CLC CLC Specimen Collection, Handling & Pre-Analytical Processes 2

Question 1

A laboratory consultant notices that hemolysis interference is causing falsely elevated potassium results. Which pre-analytical intervention would best reduce this problem?

Accepted Answer

Training phlebotomists on proper technique and minimizing tourniquet time

Answer

The most effective long-term intervention is training phlebotomists to use proper technique and limit tourniquet time, which directly reduces hemolysis at the source.

Question 2

Which labeling requirement is considered the minimum for patient specimen identification according to laboratory safety and accreditation standards?

Accepted Answer

Patient full name and date of birth (or second unique identifier)

Answer

At minimum, specimens must be labeled with the patient's full name and a second unique identifier (such as date of birth or medical record number) to prevent misidentification.

Question 3

A 24-hour urine collection for creatinine clearance requires special pre-collection instructions. Which instruction is most critical for accurate results?

Accepted Answer

Discard the first void, then collect all urine for exactly 24 hours

Answer

The standard 24-hour urine protocol requires discarding the first morning void (to clear residual urine), then collecting all urine for the next 24 hours to ensure a complete timed collection.

Question 4

When collecting a blood culture, which antiseptic preparation sequence follows current best practice to minimize contamination rates?

Accepted Answer

70% isopropyl alcohol followed by chlorhexidine gluconate (or povidone-iodine), allowed to dry fully

Answer

Current best practice for blood culture collection uses 70% isopropyl alcohol followed by chlorhexidine gluconate (or povidone-iodine), allowed to fully dry to minimize skin flora contamination.

Question 5

A laboratory consultant is reviewing cold agglutinin test pre-analytical requirements. What is the critical handling step for this specimen?

Accepted Answer

Keep the specimen at 37°C from collection through serum separation

Answer

Cold agglutinin specimens must be kept warm (37°C) from collection through serum separation because cooling causes antibody binding to RBCs, making them undetectable.

(CLC) Certified Laboratory Consultant Practice Test

(CLC) Certified Laboratory Consultant Practice Test

CLC CLC Specimen Collection, Handling & Pre-Analytical Processes 2