FREE CCBMA Laboratory Procedures and Specimen Collection Questions and Answers

Question 1

When performing a venipuncture, what is the correct order of draw if a light blue, a lavender, and a red top tube are needed?

Accepted Answer

Light Blue, Red, Lavender

Answer

The correct order of draw is critical to prevent cross-contamination of additives between tubes. The standard order is: blood cultures, light blue (coagulation), red/gold (serum), green (heparin), lavender (EDTA), and gray (glycolytic inhibitor). Therefore, the correct sequence is light blue, red, then lavender.

Question 2

The additive in a lavender-topped blood collection tube is:

Accepted Answer

EDTA

Answer

Lavender (or purple) top tubes contain the anticoagulant Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). EDTA works by binding to calcium in the blood, which prevents the coagulation cascade and preserves the blood cells for hematology tests like a complete blood count (CBC).

Question 3

In a routine urinalysis, what does the specific gravity of the urine measure?

Accepted Answer

The concentration of dissolved particles

Answer

Specific gravity measures the concentration of dissolved solutes in the urine, reflecting the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. A high specific gravity indicates concentrated urine (possible dehydration), while a low specific gravity indicates dilute urine.

Question 4

Which of the following is considered a CLIA-waived test that a medical assistant can perform?

Accepted Answer

Rapid streptococcus test

Answer

CLIA-waived tests are simple laboratory examinations and procedures that have an insignificant risk of an erroneous result. A rapid streptococcus test, or 'rapid strep,' is a common example of a CLIA-waived test performed in many medical offices.

Question 5

How should a medical assistant handle a blood specimen for a bilirubin test?

Accepted Answer

It must be protected from light

Answer

Bilirubin is photosensitive, meaning it breaks down when exposed to light. To ensure an accurate test result, specimens for bilirubin testing must be protected from light by wrapping the tube in foil or using an amber-colored collection tube.

CCBMA - California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants Practice Test

CCBMA - California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants Practice Test

FREE CCBMA Laboratory Procedures and Specimen Collection Questions and Answers