CMLA Laboratory Equipment Operation & Maintenance 4

Question 1

What is the purpose of the condenser on a compound light microscope?

Accepted Answer

To focus and direct light onto the specimen

Answer

The condenser collects and concentrates light from the illuminator and focuses it onto the specimen for optimal image brightness and resolution.

Question 2

A urinalysis analyzer reports 'cuvette dirty' error. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Clean the cuvette per manufacturer protocol and run a system check

Answer

A dirty cuvette causes optical errors; cleaning per manufacturer instructions restores accurate photometric readings.

Question 3

Which safety feature prevents a centrifuge lid from being opened while the rotor is spinning?

Accepted Answer

An interlocking lid mechanism tied to the rotor speed sensor

Answer

Modern centrifuges use an electronic interlock that prevents lid opening until the rotor has fully stopped, preventing injury from the spinning rotor.

Question 4

When performing quality control on a coagulation analyzer, two consecutive QC results fall outside the 2SD warning limit on the same side. This pattern represents which Westgard rule violation?

Accepted Answer

2-2s rule

Answer

The 2-2s rule is triggered when two consecutive QC results exceed the same 2SD limit, indicating a possible systematic error.

Question 5

Before storing a pH electrode overnight, it should be placed in:

Accepted Answer

pH 7 buffer or electrode storage solution

Answer

Electrodes must be kept moist in pH 7 buffer or storage solution to prevent the reference junction from drying out and losing function.

(CMLA) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice Test

(CMLA) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice Test

CMLA Laboratory Equipment Operation & Maintenance 4