Laboratory Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real CCMA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Laboratory Procedures flashcards as text
Which of the following urine sediment findings is MOST consistent with a bacterial urinary tract infection?
Answer: Bacteria and WBC casts
Bacteria combined with WBC casts in urine sediment strongly indicate a bacterial infection involving the renal tubules or upper urinary tract.
What is the purpose of a differential white blood cell count?
Answer: To identify the percentage of each type of WBC present
A differential WBC count classifies the proportion of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils to help diagnose infections, allergies, and hematologic conditions.
A blood glucose result of 52 mg/dL in a fasting patient is classified as:
Answer: Hypoglycemia
A fasting blood glucose below 70 mg/dL is classified as hypoglycemia and requires immediate clinical attention.
Which specimen type is required for a fecal occult blood test (FOBT)?
Answer: Random stool sample
FOBT requires a stool (fecal) specimen to detect hidden (occult) blood that may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding or colorectal cancer.
When performing a pregnancy test using a urine specimen, the test detects which hormone?
Answer: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
Urine pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta shortly after implantation.
Which of the following is the BEST action when a phlebotomist notices petechiae on a patient's arm during venipuncture preparation?
Answer: Document the finding and notify the provider before proceeding
Petechiae can indicate a clotting disorder or fragile capillaries; the finding should be documented and reported to the provider before proceeding with the procedure.
Which laboratory test is used to monitor long-term blood glucose control in diabetic patients over the past 2–3 months?
Answer: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
HbA1c measures the percentage of glycated hemoglobin and reflects average blood glucose levels over the preceding 2–3 months, making it the standard for long-term diabetes management.