ASCP Technologist in Chemistry 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium) can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.

Question 2

What is the clinical significance of elevated troponin levels?

Accepted Answer

Myocardial injury or infarction

Answer

Cardiac troponin is a highly specific biomarker for myocardial injury and the gold standard for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction.

Question 3

Which specimen handling error would falsely elevate serum potassium results?

Accepted Answer

Hemolysis of the specimen

Answer

Hemolysis releases intracellular potassium from red blood cells, which contain about 23 times more potassium than plasma.

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

HbA1c measures the percentage of hemoglobin with glucose attached, reflecting average glucose over 2-3 months (the RBC lifespan).

Question 5

Which liver enzyme is most specific for liver damage?

Accepted Answer

ALT (alanine aminotransferase)

Answer

ALT is the most liver-specific enzyme because it is found predominantly in hepatocytes, unlike AST which is also found in heart, muscle, and kidneys.

ASCP Phlebotomy Technician Exam Practice Test