NHA CPT study plan

List the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens requirements that govern phlebotomy practice and state the action each requires before, during, and after a draw

Identify the components of standard precautions and demonstrate, in writing, the correct sequence for donning and doffing gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection

Map each of the CLSI order-of-draw tube types to its additive, required mixing action, and common laboratory use

Distinguish sterile technique from clean technique and name three collection situations that require each

Classify the most common preanalytical errors by cause (patient, technique, tube, transport) and write the corrective action for each

Explain the handling requirements for a needlestick or sharps exposure, including immediate care and reporting chain

Select the correct needle gauge and length, evacuated tube, and collection device for adult, pediatric, and fragile-vein scenarios

Describe when and how to perform a capillary (dermal) puncture versus a venipuncture, including site selection limits

Outline the full patient identification workflow, including two-identifier verification and handling of unidentified or sleeping patients

Sequence the steps of venipuncture from greeting through post-draw care and patient instruction

Identify patient conditions and medications that alter test results or increase bleeding risk, and state the corresponding adjustment

Explain informed consent, refusal, and confidentiality obligations in the collection setting

Describe the preparation requirements for fasting, timed, and post-dose collections and state how to verify compliance

Explain how patient positioning, tourniquet time, and hemoconcentration affect specimen integrity

Identify the handling requirements for light-sensitive, temperature-sensitive, and time-critical specimens

List the criteria for specimen rejection and the correct communication path when a specimen must be recollected

Describe the centrifugation, aliquoting, and labeling requirements for serum, plasma, and whole-blood specimens

Explain chain-of-custody and legal specimen handling requirements for forensic and drug-testing collections

Identify storage temperature ranges and maximum holding times for the major tube types and special collections

Outline packaging and transport requirements for routine, refrigerated, frozen, and biohazardous specimens

Troubleshoot failed draws: collapse, hematoma, no blood flow, and short draws, with the corrective action for each

Explain the causes and prevention of hemolysis and its effect on common chemistry results

Describe special collection procedures for blood cultures, glucose tolerance testing, and therapeutic drug monitoring

Identify the handling differences for coagulation, blood bank, and microbiology specimens

Complete a full-length timed practice exam and record the score by domain

Review every missed item and write the underlying fact or rule it tested

Re-drill the two weakest domains until practice accuracy exceeds 85%

Rehearse the order of draw and rejection criteria until recall is automatic

Re-test all four domains and confirm each is at or above 85% accuracy

Review the error log and restate the corrected rule for each previously missed item

Practice exam-day logistics, timing strategy, and question-reading technique

Confirm eligibility, identification, and scheduling requirements for the exam