Random Flashcards

What does a green stopper on tube often contain?

Answer: Thrombin

While most standard green-stoppered tubes contain heparin as an anticoagulant, some specialized green-top tubes, particularly rapid serum tubes (RST), can contain thrombin. Thrombin is a clotting agent added to these specific tubes to accelerate the clotting process, allowing for faster serum separation. This is a less common additive for green tops compared to heparin, but it does exist in certain contexts.

Which three of the following are fundamental cell structure elements?

Answer: Gametes

This question is phrased in a way that implies selecting a fundamental cell structure element. However, gametes are reproductive cells (like sperm or egg), not internal structural components or organelles *within* a cell. Nucleus, centrioles, and Golgi apparatus are all fundamental organelles. Therefore, if the question implicitly asks which option is *not* a fundamental cell structure element, gametes would be the correct choice as they are whole cells rather than intracellular structures.

AV dissociation typically happens when:

Answer: Left anterior hemiblock

AV dissociation occurs when the atria and ventricles beat independently of each other. While typically associated with complete AV block or ventricular tachycardia, some complex arrhythmias or severe conduction disturbances, including those involving fascicular blocks like Left Anterior Hemiblock, can present with features of AV dissociation. Although not a direct cause, it can be a component of more complex rhythm disorders.

Even when adequate technique is utilized, which of the following arterial puncture complications occurs most frequently?

Answer: Arteriospasm

Arteriospasm, or the involuntary constriction of an artery, is frequently cited as the most common complication of arterial puncture, even when proper technique is employed. This spasm can make the procedure more difficult, cause pain, and potentially impede blood flow, highlighting its prevalence despite careful execution.

A clinical laboratory's "path of workflow" includes everything except:

Answer: Overseen by the hospital administrator through periodic reports

A clinical laboratory's 'path of workflow' defines the sequential steps and processes involved in delivering a service, from pre-analytical to post-analytical phases, all monitored by quality indicators. While hospital administration provides overall oversight, the direct definition and monitoring of the intricate workflow steps are managed by laboratory leadership and staff, not solely by the hospital administrator through periodic reports.

What do the EKG waves reflect?

Answer: Both depolarization and repolarization

The EKG records the electrical activity of the heart, which involves both depolarization and repolarization. The P wave represents atrial depolarization, the QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, and the T wave signifies ventricular repolarization. Thus, the EKG waves provide a comprehensive view of both the electrical activation and recovery phases of the cardiac muscle.

A blood bank is also known as?

Answer: Immunohematology

A blood bank is the specialized laboratory department responsible for collecting, processing, testing, and storing blood and blood components for transfusion. This field is scientifically known as immunohematology because it involves the study of antigen-antibody reactions related to blood, which are critical for ensuring safe and compatible blood transfusions.

The preferred artery for collecting ABG is?

Answer: Radial

The radial artery is the preferred site for collecting arterial blood gas (ABG) samples due to its accessibility, superficial location, and the presence of collateral circulation from the ulnar artery. This collateral flow, typically assessed by the Allen test, minimizes the risk of ischemia to the hand if the radial artery is compromised during the procedure.

A CPU can perform all of the following, with the exception :

Answer: Displaying the processed information on a screen

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for executing instructions, performing calculations, and managing the flow of data within a computer system. However, displaying processed information on a screen is primarily the function of output devices like monitors and the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), not the CPU itself. The CPU processes the data that is then sent to these components for visual output.

Citrate inhibits thrombin, which stops bleeding.

Answer: False

This statement is false. Citrate acts as an anticoagulant by binding to calcium ions, which are crucial cofactors in the coagulation cascade, thereby preventing blood from clotting. It does not directly inhibit thrombin, nor does it stop bleeding once it has started; rather, it prevents the initial formation of a clot in collected blood samples.

Which of the following scenarios justifies excluding a sample from testing?

Answer: Potassium specimen on ice

Placing a potassium specimen on ice is a scenario that justifies excluding a sample from testing because it can lead to falsely elevated potassium results (pseudohyperkalemia). Cooling causes red blood cells to shift potassium from the plasma into the cells, artificially increasing the measured potassium concentration in the remaining plasma. This makes the result unreliable for patient diagnosis.