Phlebotomy practice questions (free)

Phlebotomy practice questions

34 practice questions · check each answer as you go · no scoring

Q1
Recall
Which task falls within the professional phlebotomist's scope of practice?
Which task falls within the professional phlebotomist's scope of practice?Maintaining the integrity of the specimen from collection to transport.Interpreting the laboratory result before a clinician reviews it.Adjusting the patient's medication based on the result.Diagnosing anaemia at the bedside from the sample's appearance.
Q2
Application
A phlebotomist collects a correctly labelled sample but leaves it at room temperature far longer than the test allows before transport. What has primarily been compromised?
A phlebotomist collects a correctly labelled sample but leaves it at room temperature far longer than the test allows before transport. What has primarily been compromised?Patient identification.Pre-analytical specimen quality.The analytical accuracy of the laboratory instrument.The clinician's interpretation of the result.
Q3
Recall
Why does maintaining patient trust matter to the quality of a blood sample?
Why does maintaining patient trust matter to the quality of a blood sample?It has no effect; sample quality is purely technical.A reassured, cooperative patient is less likely to move or tense, reducing collection error.Trust changes the chemical composition of the blood.It allows the phlebotomist to skip identification checks.
Q4
Recall
When should hand hygiene be performed in relation to a venepuncture?
When should hand hygiene be performed in relation to a venepuncture?Only after the procedure if gloves were worn.Before and after the procedure, regardless of glove use.Only before the procedure.Only if the patient appears unwell.
Q5
Application
Immediately after withdrawing the needle, what is the correct action for the used sharp?
Immediately after withdrawing the needle, what is the correct action for the used sharp?Recap it carefully using both hands before disposal.Place it directly into a puncture-resistant sharps container at the point of use.Set it on the tray to dispose of all sharps together at the end.Bend the needle to prevent reuse, then bin it.
Q6
Analysis
A phlebotomist sustains a needlestick injury from a used needle. What is the correct first step?
A phlebotomist sustains a needlestick injury from a used needle. What is the correct first step?Suck the wound to draw out contaminated blood.Wash the wound immediately with soap and water, report promptly, and follow the post-exposure protocol.Apply a tourniquet above the injury.Continue working and report at the end of the shift.
Q7
Application
When multiple tubes are drawn, which is collected first to protect it from additive carry-over and contamination?
When multiple tubes are drawn, which is collected first to protect it from additive carry-over and contamination?EDTA (lavender) tube.Blood culture bottles.Fluoride/oxalate (grey) tube.Serum (red) tube.
Q8
Recall
An EDTA tube is most commonly used for which type of test?
An EDTA tube is most commonly used for which type of test?Coagulation studies (e.g. PT/INR).Full blood count / haematology.Blood glucose preservation.Serum biochemistry.
Q9
Application
For a routine adult venepuncture on a good antecubital vein, which needle gauge is typically the standard choice?
For a routine adult venepuncture on a good antecubital vein, which needle gauge is typically the standard choice?16 gauge.21 gauge.25 gauge.27 gauge.
Q10
Application
How should a conscious outpatient be identified before collection?
How should a conscious outpatient be identified before collection?Ask 'Are you Mr Smith?' and proceed if they say yes.Ask the patient to actively state their full name and date of birth, then match to the request.Check the bed number against the request form.Rely on the receptionist having confirmed identity at check-in.
Q11
Analysis
The patient's stated date of birth does not match the request form. What is the correct action?
The patient's stated date of birth does not match the request form. What is the correct action?Proceed; the name matched, so the date of birth is a clerical error.Stop, do not collect, and resolve the discrepancy before proceeding.Collect the sample but label it with the form's details.Correct the form to match the patient and continue.
Q12
Recall
Before a routine venepuncture, valid consent is best described as:
Before a routine venepuncture, valid consent is best described as:Implied automatically because the patient attended the clinic.The patient understanding and agreeing to the procedure after it is explained.A signed legal form for every blood test.Only required for children.
Q13
Recall
In the antecubital fossa, which vein is generally the preferred first choice for routine venepuncture?
In the antecubital fossa, which vein is generally the preferred first choice for routine venepuncture?Basilic vein.Median cubital vein.Brachial artery.Cephalic vein of the wrist.
Q14
Analysis
A patient has had a mastectomy with lymph node removal on the left side. Where should blood ideally be drawn?
A patient has had a mastectomy with lymph node removal on the left side. Where should blood ideally be drawn?From the left arm, as usual.From the right (unaffected) arm, unless local policy or clinical instruction directs otherwise.From either arm; the surgery is irrelevant.From a vein distal to the surgical scar on the left.
Q15
Application
What is the safest guidance for how long a tourniquet stays applied during a routine draw?
What is the safest guidance for how long a tourniquet stays applied during a routine draw?Release it as soon as blood flow is established where possible, and before it has been in place for two minutes or more.Leave it on for the whole draw; up to five minutes is fine.Leave it on for up to ten minutes for difficult veins.There is no time limit as long as the patient is comfortable.
Q16
Application
A patient has an intravenous (IV) infusion running in one arm. Where should blood ideally be drawn?
A patient has an intravenous (IV) infusion running in one arm. Where should blood ideally be drawn?From the same arm, just above the IV cannula.From the same arm, directly from the IV line.From the opposite arm, away from the infusion.From the same arm, anywhere below the IV cannula.
Q17
Application
After cleaning the site with 70% alcohol for a routine draw, what should happen next?
After cleaning the site with 70% alcohol for a routine draw, what should happen next?Insert the needle immediately while the site is still wet.Allow the antiseptic to air-dry fully before puncture.Wipe the alcohol off with dry gauze, then puncture.Re-palpate the cleaned site with an ungloved finger to confirm the vein.
Q18
Recall
At approximately what angle is the needle typically inserted for a routine venepuncture?
At approximately what angle is the needle typically inserted for a routine venepuncture?30 degrees or less, bevel up.45–60 degrees, bevel down.90 degrees, perpendicular to the skin.Parallel to the skin, bevel sideways.
Q19
Analysis
When is the tourniquet best released during a multi-tube collection?
When is the tourniquet best released during a multi-tube collection?After the needle is fully withdrawn.Once blood flow is established, before the needle is removed.It should stay on until pressure is applied to the puncture.Only if the patient complains of discomfort.
Q20
Application
After the site has been cleaned and the antiseptic has dried, the phlebotomist is no longer sure exactly where the vein is. What should they do?
After the site has been cleaned and the antiseptic has dried, the phlebotomist is no longer sure exactly where the vein is. What should they do?Re-palpate the cleaned site with a gloved fingertip to relocate the vein.Touch the site once with an ungloved finger; gloves make it hard to feel.Do not touch the cleaned site; if it is touched, disinfect it again before puncture.Press firmly on the cleaned site to raise the vein.
Q21
Recall
Immediately after the needle is withdrawn and pressure is applied, how should the patient hold the arm?
Immediately after the needle is withdrawn and pressure is applied, how should the patient hold the arm?Bend the arm at the elbow to hold the gauze in place.Keep the arm extended (and raised) rather than bending it.Massage the puncture site to disperse the blood.Let the arm hang down by the side.
Q22
Analysis
Why does blood culture collection require more rigorous skin antisepsis than a routine draw?
Why does blood culture collection require more rigorous skin antisepsis than a routine draw?Because culture bottles need a larger blood volume.Because skin-flora contamination can cause a false-positive culture.Because cultures must be drawn from an artery.Because the patient is always immunosuppressed.
Q23
Application
For a neonatal heel-stick, which area of the heel should be used?
For a neonatal heel-stick, which area of the heel should be used?The centre (posterior curvature) of the heel.The medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel.The arch of the foot.The big toe pad.
Q24
Recall
The modified Allen test is performed before which procedure?
The modified Allen test is performed before which procedure?Routine EDTA venepuncture.Radial arterial blood gas sampling.Capillary glucose finger-stick.Blood culture collection.
Q25
Application
When should specimen tubes be labelled?
When should specimen tubes be labelled?In advance, before approaching the patient, to save time.At the patient's side, immediately after collection, before leaving.Back at the laboratory once all rounds are complete.Only the first tube needs labelling for a set.
Q26
Analysis
An additive tube is vigorously shaken instead of gently inverted. What is the most likely consequence?
An additive tube is vigorously shaken instead of gently inverted. What is the most likely consequence?Faster, more complete mixing with no downside.Haemolysis, which can render the sample unusable.Improved anticoagulation of the sample.Nothing; mixing method does not affect the sample.
Q27
Recall
Which of the following is a common reason a laboratory rejects a specimen?
Which of the following is a common reason a laboratory rejects a specimen?The tube is correctly labelled and the right volume.An unlabelled or mislabelled tube.The sample arrived within the required time.The patient was fasting as required.
Q28
Application
Which practice supports safe specimen transport to the laboratory?
Which practice supports safe specimen transport to the laboratory?Carry tubes loose in a pocket with the request form wrapped around them.Use leak-proof bags with the request form in a separate pocket, and racks or padded holders to prevent breakage.Tape the tubes directly to the request form to keep them together.Transport tubes uncapped so the laboratory can process them faster.
Q29
Application
Mid-draw, a patient says they feel faint and looks pale. What is the priority action?
Mid-draw, a patient says they feel faint and looks pale. What is the priority action?Continue quickly to finish before they faint.Stop the draw, remove the tourniquet and needle, and protect the patient from falling.Ask them to stand and walk it off.Apply a second tourniquet to raise blood pressure.
Q30
Analysis
After two unsuccessful venepuncture attempts on a patient, the recommended action is to:
After two unsuccessful venepuncture attempts on a patient, the recommended action is to:Keep trying until a sample is obtained.Stop and escalate to a more experienced colleague.Switch to an arterial puncture instead.Discharge the patient and rebook in a week.
Q31
Application
During needle insertion the patient reports a sudden shooting, electric pain down the arm. What should the phlebotomist do?
During needle insertion the patient reports a sudden shooting, electric pain down the arm. What should the phlebotomist do?Advance the needle further to complete the draw.Remove the needle promptly, as this may indicate nerve contact.Rotate the needle to find the vein.Ignore it; shooting pain is normal.
Q32
Recall
A friend asks a phlebotomist about a mutual acquaintance's blood test. The correct response is to:
A friend asks a phlebotomist about a mutual acquaintance's blood test. The correct response is to:Share the result since they already know the person.Decline to disclose any patient information, maintaining confidentiality.Share only whether the result was normal.Confirm the person attended but withhold the result.
Q33
Analysis
A patient asks the phlebotomist what their abnormal-looking result means for their health. The most appropriate response is to:
A patient asks the phlebotomist what their abnormal-looking result means for their health. The most appropriate response is to:Offer a likely diagnosis to reassure them.Explain that interpretation is for their clinician and direct them appropriately.Tell them the result is probably nothing to worry about.Compare it to your own past results.
Q34
Recall
Why is continuing professional development important for a phlebotomist?
Why is continuing professional development important for a phlebotomist?It is not; technique never changes once learned.Standards, equipment, and safety guidance evolve, and competence must be maintained.It is only relevant for laboratory scientists.It replaces the need for hand hygiene.

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