AMCA Diagnostic Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which laboratory test is primarily used to evaluate kidney function by measuring the waste product filtered by the glomeruli?
- ALT
- Creatinine (Correct answer)
- Bilirubin
- Amylase
Correct answer: Creatinine
Serum creatinine is the primary marker of glomerular filtration and overall kidney function.
Question 2: During a capillary blood collection from an infant's heel, the puncture should be made:
- On the posterior curve of the heel
- On the medial or lateral plantar surface (Correct answer)
- On the arch of the foot
- Directly on the Achilles tendon
Correct answer: On the medial or lateral plantar surface
CLSI guidelines specify the medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel to avoid the calcaneus bone and prevent osteomyelitis.
Question 3: Which test is used to diagnose H. pylori infection via breath analysis?
- Urea breath test (Correct answer)
- Hydrogen breath test
- Methane exhalation test
- Carbon monoxide diffusion test
Correct answer: Urea breath test
The urea breath test detects CO2 labeled with carbon-13 or -14 produced when H. pylori metabolizes ingested urea.
Question 4: A specimen labeled 'STAT' in the laboratory means:
- Store at temperature
- Process at end of shift
- Immediate processing required (Correct answer)
- Send to reference lab
Correct answer: Immediate processing required
STAT (Latin: statim) means immediately; these specimens receive the highest processing priority.
Question 5: Which electrocardiogram lead is considered the primary monitoring lead in most clinical settings?
- Lead I
- Lead II (Correct answer)
- Lead aVR
- Lead V1
Correct answer: Lead II
Lead II is closest to the electrical axis of the heart and provides the clearest P waves, making it the standard monitoring lead.
Question 6: A Wright-stained peripheral blood smear is used to evaluate:
- Serum electrolytes
- Blood cell morphology (Correct answer)
- Urine specific gravity
- Serum protein levels
Correct answer: Blood cell morphology
Wright stain differentiates and highlights the morphology of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets on a peripheral smear.
Question 7: Which of the following results would indicate hemolysis in a blood specimen?
- Pale yellow serum
- Slightly turbid serum
- Pink or red-tinged serum (Correct answer)
- Clear serum with white precipitate
Correct answer: Pink or red-tinged serum
Hemolysis releases hemoglobin from ruptured RBCs, causing serum to appear pink or red, which can interfere with many chemistry tests.
AMCA Diagnostic Procedures 3
Which laboratory test is primarily used to evaluate kidney function by measuring the waste product filtered by the glomeruli?