ASCP Technologist in Chemistry 2

Question 1

Which electrolyte abnormality is most immediately life-threatening and can cause cardiac arrest?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hyponatremia

Answer

Hypocalcemia

Answer

Hyperchloremia

Question 2

What is the clinical significance of elevated troponin levels?

Accepted Answer

Myocardial injury or infarction

Answer

Liver damage

Answer

Kidney failure

Answer

Bone fracture

Question 3

Which specimen handling error would falsely elevate serum potassium results?

Accepted Answer

Hemolysis of the specimen

Answer

Exposing the specimen to light

Answer

Refrigerating the specimen

Answer

Using the wrong anticoagulant tube

Question 4

What does HbA1c measure and over what time period does it reflect glucose control?

Accepted Answer

Glycated hemoglobin; past 2-3 months

Answer

Current blood glucose; past 24 hours

Answer

Fasting insulin levels; past week

Answer

Glucose tolerance; past 6 months

Question 5

Which liver enzyme is most specific for liver damage?

Accepted Answer

ALT (alanine aminotransferase)

Answer

AST (aspartate aminotransferase)

Answer

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

Answer

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)

Question 6

What specimen type is required for a lipid panel, and what patient preparation is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Serum in a red or gold tube after 9-12 hours fasting

Answer

Plasma in a green tube, non-fasting

Answer

Whole blood in a lavender tube, no fasting

Answer

Capillary blood after 4 hours fasting