NCCT NCPT study plan

Identify the order of draw for venous and capillary collections and state the rationale for each position

Label the parts of a butterfly set, syringe, and evacuated tube system and describe when each is indicated

List the steps of a routine venipuncture in sequence, from patient identification through post-puncture care

Select appropriate sites and name the veins most commonly used for venipuncture, plus at least three sites to avoid

Match common tube additives and colors to their laboratory uses and required fill volumes

Explain the consequences of short draws, wrong order, and underfilled citrate tubes

Describe capillary (dermal) collection technique for adults, infants, and heel sticks, including site selection and warming

Distinguish which tests are acceptable by capillary collection versus venous only

Identify equipment defects and expiration indicators that require rejecting a device before use

Demonstrate the two-identifier patient verification process verbally and in writing

Identify and correct at least five common venipuncture errors (hemolysis, hematoma, hemoconcentration, nerve injury, missed vein)

Explain how to respond to a needlestick or blood exposure, including immediate steps and reporting

Describe how to manage a patient who faints or reports dizziness during collection

Apply standard precautions and hand hygiene steps to a collection scenario

State the correct processing steps for serum, plasma, and whole-blood specimens after collection

Explain centrifugation parameters and the effect of delayed processing on common analytes

Describe handling requirements for light-sensitive, chilled, and pre-warmed specimens

Identify the criteria for specimen rejection and the proper notification process

Describe transport temperature and timing requirements for routine and stat specimens

Explain chain of custody and legal specimen handling requirements

Describe labeling requirements at the point of collection and the correction process for a mislabeled specimen

Identify documentation elements required for a collection record, including time, site, collector, and patient response

Describe how to handle a specimen that must be recollected and what to document

Explain the purpose and limits of a laboratory information system entry versus a manual log

Explain patient confidentiality rules and how to discuss results or requests for information appropriately

Describe effective communication techniques for anxious, pediatric, elderly, and non-English-speaking patients

Identify special consent and accommodation needs, including patients with bleeding disorders or IV lines

List patient rights relevant to phlebotomy, including refusal and the right to a second attempt by another collector

Describe how to handle an angry or noncompliant patient without escalating the situation

Complete a timed 50-question mixed-domain practice set and record your score by domain

Review every missed item and write the underlying rule you should have applied

Re-drill your two weakest domains with focused recall practice

Recite the order of draw and the exposure-response steps from memory without notes

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under test conditions

Compare domain scores across both attempts and confirm improvement in your previously weakest areas

Review remaining weak spots and finalize your personal quick-reference sheets

Practice the order of draw, processing steps, and exposure protocol one final time from memory