CET Specimen Handling & Processing 3

Question 1

If a specimen is accidentally dropped on the floor before being placed in formalin, what is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Discard it and collect another specimen if possible; document the incident

Answer

A contaminated dropped specimen should be discarded and replaced if clinically possible, and the incident must be documented and reported to the physician to ensure patient safety and accurate results.

Question 2

Which OSHA standard primarily governs safe handling of formalin in the endoscopy suite?

Accepted Answer

Formaldehyde Standard (29 CFR 1910.1048)

Answer

OSHA's Formaldehyde Standard (29 CFR 1910.1048) specifically regulates occupational exposure to formaldehyde, requiring exposure monitoring, PPE, and engineering controls in workplaces using formalin.

Question 3

When transporting a formalin-fixed specimen to the pathology department, what is the required packaging?

Accepted Answer

A leak-proof primary container inside a secondary leak-proof container, properly labeled

Answer

Biohazardous specimens must be transported in a primary leak-proof container inside a secondary leak-proof container to prevent spills and exposure, per OSHA and DOT transport guidelines.

Question 4

A colonoscopy specimen is labeled 'ascending colon polyp.' The endoscopist then states it was actually from the sigmoid colon. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Correct the label and requisition form, document the correction, and have the endoscopist verify and sign the change

Answer

Any correction to specimen labeling must be formally documented, and the endoscopist must verify and countersign the corrected label and requisition form to maintain an accurate legal record.

Question 5

Which statement about frozen section specimens collected during endoscopy is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

They must be immediately transported fresh to pathology on ice or dry ice for intraoperative analysis

Answer

Frozen section specimens must be transported immediately to pathology in a fresh, unfixed state because the rapid freezing and cutting process used for intraoperative analysis is incompatible with formalin fixation.

(CET) Certified Endoscopy Technician Practice Test

(CET) Certified Endoscopy Technician Practice Test

CET Specimen Handling & Processing 3