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Laboratory Sample Handling Flashcards

7 cards from real CVA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Laboratory Sample Handling flashcards as text

  1. A skin scraping is collected to evaluate for which condition?

    Answer: Mange mites (Demodex or Sarcoptes)

    Deep skin scrapings are the primary diagnostic method for detecting demodectic and sarcoptic mange mites by scraping until capillary bleeding occurs.

  2. What is the purpose of adding formalin to a tissue biopsy sample?

    Answer: To fix and preserve tissue architecture for histopathology

    10% neutral buffered formalin crosslinks proteins, halting autolysis and preserving tissue morphology for histopathological examination.

  3. Which of the following is an appropriate container for submitting a tissue sample for bacterial culture?

    Answer: Sterile culturette swab or sterile container without additives

    Tissue for culture must be placed in a sterile container without fixatives, as formalin or other preservatives will kill bacteria and prevent growth.

  4. When handling a sample labeled as 'biohazardous,' what should the veterinary assistant do?

    Answer: Wear gloves and handle according to facility biosafety protocols

    Biohazardous samples must be handled using appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection) and facility-specific biosafety protocols to protect staff.

  5. How long can a whole blood sample in an EDTA tube typically be stored at room temperature before CBC results become unreliable?

    Answer: Up to 4 hours

    EDTA whole blood is most reliable when analyzed within 4 hours at room temperature; prolonged storage causes cell swelling and morphological changes.

  6. What is the correct ratio of blood to anticoagulant in a blue-top (sodium citrate) tube for coagulation testing?

    Answer: 9:1

    Coagulation tubes require a precise 9:1 blood-to-sodium citrate ratio; underfilling dilutes clotting factors and produces inaccurate results.

  7. Which parasite is most likely identified on a Baermann technique fecal examination?

    Answer: Lungworm larvae (e.g., Aelurostrongylus)

    The Baermann technique uses warm water to stimulate larval migration out of fecal material, making it ideal for detecting lungworm larvae.