CCMA Laboratory Procedures 3

Question 1

Under a microscope, which urine sediment finding is most associated with a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Accepted Answer

White blood cell (WBC) clumps and bacteria

Answer

The presence of WBC clumps (pyuria) and bacteria in urine sediment is a classic finding in urinary tract infections, indicating an inflammatory response to bacterial invasion.

Question 2

When preparing a blood smear slide for microscopic examination, the smear should be:

Accepted Answer

Thin with a feathered edge and even distribution of cells

Answer

A proper blood smear should be thin with a smooth feathered edge, allowing cells to be spread in a monolayer for accurate morphological examination under the microscope.

Question 3

Which type of urine cast is considered a normal finding in small numbers?

Accepted Answer

Hyaline casts

Answer

Hyaline casts are composed of Tamm-Horsfall protein and can be found in small numbers (0–2 per low-power field) in normal urine; increased numbers may suggest dehydration or strenuous exercise.

Question 4

What is the purpose of centrifuging a urine specimen before microscopic examination?

Accepted Answer

To concentrate the formed elements (cells, casts, crystals) into a pellet for examination

Answer

Centrifugation concentrates the cellular elements, casts, and crystals from urine into a pellet, which is then resuspended and examined microscopically for accurate sediment analysis.

Question 5

A Gram stain that shows pink (red) rod-shaped organisms indicates:

Accepted Answer

Gram-negative bacilli

Answer

Gram-negative bacteria appear pink or red after the Gram stain decolorization step because their thin peptidoglycan layer does not retain the crystal violet dye; rod-shaped organisms are classified as bacilli.

CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Practice Test

CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Practice Test

CCMA Laboratory Procedures 3