CPC Specimen Collection Procedures & Chain of Custody 4

Question 1

A collector is obtaining a blood specimen for forensic analysis and must choose a skin antiseptic. Which antiseptic should be AVOIDED for blood alcohol collections?

Accepted Answer

Isopropyl alcohol (ethanol-based wipes)

Answer

Alcohol-based antiseptics can contaminate the venipuncture site and potentially elevate blood alcohol results, so non-alcohol antiseptics must be used for BAC draws.

Question 2

Under chain-of-custody protocols, what should a collector do if a pre-printed label on the specimen does not match the information on the custody form?

Accepted Answer

Stop the collection and resolve the discrepancy before proceeding

Answer

A mismatch between the label and custody form is a critical error; the discrepancy must be resolved before collection to ensure the specimen's legal defensibility.

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct definition of 'aliquot' in laboratory specimen handling?

Accepted Answer

A measured portion of a specimen transferred to a secondary container for testing

Answer

An aliquot is a representative portion transferred from the primary specimen container into secondary tubes for individual testing or storage.

Question 4

When transporting a chain-of-custody urine specimen via courier to a laboratory, the specimen must be:

Accepted Answer

Packaged in a tamper-evident bag with a completed COC form inside

Answer

COC specimens must be sealed in tamper-evident packaging with the accompanying custody form so any breach of integrity is detectable upon receipt.

Question 5

A forensic blood collection kit typically includes a non-alcohol swab because isopropyl alcohol used on the site could:

Accepted Answer

Artificially elevate ethanol levels detected in the specimen

Answer

Isopropyl alcohol residue at the venipuncture site can be absorbed and falsely elevate blood ethanol concentrations, compromising the accuracy of BAC results.

(CPC) Certified Professional Collector Practice Test

(CPC) Certified Professional Collector Practice Test

CPC Specimen Collection Procedures & Chain of Custody 4