ASPT Specimen Handling and Processing 3

Question 1

A urine specimen for culture must be transported to the lab but will take 45 minutes. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Refrigerate the specimen during transport

Answer

Urine culture specimens must be refrigerated if transport time exceeds 30 minutes to prevent bacterial overgrowth that would alter results.

Question 2

Which of the following analytes requires a light-protected specimen container during transport?

Accepted Answer

Bilirubin

Answer

Bilirubin is photosensitive and degrades when exposed to light, requiring amber or foil-wrapped tubes during collection and transport.

Question 3

What is the correct centrifugation speed range for most routine blood specimens?

Accepted Answer

1,500–2,500 × g

Answer

Most routine blood specimens are centrifuged at 1,500–2,500 × g for 10–15 minutes to adequately separate cellular components from plasma or serum.

Question 4

A plasma specimen is needed for STAT glucose testing. Which tube should be used?

Accepted Answer

Green top (heparin)

Answer

Lithium heparin (green top) tubes provide plasma immediately after centrifugation without a clotting wait time, making them ideal for STAT testing.

Question 5

Which condition would cause a specimen to be rejected by the laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Specimen with clots in an EDTA tube

Answer

Clots in an EDTA tube indicate improper mixing and will interfere with cell counts and other hematology tests, requiring specimen rejection.

(ASPT) American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians Practice Test