CLC CLC Specimen Collection, Handling & Pre-Analytical Processes

Question 1

The pre-analytical phase of laboratory testing is considered the most error-prone phase. Which of the following is a common pre-analytical error?

Accepted Answer

Hemolyzed specimen due to improper collection technique

Answer

Incorrect calibration of instrument

Answer

Transcription error in result reporting

Answer

Reagent lot-to-lot variation

Question 2

According to CLSI guidelines, what is the recommended order of draw when collecting multiple tubes during a single venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Blood culture → citrate → SST → heparin → EDTA

Answer

EDTA → SST → citrate → heparin

Answer

SST → EDTA → citrate → blood culture

Answer

Heparin → EDTA → SST → citrate

Question 3

A laboratory consultant reviews rejection criteria and notes that a urine specimen for culture arrived in the laboratory 4 hours after collection without refrigeration. What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Reject the specimen and request a new collection

Answer

Process the specimen and note the delay

Answer

Centrifuge immediately and process

Answer

Add a preservative and proceed

Question 4

Which anticoagulant tube is the correct choice for a prothrombin time (PT/INR) test?

Accepted Answer

Sodium citrate (blue top)

Answer

EDTA (lavender top)

Answer

Heparin (green top)

Answer

Serum separator tube (gold top)

Question 5

A phlebotomist collects a citrate tube but it is only 80% full. What is the most significant concern with this specimen?

Accepted Answer

Altered blood-to-anticoagulant ratio affecting coagulation results

Answer

Insufficient volume for the analyzer

Answer

Risk of clot formation in the tube

Answer

Tube vacuum loss

Question 6

Which specimen type is most appropriate for measuring ionized calcium?

Accepted Answer

Whole blood collected in a heparinized syringe

Answer

Serum (SST tube, spun)

Answer

Plasma from EDTA tube

Answer

24-hour urine collection