BTC Clinical Procedures & Protocols 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a point-of-care glucose test, the first drop of blood from a finger stick should be:
- Applied directly to the test strip
- Wiped away before collecting the sample (Correct answer)
- Used to prime the lancet device
- Mixed with reagent in a capillary tube
Correct answer: Wiped away before collecting the sample
The first drop is wiped away because it may be contaminated with tissue fluid, which can dilute the sample and affect accuracy.
Question 2: A biomedical technician is asked to verify a ventilator's tidal volume delivery. Which tool is most appropriate?
- Spirometer calibration syringe (Correct answer)
- Peak flow meter
- Pulse oximeter
- Capnograph
Correct answer: Spirometer calibration syringe
A calibration syringe of known volume is used to verify that the ventilator delivers the set tidal volume accurately.
Question 3: According to standard protocol, how often should an infusion pump's occlusion alarm be tested during preventive maintenance?
- Only when a clinical complaint is reported
- Annually at minimum per manufacturer schedule (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years per FDA guidance
- Only after firmware upgrades
Correct answer: Annually at minimum per manufacturer schedule
Occlusion alarms must be functionally tested at least annually as part of scheduled preventive maintenance per manufacturer requirements.
Question 4: Which sterilization method is most appropriate for heat-sensitive endoscopic equipment?
- Steam autoclave at 134°C
- Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilization (Correct answer)
- Dry heat oven at 160°C
- Boiling water immersion
Correct answer: Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilization
EtO gas sterilization is used for heat-sensitive devices because it operates at low temperatures while achieving sterilization.
Question 5: During defibrillator testing, which parameter confirms that the device delivered the intended energy to the patient load?
- Display charge time
- Delivered energy measured at the output (Correct answer)
- Battery voltage level
- Synchronization pulse width
Correct answer: Delivered energy measured at the output
Delivered energy measured at the output (using a defibrillator analyzer) confirms actual energy transfer to the patient load, not just stored charge.
Question 6: A patient monitor's SpO2 reading is consistently 2–3% lower than expected. Which clinical protocol step should a biomedical technician perform first?
- Replace the sensor immediately
- Verify the reading against a co-oximeter reference (Correct answer)
- Recalibrate using room air as 21% baseline
- Update the device firmware
Correct answer: Verify the reading against a co-oximeter reference
Verification against a co-oximeter provides a gold-standard reference to determine whether the discrepancy is real or device error.
Question 7: Which protocol governs the electrical safety testing of patient-connected medical equipment in US hospitals?
- ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1 (Correct answer)
- ISO 14971
- NFPA 101
- FDA 21 CFR Part 820
Correct answer: ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1
ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1 defines electrical safety requirements and test procedures for patient-connected medical electrical equipment in the US.
BTC Clinical Procedures & Protocols 2
When performing a point-of-care glucose test, the first drop of blood from a finger stick should be: