ASPT Specimen Handling and Processing 4

Question 1

When processing a specimen for plasma, what step differentiates it from serum preparation?

Accepted Answer

Plasma can be centrifuged immediately without waiting for clot formation

Answer

Plasma is obtained from anticoagulated blood that can be centrifuged immediately, whereas serum requires a 30-minute clotting period before centrifugation.

Question 2

Which of the following is a pre-analytical error that can affect specimen quality?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged tourniquet application during collection

Answer

Prolonged tourniquet application (>1 minute) causes hemoconcentration and hemolysis, which are pre-analytical errors that occur before specimen analysis.

Question 3

What type of specimen is required for a prothrombin time (PT) test?

Accepted Answer

Plasma from a sodium citrate tube

Answer

PT/INR testing requires plasma anticoagulated with sodium citrate (light blue top) because citrate preserves clotting factors needed for coagulation testing.

Question 4

A specimen arrives at the lab with visible lipemia. Which test result is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Triglycerides

Answer

Lipemia indicates elevated triglycerides in the blood, which is directly reflected in triglyceride test results and can interfere with other optical-based assays.

Question 5

What is the recommended angle for inserting the needle during venipuncture to minimize patient discomfort?

Accepted Answer

15–30 degrees

Answer

A 15–30 degree angle is recommended for venipuncture as it allows proper needle entry into the vein while minimizing tissue trauma.

(ASPT) American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians Practice Test

(ASPT) American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians Practice Test

ASPT Specimen Handling and Processing 4