Phlebotomy Certification Exam Tips
Completing a phlebotomy certification training course does little good if your are unable to pass the certification exam. The knowledge needed to pass this exam is highly specialized and focused. The phlebotomy certification exam involves a series of calculated and field specific questions that are only relevant to the practice of phlebotomy. Therefore, you must be sure you are completely prepared for what lies ahead, and confident in your knowledge and abilities before signing up to sit for the exam.
Know the Material Inside and Out
The phlebotomy certification exam consists of two sections. The first is the theoretical portion, followed by a practical portion. Each section focuses on different, but equally important aspects of the position for which the student will be applying. Studying the material using practice exams and flash cards is the quickest path toward receiving certification. A good rule of thumb is that if one knows the material well enough to teach it to someone else, then they know it well enough to do well on the test.
Preparing for The Theoretical Portion of the Phlebotomy Certification Exam
The theoretical portion of the exam is comprised mainly of the technical requirements of a phlebotomy job. Students should know detailed specifics surrounding venipuncture, as well as how to use the equipment they will encounter. They should also have a firm understanding of which areas of the body are good locations for drawing blood, which are not, and why. Finally, students should be able to demonstrate their knowledge of safety measures, exposure risks, handling emergencies, and legal issues surrounding the position.
Preparing for The Practical Portion of the Phlebotomy Certification Exam
The practical portion of the exam focuses on applying one’s phlebotomy certification training to real life situations. Questions will focus on the proper way to deal with uncooperative patients, bedside manner, and using communication skills. Other questions for the exam as a whole will require a thorough knowledge of medical abbreviations, drawing blood on people with atypical or poor vein structure, and using one’s training and reason in situations that may not have been covered during their phlebotomist certification training course.
Samples of Phlebotomy Certification Exam Questions
To gain a greater understand of the types of questions a phlebotomy student must be prepared to answer, here are a few sample questions:
- What is the best technique for stopping the blood flow from a needle stick?
- Describe the appropriate method for the disposal of used needles.
- What is the most common method for performing PKU tests?
- What is an ACT test used to monitor?
- What is the exposure risk when performing a venipuncture on an HIV positive patient?
There are many study guides and practice exams available to help student prepare for their phlebotomy certification exam. Some may be found for free while other premium kits are not without cost. Whether or not one chooses to use these resources will depend on how confident they feel with the material and how much they wish to successfully complete the exam in one session.