Examination Practice Questions And

Illinois Phlebotomy Technician Licensing Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the primary responsibility of a phlebotomy

technician?

• Prescribing medications
• Diagnosing diseases
• Collecting blood specimens
• Performing surgeries

Rationale: Phlebotomy technicians are trained to collect blood

specimens safely and accurately; they do not diagnose or prescribe medications. 1 / 4

2. The correct angle for venipuncture using a standard straight needle is:

• 5–10 degrees
• 15–30 degrees
• 45–60 degrees
• 90 degrees

Rationale: A 15–30 degree angle is recommended to enter the vein

smoothly without puncturing through the other side.

• Which additive is found in an EDTA tube?
• Heparin
• Sodium citrate
• Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
• Sodium fluoride

Rationale: EDTA tubes contain EDTA, an anticoagulant that binds

calcium to prevent clotting.

4. A hemolyzed specimen can result from:

• Properly mixing tubes
• Using a butterfly needle correctly
• Excessive force during collection
• Allowing the specimen to clot

Rationale: Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells rupture, often due

to rough handling, excessive suction, or small needle size.

5. The most appropriate site for venipuncture in adults is:

• Femoral vein 2 / 4

• Dorsal foot vein
• Median cubital vein
• Carotid artery

Rationale: The median cubital vein is preferred due to its size,

accessibility, and minimal risk of complications.

6. When a patient refuses blood collection, the technician should:

• Persuade the patient to comply
• Document the refusal and notify the supervisor
• Ignore the refusal
• Proceed anyway

Rationale: Patient autonomy is paramount. Refusal must be

documented, and the supervisor informed.

• Which of the following is a safety precaution to prevent needlestick

injuries?

• Never recap used needles
• Use a larger needle for faster collection
• Wear only gloves when handling needles
• Bend needles before disposal

Rationale: Recapping needles increases the risk of needlestick injury;

proper disposal in sharps containers is essential.

• Which laboratory test requires fasting for 8–12 hours?

A. CBC

• Fasting blood glucose 3 / 4

C. PT/INR

• Blood cultures

Rationale: Fasting blood glucose requires fasting to avoid

postprandial changes affecting results.

9. A blood culture is primarily used to:

• Measure blood glucose
• Determine hemoglobin levels
• Detect bloodstream infections
• Test liver function

Rationale: Blood cultures are collected to identify pathogens in the

bloodstream.

10. The correct order of draw is important to:

• Reduce patient discomfort
• Make collection faster
• Prevent cross-contamination of additives
• Reduce hematoma formation

Rationale: The order of draw prevents additive carryover, which can

interfere with test results.

• A phlebotomy technician notices bruising after a venipuncture.

The most likely cause is:

• Needle too small
• Correct technique
• Leakage of blood into surrounding tissue
• / 4