol only, no scrub
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What is the maximum safe heel puncture depth for a neonate?
3.5 mm
4.0 mm
2.0 mm
0.5 mm
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Which specimen should be transported on ice immediately after collection?
Triglycerides
TSH
ALT
Ammonia
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Capillary collection order of draw is
Blood gas, slides, EDTA, other additives, serum
Serum, EDTA, slides, blood gas, other additives
EDTA, blood gas, slides, serum, other additives
Slides, serum, blood gas, EDTA, other additives
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Before collecting an arterial blood gas from the radial artery, the phlebotomist should
Perform and interpret an Allen test
Use a 16-gauge needle for better flow
Have the patient pump their fist repeatedly
Apply a tourniquet for at least 1 minute
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Which test is most affected by tissue fluid contamination from excessive squeezing in capillary collection?
Hemoglobin
Cholesterol
Potassium
Sodium
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Which tube is required for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) testing?
Black top (sodium citrate) or lavender top per method
Gray top (fluoride-oxalate)
Gold top (SST) only
Red top (clot activator)
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For blood bank specimen labeling, which is essential at bedside collection?
Room number and physician name only
Specimen temperature at time of draw
Patient diagnosis code
Two unique patient identifiers and phlebotomist initials/date/time
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Which specimen handling is required for lactic acid measurement from venous blood?
Centrifuge immediately without chilling
Collect after exercise, keep at room temperature
Collect without prolonged tourniquet, place on ice, and deliver promptly
Expose to light to enhance stability
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Study Outcomes

  1. Perform Venipuncture Techniques -

    Apply proper needle selection, site identification, and blood draw methods to complete safe and accurate venipuncture.

  2. Apply Lab Safety Protocols -

    Implement standard infection control measures and personal protective equipment guidelines to maintain a safe phlebotomy environment.

  3. Analyze Sample Handling Procedures -

    Demonstrate correct labeling, storage, and transport of specimens to ensure sample integrity for reliable test results.

  4. Identify Blood Collection Tubes -

    Differentiate tube colors, additives, and order of draw to prevent cross-contamination and ensure accurate laboratory analysis.

  5. Evaluate Patient Identification and Preparation -

    Verify patient identity, obtain consent, and prepare the puncture site in accordance with national exam standards for phlebotomy practice tests.

  6. Assess Exam Readiness -

    Use scored quiz feedback to pinpoint knowledge gaps, track progress, and focus review efforts before the phlebotomy national exam practice test.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Patient Identification & Infection Control -

    Review the Joint Commission's two-identifier rule: always confirm patient name and date of birth against the wristband and test requisition before drawing blood, then perform a 20-second hand hygiene scrub and don gloves. Following CDC universal precautions minimizes risk to both patient and phlebotomist. This critical step is frequently emphasized in phlebotomy practice test scenarios.

  2. Vein Anatomy & Selection -

    Master vein landmarks in the antecubital fossa, prioritizing the median cubital vein for ease and patient comfort; cephalic and basilic veins serve as alternatives. Palpate gently and have the patient make a fist to engorge vessels for better visualization (University of Washington Clinical Skills). Vein selection is frequently tested on phlebotomy test practice quizzes.

  3. Order of Draw & Mnemonic Tricks -

    Memorize "Boys Love Ravishing Girls Like Dieters Love Greek Salad" to remember the correct sequence: Blood culture, Light blue, Red, Gold, Green, Lavender, Gray. Adhering to CLSI guidelines prevents additive carry-over and ensures accurate test results. This mnemonic appears in many free phlebotomy practice test resources.

  4. Venipuncture Technique & Needle Angle -

    Insert the needle bevel-up at a 15° - 30° angle, anchoring the vein 1 - 2 inches below the puncture site to prevent rolling and to ensure smooth blood flow. If blood return is sluggish, slightly adjust the angle or advance the needle tip a few millimeters rather than re-inserting. These technique details are commonly assessed in the phlebotomy national exam practice test.

  5. Specimen Handling & Tube Mixing -

    Immediately invert additive tubes gently 3 - 8 times (e.g., lavender tubes require 8 inversions for EDTA) to mix additives without causing hemolysis, then label tubes at the bedside within five minutes with date, time, and initials. Avoid vigorous shaking that can damage cells and invalidate results. Proper handling is a staple question on phlebotomy practice quizzes.

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