Certified Phlebotomy Technician (NHA) Exam Flashcards
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How many scored questions are on the NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam?
100 scored questions.
How long do you have to complete the NHA CPT exam?
120 minutes (a two-hour exam).
What scaled score is required to pass the NHA CPT exam?
A scaled score of 390.
About how much time should you budget per question on the CPT exam to finish on time?
Roughly 1.2 minutes per question — 120 minutes divided across 100 scored questions leaves little slack, so don't linger.
What is the correct order of draw for evacuated collection tubes?
Blood culture (sterile) → light blue (sodium citrate) → red/gold (serum) → green (heparin) → lavender (EDTA) → gray (fluoride/oxalate).
Why is order of draw important during a multi-tube venipuncture?
It prevents cross-contamination of additives between tubes, which would otherwise skew test results (e.g., EDTA carryover falsely elevating potassium).
Which additive does a lavender-top tube contain, and what is it used for?
EDTA, an anticoagulant that binds calcium; used for hematology tests like the CBC.
What is the preferred (primary) vein for routine venipuncture in the antecubital area?
The median cubital vein — it is well-anchored, close to the surface, and away from major nerves and arteries.
How long should a tourniquet stay on before it can affect results, and why?
No longer than one minute — prolonged application causes hemoconcentration, falsely elevating analytes like proteins and cells.
What is hemolysis and one common cause during blood collection?
The rupture of red blood cells, releasing contents into serum/plasma; common causes include vigorous mixing, using too small a needle, or drawing too forcefully.
Where should a heel stick be performed on an infant, and why not the center of the heel?
On the medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel; the center is avoided to prevent bone (calcaneus) injury.
What are the two acceptable patient identifiers required before drawing blood?
Two unique identifiers, typically full name and date of birth, verified against the requisition and ID band.
What should you do if a patient's arm has an active IV line and no other site is available?
Draw below the IV site (distal to it) after the IV has been paused per policy, and note it; never draw above/proximal to a running IV, as it dilutes and contaminates the sample.