Phlebotomy Safety and Infection Control
Updated October 27, 2026
Safety and Compliance is one of the biggest domains on the NHA CPT exam. Most questions follow the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard and CDC infection control guidance. Here’s what to know, followed by free practice questions. Always follow your facility’s exposure control plan.
Standard precautions
Treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious, for every patient.
- Hand hygiene before and after every patient contact, and after removing gloves.
- Gloves for every venipuncture and capillary puncture, changed between patients.
- Additional PPE (gown, mask, eye protection) when splashes are possible.
Sharps safety
- Activate the needle’s safety device immediately after use.
- Never recap a used needle by hand.
- Dispose of sharps immediately in a puncture-resistant sharps container at the point of use.
- Don’t overfill sharps containers; replace them when they reach the fill line.
If you have a needlestick or exposure
- Wash the area right away with soap and water (flush splashes to eyes, nose or mouth with water).
- Report it immediately to your supervisor.
- Get a medical evaluation promptly, following your facility’s exposure plan; some treatments work best when started quickly.
Other safety points
- Hepatitis B vaccination must be offered to workers with occupational exposure.
- Clean blood spills with an approved disinfectant, following your facility’s spill procedure.
- Know where the safety data sheets, eyewash station and spill kit are.
Free practice questions
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What do standard precautions require?Answer: BStandard precautions apply to every patient, because infections can't always be known. All blood and body fluids are treated as potentially infectious.
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What should a phlebotomist do with a used needle?Answer: CActivate the safety device right away and place the needle in a puncture-resistant sharps container at the point of use. Never recap, bend or break used needles.
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A phlebotomist is stuck by a used needle. What should be done first?Answer: AWash the area right away, then report the exposure immediately and get a prompt medical evaluation under the facility's exposure control plan.
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When should a sharps container be replaced?Answer: DOverfilled sharps containers can cause needlesticks. Replace them when they reach the marked fill line.
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Which vaccine must employers offer workers with occupational exposure to blood?Answer: AUnder the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, employers must offer the hepatitis B vaccine to workers with occupational exposure.
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When must gloves be changed?Answer: BChange gloves between patients, and wash or sanitize your hands after removing them, to prevent spreading infection.
Pass your phlebotomy exam on the first try
- All 173 questions on safety, patient preparation, routine and special collections and processing
- An explanation for every answer, with the CLSI standard, OSHA rule or guideline behind it
- Unlimited full 100-question practice exams, with each domain in its real share