CLS Clinical Chemistry 3

Question 1

Which method is used to measure serum protein electrophoresis and can identify monoclonal gammopathy (M-spike)?

Accepted Answer

Agarose gel or capillary zone electrophoresis

Answer

Serum protein electrophoresis using agarose gel or capillary zone electrophoresis separates proteins by charge and size, revealing a discrete M-spike in monoclonal gammopathy.

Question 2

A patient's urine osmolality is 900 mOsm/kg while serum osmolality is 285 mOsm/kg. Which statement best describes this result?

Accepted Answer

The kidneys are appropriately concentrating urine

Answer

A urine osmolality of 900 mOsm/kg compared to serum of 285 mOsm/kg indicates the kidneys are concentrating urine normally, as urine should be more concentrated than plasma.

Question 3

Which enzyme marker is elevated in hepatic disease, bone disease, and pregnancy, but is NOT specific to any one tissue?

Accepted Answer

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

Answer

Alkaline phosphatase is found in liver, bone, intestine, placenta, and kidney, so elevations must be interpreted in clinical context or with isoenzyme fractionation.

Question 4

In iron deficiency anemia, which laboratory pattern would you expect?

Accepted Answer

Low serum iron, high TIBC, low ferritin, low transferrin saturation

Answer

Iron deficiency is characterized by low serum iron, elevated TIBC (more transferrin available to bind iron), low ferritin (depleted stores), and low transferrin saturation.

Question 5

Which assay is used to measure the functional activity of the coagulation cascade and would be prolonged in a patient on warfarin therapy?

Accepted Answer

Prothrombin time (PT) / INR

Answer

Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent factors (II, VII, IX, X), which are in the extrinsic pathway; PT/INR monitors this pathway and is used to manage warfarin therapy.

CLS - Certified Laboratory Professional Practice Test

CLS - Certified Laboratory Professional Practice Test

CLS Clinical Chemistry 3