Special Collections — Phlebotomy Technician Practice Test

This Phlebotomy Technician Special Collections practice set has 38 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation.

Sample questions

Three questions from the Special Collections bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 30 questions at random from the same bank.

1. In the standard order of draw, when should blood culture bottles be collected relative to other tubes?

   • Blood culture bottles are collected first, before any other tube — Correct answer
   • Blood culture bottles are collected last, after all other tubes
   • Blood culture bottles are collected only after the lavender-top tube
   • Blood culture order does not matter

   Explanation: Blood culture bottles are collected first in the order of draw to minimize the risk of introducing skin-flora contaminants from other collection devices. (Source: CLSI standard order of draw)

   Handbook: Special Collections — Blood Cultures

2. What is the correct two-step skin antisepsis procedure for a blood culture draw site?

   • Cleanse with alcohol, then apply chlorhexidine gluconate or iodine and allow it to fully dry — Correct answer
   • Apply chlorhexidine only, with no alcohol step
   • Wipe once with alcohol and draw immediately
   • Apply iodine and wipe it off right away with gauze

   Explanation: Blood culture site prep requires cleansing with alcohol followed by chlorhexidine gluconate or iodine, which must be allowed to fully air-dry to achieve adequate antisepsis before venipuncture. (Source: CLSI blood culture collection guidelines)

   Handbook: Special Collections — Blood Cultures

3. After the blood culture site has been disinfected, what must the phlebotomist avoid doing before needle insertion?

   • Re-palpating the disinfected site with an ungloved or unprepped finger — Correct answer
   • Applying the tourniquet
   • Confirming the patient's identity again
   • Labeling the collection bottles

   Explanation: Re-palpating the site after antisepsis can reintroduce skin flora and contaminate the culture, so the site must not be touched again after disinfection unless a sterile gloved finger is used. (Source: CLSI blood culture collection guidelines)

   Handbook: Special Collections — Blood Cultures