CCMA Laboratory Procedures

Question 1

Which of the following is considered a CLIA-waived test that a CCMA may perform?

Accepted Answer

Urine dipstick urinalysis

Answer

Urine dipstick urinalysis is classified as a CLIA-waived test, meaning it carries low risk of error and can be performed by a trained CCMA without a laboratory director on-site.

Question 2

When collecting a midstream clean-catch urine specimen, which instruction should the medical assistant give the patient?

Accepted Answer

Clean the urethral area, void a small amount into the toilet, then collect midstream into the container

Answer

A midstream clean-catch specimen requires cleaning the urethral meatus first, voiding the initial stream to flush contaminants, then collecting the midstream urine to reduce bacterial contamination.

Question 3

A urine specific gravity of 1.030 would indicate:

Accepted Answer

Highly concentrated urine

Answer

Normal urine specific gravity ranges from 1.005 to 1.030; a reading of 1.030 indicates highly concentrated urine, often seen with dehydration or fluid restriction.

Question 4

What color change on a urine dipstick indicates the presence of blood (hematuria)?

Accepted Answer

Tan to pink or dark green

Answer

The blood pad on a urine dipstick turns from tan to pink or dark green in the presence of hemoglobin or myoglobin, indicating hematuria or hemoglobinuria.

Question 5

Which preservative is most commonly added to a 24-hour urine collection to prevent bacterial growth?

Accepted Answer

Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Answer

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is commonly used as a preservative in 24-hour urine collections to inhibit bacterial growth and preserve certain analytes such as catecholamines.

CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Practice Test

CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Practice Test

CCMA Laboratory Procedures