Exam tips, study strategy, and updates from the field. Posts are written for Phlebotomy candidates preparing for the NHA exam.
A CPT certification is a credential, not a destination. Here is the 5-year career trajectory most certified phlebotomists follow and the adjacent certs that unlock salary jumps.
The NHA CPT exam is scheduled through PSI or Pearson VUE. Here is the ID requirement, the proctored procedures, and the small mistakes that delay check-in.
CPT certification correlates with a 6-10% wage premium over uncertified phlebotomists. Here is how to negotiate that premium using BLS OEWS May 2024 phlebotomist wage data.
A free phlebotomy practice test is enough to learn CLSI GP41 order of draw. It is not enough to pass the NHA CPT or ASCP PBT exam. Here is when to upgrade.
The NHA CPT and ASCP PBT exams cover the same CLSI GP41 procedural standards but differ in question count and time. Here is the realistic study timeline and the practice thresholds that predict passing.
The Modified Allen Test (MAT) is performed before radial artery puncture for ABG sampling to confirm collateral circulation. Here is the procedure and the interpretation.
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science code of ethics defines the professional standards for laboratory personnel — including phlebotomists.
Hemolyzed specimens are among the top reasons for sample rejection. Here are the causes a phlebotomist controls, and how to prevent them on every draw.
Blood cultures require a sterile field, the correct fill volume, and a multi-site collection sequence. Contamination is the enemy — here is how to avoid it.
Butterfly needles (21-23 gauge winged infusion sets) are not for every draw. Here are the appropriate indications, the proper technique, and the hemolysis trap.
Point-of-care glucose meters measure capillary blood. Lab glucose values measure venous plasma. Here is when they agree, when they don't, and the exam's trap.
Drug screen specimens require documented, unbroken custody from collection to lab to court. Here is the form, the procedure, and what the exam tests.
Light blue sodium citrate tubes must be filled to at least 90 percent of their stated volume. Underfilling distorts PT, PTT, and INR results.
CLIA waived tests are simple, low-risk diagnostic tests that can be performed at the point of care. Here is the list, the requirements, and what the exam tests.
The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute order of draw prevents cross-contamination between tube additives. Here is the sequence, the rationale, and the exam's favorite questions.
When the vein rolls, collapses, or won't produce enough volume — what experienced phlebotomists do differently.
Capillary collection from the infant heel is a high-skill procedure. Here is the CLSI-approved site, the depth limit, the warming step, and what the exam tests.
ASCP Phlebotomy Technician (PBT) and NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) are the two main certifications. Here is how they compare on cost, content, and career.
Pediatric draws require different technique than adults. Here is how to position, calm, and successfully collect from young patients.
Point-of-care testing is regulated by CLIA. Here are the QC requirements for waived and non-waived POC tests, and what the PBT exam tests.
The pre-analytical phase is the most error-prone part of laboratory testing. Here are the variables you control and how to manage them.
Labs reject specimens for specific, defined reasons. Here are the common criteria, the corrective action, and what the PBT exam tests.