Test 1

1. A phlebotomy technician (PBT) is collecting a urine specimen from a pt for a pre-employment

drug test. Which of the following actions should the technician take?
a. Ensure the specimen is within a temperature range pf 21.1o to 26.6o C (69.9F to 79.8 F)
b. Take the temperature of the specimen within 8 mins of collection
c. Instruct the pt (patient) to flush the toilet after filling the collection container
d. Verify that the specimen contains at least 45 mL of urine
2. A PBT is preparing to draw blood from a pt in an inpatient setting. The pt extended his arm and
his head away. This action by the pt is an exp of which of the following types of consent?
a. Informed consent
b. Implied consent
c. Refusal of consent
d. Expressed consent
3. How frequently should a PBT perform a quality control test on a glucometer in the lab?
a. Every month the meter is used
b. Every week the meter is used
c. Every day the meter is used
d. Every 6 months the meter is used
4. A PBT is disposing of used supplies when he accidentally receives a needlestick injury. According
to OSHA guidelines, which of the following actions should the PBT take first?
a. Seek out counseling about the incident
b. Go to a medical facility for evaluation
c. Wash the puncture site with soap and water
d. Report the incident to the supervisor
5. A PBT receives a chemical splash to his forearm. After removing his contaminated clothing,
which of the following is the minimum amount of time the PBT should rinse the affected area?
a. 3 min
b. 5 min
c. 10 min
d. 15 min
6. Which of the following test results are affected when a PBT uses povidone-iodine to cleanse a
site for a dermal puncture?
a. Glucose
b. Blood urea nitrogen
c. Potassium
d. Coagulation studies
7. Which of the following actions should a PBT take to locate a vein using the warming technique?
a. Heat a clean towel to 45o C (113 F)
b. Wrap the warm towel around the site for 1 to 2 min
c. Encase the warm towel in a plastic bag
d. Ask the pt to rinse her hands in warm water for 2 min.
8. A PBT is applying a tourniquet prior to collecting a blood specimen from a pt. Which of the
following actions should the PBT take?
a. Place the tourniquet 5 cm (2 in) above the antecubital space
 b. Tuck a partial loop of tourniquet underneath the tourniquet
c. Allow space for 2 fingers beneath the tourniquet
d. Release the tourniquet after the blood is full
9. A PBT has collected a blood specimen from a patient who is in an isolation room. Which of the
following pieces of PPE should the PBT remove first?
a. Gown
b. Gloves
c. Mask
d. Goggles
10. A PBT is preparing to perform a blood draw on a patient who had a left-sided mastectomy and
has an IV on her right side. In which of the following location should the PBT perform the draw?
a. Left median cubital vein
b. Above the IV
c. Left dorsal vein
d. Below the IV
11. A PBT should transport a semen sample in which of the following temperature?
a. -20o C to -10o C
b. 21o C to 23o C
c. 25o C to 30o C
d. 36o C to 38o C
12. For which of the following reasons should a PBT examine the antecubital areas in both of a
patient’s arms?
a. The median cubital vein could be more accessible on one side than the other.
b. The median cubital vein on the dominant arm tends to be anchored better
c. The median cubital vein in the nondominant arm tends to be inaccessible
d. The median cubital vein could bruise more easily on one side than the other.
13. PBT is preparing to dispose of contaminated sharps. According to OSHA standards, which of the
following actions should the PBT take?
a. Replace the sharp container when it is two third full.
b. Discard covered lancets into a metal trash receptable
c. Recap the needles before placing them into the sharp container.
d. Disassemble the evacuated tube system prior to dropping it into the sharp container.
14. Which of the following actions is a PBT required to take before leaving a patient’s room?
a. Ask the patient for feedback
b. Alert the nurse that she is leaving
c. Initial and mark the date and time on each tube drawn
d. Initial and mark the date and time on the requisition form
15. A PBT is removing his gloves after a venipuncture procedure. Which of the following actions
should the PBT take?
a. Grasp the tips of the fingers of one glove with the other gloved hand.
b. Remove the first glove so that it turns inside out during removal
c. Discard the first glove before removing the second glove
d. Tur the gloves right side out before discarding them
16. A PBT is educating a patient about the at-home collection of a semen specimen. Which of the
following statements by the patient indicates an understanding of the procedure?
a. “I will collect the specimen in a sterile container and refrigerate.”
b. “I will collect the specimen in a sterile container and return it to the lab within 1
hour.”
c. “I will collect the specimen in a clean condom and return in 3 hours.”
d. “I will abstain from ejaculation for 12 hours prior to the test.”
17. A PBT is collecting a blood specimen from a patient. Which of the following techniques should
the PBT use to anchor the vein just before inserting the needle?
a. Use the thumb to anchor the vein 5 cm (2 in) below the puncture site.
b. Attach a 5 cm (2 in) piece of hypoallergenic tape 7.5 cm (3 in) below the puncture site to
anchor the vein.
c. Anchor the vein 7.5 cm to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) above the puncture site
d. Apply a flat tourniquet snugly 2.5 cm (1 in) below the puncture site to anchor the vein.
18. A PBT should identify that which of the following colors signifies a health hazard in the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 Marking System?
a. Red
b. White
c. Yellow
d. Blue
19. A PBT is preparing a peripheral blood smear from a patient’s capillary blood. Which of the
following actions should the PBT take?
a. Select the patient’s index finger for the capillary blood draw
b. Use the second drop of blood that emerges from the puncture
c. Position the puncture device so it cuts along the lines of the finger print
d. Touch the slide to the blood at least 3.8 cm (1.5 in) from the end of the slide.
20. A PBT has a request to collect a routine CBC from a healthy 10-month-old infant. Which of the
following collection sites should the PBT select?
a. Third finger of either hand
b. Median antecubital vein
c. Cephalic vein
d. Either heel
21. A PBT is using a POC test system to determine a patient’s WBC count. For which of the following
results should the PBT immediately notify the provider?
a. 1.8/mm3 (normal range: 4.4 to 11/mm3 for WBC count)
b. 4.6/ mm3
c. 7.4/ mm3
d. 10.8/ mm3
22. A PBT is selecting a site to collect a blood specimen from a patient. After applying a tourniquet,
the technician sees no apparent vein to use for the venipuncture. Which of the following actions
should the PBT take?
a. Apply an inflate a blood pressure cuff to 60 mm Hg
b. Puncture the area where the patient’s vein should be located.
c. Tap the area repeatedly until a vein appears.
 d. Have the patient dangle her arm for 1 to 2 min.
23. Which of the following actions should a PBT take to maintain compliance with HIPAA?
a. Discard test result into the office trash can
b. Leave patient’s information next to the printer
c. Clear phone numbers from the fax machine
d. Share passwords with other facility staff
24. A PBT is collecting a blood specimen from a patient to measure the trough level of a medication.
The PBT should collect the specimen at which of the following time?
a. Within 15 mins before the patient receives the next dose of medication
b. Less than 15 mins after the patient receives a dose of the medication
c. At least 2 hours after the patient receives a dose of the medication
d. Approximately halfway between two doses of the medication
25. A PBT is performing a venipuncture using a winged infusion set. The red-topped tube fills, but
the light-blue-topped tube slows and does not fill completely. Which of the following actions
should the PBT take?
a. Tell the patient that another venipuncture will need to be performed
b. Write “insufficient quantity” on requisition form
c. Submit the partially filled light blue topped tube to the lab
d. Insert a new light blue topped to see if it will fill.
26. A PBT is preparing to draw blood from a patient who states that this is his first blood draw.
Which of the following action should the PBT take?
a. Explain he reason the test was ordered
b. Inform the patient of possible complication of the procedure
c. Show the patient the gauge of the needle
d. Describe the procedure to the patient.
27. A PBT is performing a venipuncture for a patient who begins to seize. Which of the following
actions should the PBT take?
a. Insert a tongue depressor into the patient’s mouth
b. Place the patient in the prone position
c. Discontinue the draw
d. Restrain the patient.
28. A PBT is preparing to perform a venipuncture on a patient who states: “I faint at the sight of
blood.” Which of the following positions is optimal for the patient’s safety during the
procedure?
a. Lying in a reclined position
b. Standing against the wall
c. Sitting upright in a chair
d. Leaning on a stool.
29. A PBT is transporting blood specimens to a lab. Which of the following actions should the PBT
take?
a. Place the specimens in a specimen collection tray
b. Place the specimens in the trunk of car
c. Place the specimens in a lockable container
d. Place the specimens near an air-conditioning vent in a car.
30. A PBT is preparing to collect a blood from a small vein of an older adult patient. Which of the
following actions should the PBT take to keep the vein from collapsing?
a. Use a small needle for the draw
b. Use a large evacuated tube for the draw
c. Pull the syringe’s plunger back quickly
d. Probe the vein with the needle.
31. After verifying a patient’s identity, a PBT sees that the patient’s lab results are ready. Which of
the following actions should the PBT take?
a. Have a lab manager discuss the results with the patient.
b. Have a nurse interpret the results for the patient.
c. Inform the patient to contact the ordering provider to obtain the results.
d. Explain the results to the patient in a private exam room.
32. Which of the following tubes should a PBT collect first when obtaining dermal samples?
a. Lavender top (Lavender – EDTA; light blue; green, red-serum)
b. Green top
c. Red top
d. Light blue top
33. Which of the following is the best method for a PBT to collect a blood specimen from an older
adult patient who has fragile, easy-collapse veins?
a. Choose a butterfly assembly using a regular ETS tube
b. Choose a butterfly assembly and use a pediatric tube
c. Choose a syringe and butterfly assembly and transfer to an ETS tube
d. Choose a pediatric tube assembly and a regular ETS tube.
34. A PBT is preparing to draw a peek level for a medication that was administered orally to a
patient. After verifying when the patient received the medication, how long the PBT wait prior
to attempting the draw?
a. 30 min after administration
b. 2 hr after administration (the PBT should collect a peak level 1 to 2 hr following an oral
administration to ensure that the medication is not at a toxic level)
c. 15 min after administration
d. 4 hr after administration
35. A PBT has a requisition form to perform a chromosome analysis for a patient. The PBT should
select a collection tube that contains which of the following additives?
a. Sodium polyanethol sulfonate (for blood culture)
b. Thrombin (for serum)
c. Sodium citrate (anticoagulation sodium citrate for coagulation studies)
d. Heparin (an anticoagulation that produces a plasma specimen for chromosome analysis)
36. A PBT is preparing to draw blood from a patient who are scabies. Which of the following pieces
of PPE should the PBT use?
a. Goggles
b. N95 respirator
c. Gown
d. Face shield
37. A provider has ordered a urine culture and sensitivity test. Which of the following types of urine
collection should a PBT obtain?
a. Random (for routine urine testing)
b. Timed urine collection (for hormone studies)
c. First morning (pregnancy test)
d. Clean-catch midstream (for C&S test)
38. A PBT is preparing to obtain a blood specimen to determine a patient’s sodium level. The PBT
should select a collection tube that has a top with which of the following colors?
a. Lavender (EDTA as an additive for lavender top tube)
b. Gray (fluoride oxalate as an additive for gray top tube)
c. Green (heparin as an additive for sodium levels)
d. Yellow (sodium polyanethol sulfonate as an additive for blood culture)
39. A PBT is preparing a patient for a routine venipuncture. Which of the following antiseptic
solutions should the PBT use?
a. Povidone-iodine (decontaminate the puncture site during ABG and blood culture
collection)
b. Hypochlorite solution (bleach to disinfect surfaces and instrument)
c. Chloramine (disinfect a patient’s wound)
d. Isopropyl alcohol (decontaminate the puncture site during a routine venipuncture)
40. A PBT is collecting capillary blood drops on a filter paper to screen a newborn for
phenylketonuria (PKN). Which of the following actions should the PBT take?
a. Apply blood to the printed side of the filter paper
b. Add a second drop of blood if a circle is not full (has to be full after a first drop,
otherwise has to do a new one)
c. Touch the puncture site to the filter paper (should not touch)
d. Allow the blood spots to dry for a minimum of 2 hr (actually 4hr)
41. A PBT is interviewing a patient before performing a venipuncture. During the interview, the
patient states that he lives nearby and ran to the facility to “get some running time today.”
Which of the following precautionary actions should the PBT take?
a. Offer the patient a high-carbohydrate snack before the venipuncture
b. Place the patient in a reclining position for the venipuncture
c. Have the patient rest comfortably for at least 15 min before the venipuncture
d. Reschedule the venipuncture for another day
42. A PBT is preparing several specimens for transport to the facility’s lab. Which of the following
specimens should the PBT protect from bright light by placing it in an amber/brown biohazard
bag for transport?
a. Lactic acid (should be chilled)
b. Vitamin B6 (photosensitive)
c. Blood gas (should be chilled)
d. Ammonia (Should be chilled)
43. A PBT is collecting blood from a patient for donation. The collection bag only fills halfway, and
the vein collapses. Which of the following actions should the PBT take?
a. Mark the collection bag as half full
b. Use a new collection bag to draw a new unit of blood
 c. Continue filling the collection bag from an alternate site
d. Combine two separate collection bags to make a whole.
44. A PBT sees a coworker receive a major electrical shock from an instrument. Which of the
following actions should the PBT take first?
a. Call 911
b. Notify the shift supervisor
c. Remove the coworker from contact with the instrument
d. Shut off power to the instrument.
45. A PBT is washing her hands at the beginning of her shift. Which of the following actions should
the PBT take first?
a. Turn the faucet off with her wet hands (should use paper towel to turn off)
b. Use enough soap to form a lather
c. Rub hands together for at least 5 seconds (at least 15 seconds)
d. Hold hands with palms facing upward while washing. (should be downward)
46. A PBT is preparing to perform a venipuncture for a two-year-old child. The child asks if the blood
draw will hurt. Which of the following statements should the PBT make?
a. “This will not hurt at all”
b. “This will go quickly”
c. “You will feel a small prick.”
d. “You have no reason to worry.”
47. A PBT is using an evacuated needle holder and blood collection tubes to collect blood from a
patient. Which of the following collections should the PBT take?
a. Position the needle at a 45o angle to the skin (should be only from 15 to 30 degree)
b. Insert the needle with the bevel site facing downward (facing upward)
c. Palpate below the puncture site if blood flow is not established (should palpate above)
d. Push the first collection tube gently into the holder.
48. A PBT is obtaining a blood culture specimen from an adult patient. Which of the following
actions should the PBT take?
a. Scrub the insertion site with isopropyl alcohol for 30 seconds (should be 60 secs)
b. Withdraw the blood into a sterile safety syringe
c. Collect a total of 10 mL of blood from the patient. (should be 20 mL: 10 mL for aerobic
and 10 mL for anaerobic bottle)
d. Transfer blood to the aerobic culture bottle first. (should be the anaerobic bottle first)
49. After placing a tourniquet on a patient’s arm, a PBT notices small red spots below the
tourniquet. Which of the following term describes these spots?
a. Hemoconcentration (refers to elevated blood levels, it cannot be identified visually)
b. Edema (an accumulation of fluid in one area of the body)
c. Urticaria (raised welts, also called hives -me day)
d. Petechiae (microcapillary bleeds that associate with coagulation abnormalities.
50. A PBT has a requisition form for a series of tests on a patient’s serum. The PBT should select a
collection tube that contains which of the following additives?
a. Sodium fluoride (Grey-top tube for potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride)
b. Thrombin (helps accelerate clotting for serum specimens)
 c. Sodium citrate (light blue top tube for anticoagulation for PT, PPT, PT-IRN in
coagulation department)
d. Heparin (Green top: sodium heparin or lithium heparin for sodium levels)
51. According to standard precautions, a PBT should take which of the following actions
when shipping specimens to a reference lab in hot weather?
a. Place the specimens in a box with bubble wrap and a biohazard label
b. Place the specimens in a box with cold packs and a biohazard label
(has to be with ice and an enclosed container)
c. Place the specimens in a padded envelope with cold packs and a biohazard
label
d. Place the specimens in a padded envelope with bubble wrap and a biohazard
label.
52. A PBT observes a hematoma developing at the site of a venous blood draw. Which of
the following actions should the PBT take?
a. Observe the site to see if the hematoma worsens
b. Ask the patient to apply pressure to the area
c. Release the tourniquet and stop the draw
d. Call for a nurse to access the patient’s condition
53. A PBT is performing a total cholesterol POC for a patient. Which of the following
should the PBT immediately report to the provider?
a. 300 mg/dL (normal range: 140 to 200 mg/dL)
b. 200 mg/dL
c. 180 mg/dL
d. 140 mg/dL
54. Which of the following collection tubes should a PBT use when collecting for a routine
chemistry test that requires serum?
a. SST (Serum separator tube)
b. EDTA (for plasma not serum, for hematology test)
c. PST (Plasma separator tube- used for stat chemistry test, but for plasma not
serum)
d. SPS (Sodium polyanethol sulfonate- anticoagulation used in blood culture, only
for plasma not serum)
55. A PBT should comply with HIPAA to protect which of the following?
a. Patient’s consent.
b. Patient’s standard
c. Patient’s information
d. Patient’s compliance
56. An unconscious patient is brought to the emergency department, and several blood
tests are ordered. A PBT should collect the patient’s blood because he has received
which of the following types of consent?
a. Implied consent
b. Informed consent
c. Expressed consent
d. Explicit consent
57. A PBT is reviewing a lab test requisition form before obtaining blood specimen from a patient.
Which of the following actions should the PBT take prior to performing the venipuncture?
 a. Ensure the requisition form includes an accession number (the requisition form does not
include an accession number)
b. Review the patient’s medication record
c. Check the provider’s availability
d. Check the requisition form for duplicated test orders (check for duplicate test orders,
discrepancies, and missing information prior to performing the venipuncture)
58. A PBT should identify that which of the following is an identifier for a specimen as long as it
remains in the lab?
a. ICD 10 codes (this classify diagnoses and diseases and do not identify specimens)
b. Accession number (The accession number identifies a specimen as long as it remains in
the lab)
c. CPT code (Current Procedural Terminology code identifies a service provided to the
patient)
d. Medical record number (is a number assigned to every patient upon admission to a
medical facility)
59. A PBT should select a tube that has which of the following additives when collecting blood
specimen for a CBC?
a. SST
b. EDTA
c. Lithium heparin
d. Sodium citrate
60. A PBT is preparing to obtain a blood specimen from a patient for an erythrocyte sedimentation
rate test. The PBT should select a collection tube that has a top with which of the following
color?
a. Red (drug level test)
b. Light green (creatine kinase test)
c. Lavender (all the blood cell test like RBC, WBC, CBC)
d. Royal blue (for heavy metal test)
61. A PBT is verifying a patient’s identity before performing a venipuncture. Which of the following
information should the PBT request from the patient?
a. The patient’s full name and DOB
b. The name of the patient’s provider
c. The patient’s room and bed number
d. The patient’s city and state of birth.
62. Which of the following PPE provides a PBT with the best protection when drawing blood from a
patient who has active tuberculosis?
a. Double gloves
b. N95 respirator
c. Surgical mask
d. Shoes covers
63. A PBT is assembling the equipment he will need for collecting donor units of blood. Which of the
following needle sizes should the PBT select?
a. 23- gauge
b. 22-gauge
 c. 21-gauge
d. 18-gauge
64. A PBT is preparing to collect a blood specimen from a patient who signed a general informed
consent form upon admission to the facility. Which of the following actions by the patient
indicates implied consent for the venipuncture?
a. Rolling up his shirtsleeve
b. Asking about the PBT’s experience
c. Expressing apprehension about the procedure
d. Saying he needs to make sure his provider wants these tests.
65. A PBT should select a tube that has which of the following anticoagulation to collect a sample
for PT/PTT test?
a. EDTA
b. Sodium citrate
c. Potassium oxalate
d. Heparin
66. When should a PBT perform external liquid controls for quality control on a CLIA-waived glucose
POC test?
a. With every patient
b. Every week test is performed
c. When a new lot number or kits is opened
d. When a different technician performs the test
67. A PBT is planning to collect a sputum specimen from a patient. Which of the following
instructions should the technician give the patient?
a. “Rinse your mouth with mouthwash before we collect the specimen.”
b. “Gargle some water before we collect the specimen.”
c. “Leave your dentures in during specimen collection.”
d. “Breathe deeply and then cough up a specimen into the container.”
68. A PBT is preparing to perform a fingerstick for a patient. Which of the following actions should
the technician should the PBT take first?
a. Cleanse the site with an antiseptic wipe
b. Select the appropriate part of the third or fourth finger
c. Position the blade of the lancet across the lines of the fingertip
d. Confirm the identity of the patient.
69. A PBT is preparing to obtain a blood specimen from a patient for thyroid studies. The technician
should select a collection tube that has a top with which of the following colors?
a. Speckled (serum)
b. Gray
c. Green
d. Light blue
70. To prevent hospital acquired infection, a PBT should clean items that have been contaminated
by blood with a 1:10 dilution of which of the following substances and water?
a. Hydrogen peroxide (antiseptic for skin)
b. Isopropyl alcohol (antiseptic for skin)
c. Sodium hypochlorite (chlorine bleach)
 d. Benzalkonium chloride (antiseptic for skin)
71. After exiting a patient’s room, which of the following is the last piece of PPE a PBT should
remove?
a. Gown
b. Gloves
c. Mask (remove the gloves first, then the goggles, then the gown, and the mask is the
last piece to remove)
d. Protective eyewear
72. A PBT is preparing to collect a blood specimen form a patient who had a right-sided
mastectomy. Which of the following sites should the PBT select?
a. Median cubital vein in the right arm
b. Median cubital vein in the left arm
c. Underside of the right arm wrist
d. Underside of the left arm wrist. (never use this)
73. A PBT should identify that which of the following is the first step in the blood collection
procedure?
a. Test requisition (should have a provider’s order for a test before performing a blood
collection)
b. Preparing equipment
c. Test accession
d. Vein location
74. For which of the following reasons should a PBT centrifuge a serum specimen before transport
to an outside reference lab?
a. Cells must be separated from the serum
b. Cells will hemolyze
c. Platelets must be separated from the serum
d. White blood cell levels will be elevated.
75. Prior to transport, which of the following specimens should a PBT place in an ice bath within 30
mins after collection?
a. Arterial blood gas (should immediately place an ABG in an ice bath to stop the
metabolic activity of the RBC for delivery to the lab)
b. Cold agglutinin (should keep it at body temperature 37oC)
c. Cryoglobulin (should keep 37 degree C)
d. Blood culture (should keep in room temperature)
76. A PBT uses alcohol to cleanse a venipuncture site. Before performing the venipuncture, the
technician should allow the site to dry for which of the following reasons?
a. Alcohol requires time for antiseptic action to take effect
b. Alcohol destroys white blood cells
c. Alcohol compromises the additives in the tubes
d. Alcohol dilutes the blood specimens.
77. A PBT is collecting a blood specimen from a patient who has cutaneous diphtheria. Beside
gloves, which of the following pieces of PPE should the PBT wear?
a. Mask
b. Gown (contact transmission)
 c. Goggles
d. N95 respirator.
78. A PBT is preparing to enter a patient’s room to collect a blood specimen. Which of the following
actions should the PBT plan to take?
a. Knock firmly on the patient’s door (politely knock to show professional courtesy)
b. Speak in a loud tone when addressing the patient (should be regular tone)
c. Communicate name and department affiliation to the patient
d. Place the specimen collection tray on the patient’s bed (avoid doing so)
79. A PBT is preparing to collect a vancomycin peak level for a patient in an inpatient setting. Which
of the following actions should the PBT take prior to collecting the blood specimen?
a. Ask the patient when he received his last dose of vancomycin
b. Ask the attending nurse if the patient’s vancomycin dose schedule is accurate
c. Ask the pharmacist when the next dose of vancomycin is schedule for the patient.
d. Ask the provider if the patient has received his dose of vancomycin
80. According to OSHA standards, which of the following vaccines must employers offer to their PBT
at no cost?
a. Hepatitis B
b. Hepatitis C
c. Hepatitis D
d. Hepatitis E
81. A PBT is preparing to collect a patient’s troponin T level. Which of the following troponin T levels
should the PBT immediately report to the provider?
a. 0.3 ng/mL (normal range: 0 to 0.2 ng/mL)
b. 0.2 ng/mL
c. 0.02 ng/mL
d. 0.03 ng/mL
82. A PBT is preparing to collect a blood specimen from a patient who is allergic to alcohol. Which of
the following antiseptic solutions should the PBT use to prepare the insertion site?
a. Chlorhexidine (an alternative antiseptic solution for patient who is allergic to alcohol)
b. Idophor (this contains alcohol)
c. Tincture of iodine (contains alcohol)
d. Hydrogen peroxide (contain alcohol)
83. When collecting a routine blood sample, which of the following veins should a PBT attempt to
draw first?
a. Radial
b. Ulnar
c. Distal cephalic
d. Median cubital
84. A PBT should use a capillary collection instead of a venipuncture in which of the following
situations?
a. A patient’s veins are inaccessible
b. A patient prefers capillary collection
c. The technician is collecting blood cultures
d. The technician is conducting erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) tests.
85. A PBT should identify that the order of draw for capillary collection is different from
venipuncture for which of the following reasons?
a. The risk of hemoconcentration
b. An increased rate of coagulation
c. Smaller size of specimens.
d. Additives cross-contamination
86. A PBT has a mild sensitivity to latex. According to the NIOSH, which of the following actions
should the technician take?
a. Scrub hands with detergent after wearing latex gloves
b. Use gloves with powder inside of them
c. Apply oil-based hand creams before putting on latex gloves
d. Wear nitrile gloves instead of latex gloves.
87. A PBT is using a glucose monitor for POC testing of a patient who has been fasting for 12 hr. For
which of the following results should the technician immediately notify the provider?
a. 70 mg/dL
b. 90 mg/dL
c. 110 mg/dL
d. 130 mg/dL (normal range: 70-110 mg/dL for glucose)
88. A PBT is drawing a patient’s blood when the patient states that she is becoming dizzy and light-
headed. Which of the following actions should the PBT take first?
a. Place the patient’s head between her legs.
b. Remove the tourniquet and needles
c. Call other medical personnel for help
d. Instruct the patient to breathe deeply
89. A PBT is collecting a blood specimen from a patient. To avoid hemolysis, which of the following
precautions should the PBT take?
a. Leave the tourniquet in place for 90 secs
b. Ensure the alcohol at the insertion site has dried (allow it dried completely)
c. Shake the tube after filling it with the patient’s blood
d. Readjust the needle after insertion (should avoid it because it can cause hemolysis)
90. A PBT is reviewing a lab requisition before obtaining blood specimen from a patient. The PBT
should verify that the requisition includes which of the following information?
a. The patient’s next of kin (this does not include in requisition)
b. Emergency contact information (this does not include)
c. The patient’s previous medications (this does not include in requisition)
d. A specimen identification code (this is unique)
91. Which of the following actions should a PBT take after collecting an ammonia specimen?
a. Protect the specimen tube from light (bilirubin)
b. Keep the specimen tube warm (cold agglutinin and cryoglobulin)
c. Keep the specimen at body temperature (blood culture tube)
d. Place the specimen tube in an ice-water slurry (ABG and NH3)
92. A PBT is following the Clinical and Lab Standards Institute’s (CLSI) clinical lab workflow pathway.
As part of the post-examination phase of this process, which of the following actions should the
PBT take?
 a. Process the specimen
b. Review and verify the results
c. Provide post-puncture care
d. Enter critical lab data
93. A PBT is preparing to obtain a blood specimen from a patient in an outpatient setting. Using
standard precautions, which of the following pieces of PPE should the PBT wear?
a. Goggles
b. Gloves
c. Mask
d. Gown
94. A PBT is preparing to collect a blood specimen from the hand of a patient whose veins are
difficult to access. Which of the following devices should the technician use?
a. Supply clam (uses to attach supplies such as blood tubes, or other equipment to bed
rails)
b. Phlebotomy wedge (is a vinyl-covered device that stabilizes the patient’s arm)
c. Hand immobilizer (uses straps to keep the patient’s hand still during the collection
procedure)
d. Hand brace (used to improve manifestation of carpal tunnel syndrome)
95. A PBT is collecting a blood sample from a newborn who weighs 3 kg (6.6 lbs). Which of the
following amounts is the maximum volume of blood the PBT can draw from this newborn at one
time if the maximum allowable volume is 1%?
a. 1.5mL
b. 3 mL (3 kg x 100 = 300mL x 0.1 = 3 mL)
c. 4 mL
d. 6 mL
96. A PBT is collecting a blood specimen from a patient who has pneumonia. Beside gloves, which of
the following pieces of PPE should the PBT wear?
a. Goggles
b. Gown
c. Mask
d. N95 respirator
97. A PBT is obtaining a blood specimen from a patient. The patient reports experiencing a sharp,
painful, and tingling sensation going down her arm and into her hand. The PBT should recognize
that which of the following complication of venipuncture is occurring?
a. Nerve injury
b. Petechiae
c. Hematoma
d. Hemoconcentration
98. A PBT is preparing to draw blood from a patient’s arm and observe a sore at the site where the
tourniquet is to be placed. Which of the following actions should the technician take?
a. Keep the tourniquet on the patient’s arm for 2 mins
b. Use a slip tourniquet
c. Tie the tourniquet over the patient’s sleeve
d. Position the tourniquet distal to the antecubital area
99. Which of the following sources for patient identification should a PBT use in an inpatient
setting?
a. Verbal and wristband
b. Medical chart and nurse
c. Family member and DL
d. Spiritual advisor and provider.
100. For which of the following procedures should a PBT follow chain of custody guidelines?
a. Digoxin level testing
b. Blood culture testing
c. Paternity testing (Chain of custody includes drug screening, forensic studies, blood
alcohol tests, and paternity testing)
d. Lead level testing
101. For an older adult patient who has difficult to access veins, a PBT should select which of
the following veins to perform a venipuncture?
a. Dorsal veins
b. Superficial veins
c. Wrist veins
d. Foot veins
102. A PBT should invert anticoagulant tubes to prevent which of the following
complications?
a. pH imbalance
b. Hemolysis
c. Hemoconcentration
d. Specific gravity imbalance
103. A PBT is instructing a patient how to collect a clean-catch urine specimen. Which of the
following cleansers should the PBT instruct the patient to use when cleansing around her urinary
meatus?
a. Hydrogen peroxide
b. Mild antiseptic soap
c. Povidone-iodine
d. Isopropyl alcohol
104. For which of the following reasons should a PBT avoid drawing blood from the leg or
foot of a patient who has diabetes?
a. Vein in these areas are smaller
b. These veins are more susceptible to infection
c. Blood draws from these areas are more likely to cause petechiae
d. The volume from the draw in this area is too low for testing
105. A PBT is preparing a patient’s arm for venipuncture. Which of the following techniques
should the PBT use when applying an antiseptic solution?
a. Gently blotting
b. One downward wipe
c. Apply pressure and hold in place for 10 secs
d. Back and forth strokes
106. Which of the following actions should a PBT take when performing a venipuncture using
an evacuated tube system?
a. Position the needle at a 30o angle in the same direction as the vein and with the bevel
up
b. Position the needle at a 15o angle near the vein and with the bevel up
c. Position the needle at a 30o angle in the same direction as the vein and with the bevel
down
d. Position the needle at a 15o angle near the vein and with the bevel down
107. A PBT enters a patient’s room to obtain a stat specimen. The patient’s provider and
nurse are speaking with the patient. Which of the following actions should the technician take
first?
a. Explain the procedure to the patient while setting up the supplies
b. Introduce himself to the patient and the healthcare team members.
c. Ask permission to proceed with obtaining the stat specimen
d. Ask the patient which arm she prefers the PBT to use
108. A PBT should identify that which of the following series of venipuncture steps is in the
appropriate order?
a. Insert the needle, place the tourniquet, and label the tube
b. Assess the site, cleanse the site, and insert the needle
c. Identify the patient, cleanse the site, and assess the site
d. Draw the specimen, remove the needle, and remove the tourniquet.
109. A PBT is collecting a patient’s blood specimen in a lavender topped tube. How many
times should the technician gently invert the tube before setting it in the specimen collection
tray?
a. 2 to 3 times
b. 4 to 6 times
c. 8 to 10 times
d. 11 o 12 times
110. A PBT is preparing to collect a blood specimen from a patient for a coagulation study.
The patient states: “I faint every time I get my blood drawn.” Which of the following statements
should the PBT make?
a. “Don’t worry. I am well trained and you won’t faint with me.”
b. “Tell me if you feel like you are going to faint, and I will give you smelling salts.”
c. “I will perform the draw while you are lying down.”
d. “This procedure will be over before you know it.”
111. Which of the following actions should a PBT take when labeling specimens?
a. Labeling specimens at the time of collection and in the presence of the patient
b. Specifying the patient’s room number, last name, and date of birth on the label
c. Keeping the specimens in the tray and labeling them in the lab
d. Writing the technician’s initials and the time on the label prior to collection
112. A PBT enters a patient’s room to perform a venipuncture and notices that the patient is
sleeping. Which of the following actions should the PBT take?
a. Perform the blood draw
b. Return later in the day
 c. Wake the patient before collection
d. Write “unable to collect” on the requisition form
113. A PBT is collecting a urine specimen from a patient for a pre-employment drug
screening. Which of the following should indicate to that PBT that tampering has possibly
occurred?
a. The temperature of the specimen is 30oC (normal range should be 32-38oC)
b. The specimen is light yellow in appearance (this is normal)
c. The urine creatine level of the specimen is 25 mg/dL (below 20 mg/dL can indicate
tampering, this one is normal)
d. The specific gravity of the specimen is 1.005 (less than 1.003 or greater than 1.025 can
indicate tampering; 1.005 is normal)
114. A PBT must comply with which of the following OSHA requirements when performing a
venipuncture?
a. Recap contaminated venipuncture devices to reduce exposure incidents (never do this)
b. Wear safety glasses if splashes, spay, splatter, or droplets of blood might be generated
(goggles not safety glasses)
c. Wear gloves when contact with blood is anticipated (always wear gloves)
d. Report a blood exposure incident to the supervisor within 48 to 72 hours (should be
immediately)
115. A PBT should identify that which of the following is the next step after removing a
needle from a patient’s arm?
a. Ask the patient to open his fist
b. Remove the tourniquet
c. Engage the needle safety device
d. Insert all tubes
116. A PBT should identify that which of the following additives is used to prevent the
breakdown of glucose?
a. Sodium citrate
b. Sodium fluoride
c. EDTA
d. Heparin
117. Which of the following actions by a PBT can result in a grossly hemolyzed specimen?
a. Following an incorrect order of draw (this can result contaminate)
b. Using an incorrect needle gauge (large gauge needle to draw a small vein will cause
hemolyzed)
c. Applying the tourniquet too close to the draw site (this can result hemoconcentration)
d. Failing to invert the tube (this can result clotting)
118. How often should a PBT run quality control tests on POC testing instruments?
a. Every 2 years
b. Every 6 months
c. Bimonthly
d. Daily
119. A PBT is performing a venipuncture for a patient. The patient suddenly reports “feeling
faint.” After removing the tourniquet and the needle, which of the following actions should the
PBT take next?
a. Have the patient put her head between her legs
b. Place a wet towel on the patient’s forehead
c. Offer the patient a cup of water or juice
d. Monitor the patient for at least 15 mins
120. A PBT has a requisition for fasting blood glucose and albumin specimens from a patient.
Which of the following actions should the technician take before collecting the patient’s blood?
a. Make sure the patient did not drink any fluids for the past 2 to 6 hr
b. Assemble a green top heparin tube
c. Make sure the patient has fasted for the past 8 to 12 hours
d. Plan the specimen collection for the early afternoon.
121. A PBT is performing a capillary blood collection for an older adult patient. Which of the
following sites should the PBT select?
a. The distal phalanx of either middle finger
b. The plantar surface of either big toe
c. Either pinky finger
d. Either earlobe
122. Which of the following regulations ensures that a PBT is proficient to perform job duties
and responsibilities?
a. HIPAA
b. CLIA (provides quality control guideline, patient test management, and testing of
personnel and proficiency)
c. Anti-Kickback Statute
d. Civil Monetary Penalties laws
123. A PBT should identify that which of the following is the total blood volume of an infant
who weight 3.3 kg?
a. 350 to 390 mL
b. 125 to 230 mL
c. 240 to 330 mL
d. 405 to 450 mL
124. A PBT is required to obtain which of the following from a potential blood donor?
a. Complete medical history
b. Drug screen
c. ECG test
d. GTT test
125. A PBT should identify that which of the following is one of TJC’s 2016 National Patient
Safety Goals?
a. Identify the appropriate venipuncture site
b. Identify patients correctly
c. Identify the correct collection tubes for ordered assays
d. Identify the appropriate needle gauges.
126. A PBT is collecting a blood specimen from a patient for blood cultures. Which of the
following additives do the blood collection tube requires?
a. EDTA
b. Sodium polyanethol sulfonate
c. Gel serum separator
d. Sodium heparin
127. A PBT is explaining the venipuncture process to an adult patient. The patient nods
frequently but appears confused. Which of the following actions should the PBT take?
a. Ask a family member of the patient to confirm if the patient understands
b. Assume that the patient understands, and proceed with the procedure
c. Rephrase the information for the patient.
d. Repeat the information in a louder voice
128. For which of the following reasons should a PBT document the total volume of blood
drawn from a patient?
a. To provide documentation for the patient’s personal record
b. To ensure a sufficient amount is drawn for lab tests
c. To determine if the patient is at risk for developing iatrogenic anemia
d. To obtain a reference for future blood draws
129. For which of the following tests should a PBT follow chain of custody guidelines?
a. Lithium
b. Prothrombin time
c. Troponin
d. Blood alcohol
130. A tourniquet should be left on a patient’s arm for which of the following amounts of
time?
a. No longer than 150 seconds
b. No longer than 60 seconds
c. No longer than 90 seconds
d. No longer than 120 seconds
131. A PBT in an outpatient setting is identifying a patient before performing a venipuncture
procedure. To confirm the patient’s identity, which of the following questions should the PBT
ask?
a. “Are you Mr. Chapman?”
b. “Is this your name on the requisition?”
c. “Would you please state and spell your full name and provide your DOB?”
d. “Is your name John C. Chapman?”
132. A patient arrives at a clinic with a requisition for a chemistry panel. A PBT notices that
the patient’s last name on the requisition differs from the patient’s provided identification.
Which of the following actions should the PBT take?
a. Proceed with the blood draw
b. Ask the patient to verify the information verbally
c. Contact the ordering provider to correct the requisition form.
d. Change the patient’s name on the requisition.
133. A PBT is collecting a unit of blood from a donor. Which of the following actions should
the PBT take?
a. Place the donor in an upright position
b. Have the donor pump his fist prior to the venipuncture
c. Insert the needle while retracting the skin above the insertion site
d. Instruct the donor to open and close his hand gently throughout the collection (do this
to ensure a quality collection)
134. A PBT is preparing to use an ETS to obtain a venous blood specimen from a patient. The
tourniquet is in place and the PBT has cleansed the puncture site. Which of the following
procedural steps should the PBT perform next?
a. Tell the patient to expect a pricking sensation
b. Anchor the vein 2.5 to 5 cm below the puncture site
c. Ask the patient to make a fist
d. Orient the needle in the same direction as the vein at 15 to 30o angle.
135. A provider orders a stat specimen, but a PBT forgets to fill out the patient’s ID number
on the collection tube. The PBT should expect the lab that received the specimen to take which
of the following actions?
a. Process the specimen
b. Correct the specimen’s label
c. Transfer the specimen to a properly labeled tube
d. Reject the specimen
136. Which of the following actions should a PBT take to prevent bleeding from a
venipuncture site after the needle is removed?
a. Apply pressure to prevent leakage of blood into the tissues
b. Have the patient bend the arm at the elbow to reduce bleeding
c. Apply a hot pack to the site if swelling or discoloration occurs
d. Apply a cotton ball to the site
137. A PBT is performing a heelstick to obtain capillary blood for testing a newborn’s bilirubin
level. Which of the following actions should the PBT take?
a. Use an amber-colored microcontainer
b. Use a lancet with a penetration depth of 2.5 mm
c. Use a surgical blade to make a puncture
d. Use the posterior curvature of the newborn’s heel as the puncture site.
138. A PBT is performing on a patient who recently had a mastectomy on her right side. The
PBT should draw blood from which of the following location?
a. Right arm
b. Right index finger
c. Left arm
d. Left index finger
139. Within which of the following time period should a PBT collect a newborn blood spot
test screening card?
a. Within 72 hr
b. Within 96 hr
c. Within 5 days
 d. Within 2 weeks
140. A PBT is collecting a blood specimen from an adolescent patient who weighs 42.6 kg.
Which of the following amounts is appropriate to collect if the maximum allowable volume of
blood is 1%?
a. 70 mL
b. 60 mL
c. 50 mL
d. 40mL
141. During a routine venipuncture, a PBT notices that a patient is becoming pale and
diaphoretic. The PBT should identify that the patient is at risk for which of the following
conditions?
a. Syncope
b. Seizure
c. Nausea
d. Petechiae
142. While performing a venipuncture, a PBT is stuck with a used needle. Which of the
following actions should the PBT take?
a. Report for HIV evaluation
b. Report for a medical evaluation by a provider
c. Contact the supervisor about the incident
d. Flush the injured area with running water
143. A PBT is preparing to perform a lactic acid test. Which of the following actions should
the PBT take?
a. Collect the specimen in a gray-topped tube
b. Protect the specimen from light
c. Protect the specimen from cold
d. Collect the specimen in a royal blue-topped tube
144. Which of the following information should a PBT document when adhering to a chain of
custody guideline?
a. Identify of everyone who had possession of the specimen
b. Identify of the officer in charge
c. Identify the lawyers involved
d. Identity of the judge involved
145. A patient who has diabetes states that he prefers to be drawn on the inside of his wrist.
Which of the following actions should a PBT take?
a. Draw from the inside of the patient’s wrist
b. Warm the ventral side of the hand to enhance vein location prior to the draw
c. Perform the draw on his foot
d. Attempt to draw from the antecubital region
146. A PBT is instructing a patient about how to collect a 24-urine specimen. Which of the
following instructions should the PBT include?
a. Transport the specimen to the lab within 48 hr (actually within 24 hr)
b. Restrict fluid intake (still take)
c. Discard the first void of the morning
 d. Keep the specimen at room temperature (should refrigerate)
147. A PBT is preparing to collect a blood specimen from a patient. Which of the following
statements should the technician make prior to performing the venipuncture?
a. “Your provider has requested this test.”
b. “I’m going to put my supplies here on your bedside table.” (never do this)
c. “I already have the supplies open to save time.”
d. “We can leave all the lights off during the procedure.”
148. A PBT obtains two reading of 17 mg/dL when performing a glucometer test. Which of
the following actions should the PBT take?
a. Repeat the glucose test again until reading appear in range.
b. Perform a venipuncture draw to verify test results.
c. Repeat the test with the patient’s glucometer.
d. Perform a set of liquid controls.
149. A PBT is introducing herself to a patient and explaining the venipuncture procedure. In
which of the following comfort zones is the PBT working?
a. Intimate
b. Personal
c. Social
d. Public
150. A PBT is instructing a patient about proper semen collection for determination of
fertility potential. Which of the following instructions should the PBT include?
a. Collect the specimen in a latex condom
b. Chill the specimen in a refrigerator
c. Protect the specimen from exposure to bright light
d. Transport the specimen within 4 hour of the collection time (actually within 2 hr)
151. When performing a hand draw, which of the following steps should a PBT take before
removing the needle?
a. Ask the patient to release his fist
b. Apply the pressure to the site
c. Disengage the tube from the adapter
d. Reapply the tourniquet
152. A PBT is processing a semen specimen. Which of the following actions should the PBT
take?
a. Refrigerate the specimen
b. Transport the specimen at room temperature (should be body temperature)
c. Pour the specimen into a clean condom for transport
d. Deliver the specimen to the lab within 2 hr.
153. A PBT uses the sterile technique and demonstrates proper hygiene. Which of the
following profession characteristics is the PBT displaying?
a. Respect for patient’s dignity
b. Attention to cleanliness
c. Working well with team members
d. Sincerity and compassion
154.