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See where you stand before you buy. These sample questions match the NHA CPT
(phlebotomy) style — scenario-based, single best answer, with a rationale that explains the
reasoning. Work each one before reading the answer.
Unlock 590+ CPT practice questions across 5 full-length simulators — $19.99 lifetime →
How close are these to the real CPT?
The CPT is 120 questions (100 scored, 20 unscored) over 2 hours, weighted toward routine blood
collections and safety and compliance. The samples below reflect that.
Sample CPT questions
- Following blood culture bottles, which tube is collected next in the order of draw?
- A. Lavender (EDTA)
- B. Light blue (sodium citrate)
- C. Red (no additive)
- D. Green (heparin)
Answer: B. The order of draw is blood cultures, then the light-blue coagulation
tube, then serum, then additive tubes. Drawing out of order causes additive carryover and inaccurate results. - A tourniquet should be left on for no longer than:
- A. 1 minute
- B. 3 minutes
- C. 5 minutes
- D. 10 minutes
Answer: A. Leave a tourniquet on no more than one minute to avoid
hemoconcentration, which alters results. Release it as soon as blood flow is established. - Which vein is the first choice for routine venipuncture in the antecubital area?
- A. Basilic vein
- B. Cephalic vein
- C. Median cubital vein
- D. Brachial artery
Answer: C. The median cubital vein is the preferred first choice — it’s
well-anchored and away from major nerves and arteries. The basilic (A) carries more risk due to nearby structures. - A specimen shows hemolysis. A likely cause is:
- A. Using the correct tube
- B. Vigorously shaking the tube
- C. Gently inverting the tube
- D. Filling the tube completely
Answer: B. Vigorous shaking ruptures red cells and causes hemolysis, which can
invalidate results (for example, falsely elevated potassium). Mix additive tubes by gentle inversion only. - Before any blood draw, the phlebotomist must FIRST:
- A. Apply the tourniquet
- B. Identify the patient using two identifiers
- C. Select the tubes
- D. Clean the site
Answer: B. Patient identification with two identifiers is the critical first
step — misidentification is a leading source of serious lab errors.
How did you do?
If the order of draw or vein selection felt shaky, that’s what practice is for. Our bank has 590+
CPT questions across 5 timed simulators with rationales like these, plus a free sample test.
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Sources & references
The exam facts on this page are drawn from official certifying-body materials, reviewed 2026-06-18 by the DrCertifications exam-prep team (10+ years in exam preparation and publishing).