FREE MLPAO Specimen Collection and Procurement Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient is scheduled for a Prothrombin Time (PT/INR), a Complete Blood Count (CBC), and a glucose test. Following the CLSI recommended order of draw, which tube should be collected second?

Accepted Answer

Light Blue top (Sodium Citrate)

Answer

Gray top (Sodium Fluoride/Potassium Oxalate)

Answer

Lavender top (EDTA)

Answer

Red top (Clot activator)

Question 2

A medical laboratory assistant instructs a patient on collecting a 24-hour urine specimen. Which instruction is a critical part of this procedure?

Accepted Answer

Discard the first morning void, then begin collecting all subsequent urine for 24 hours.

Answer

Collect the first morning void on the day the collection starts.

Answer

Keep the collection container at room temperature throughout the 24 hours.

Answer

It is acceptable to miss one or two voids as long as the majority of the urine is collected.

Question 3

Which of the following is a primary reason for specimen rejection in the laboratory?

Accepted Answer

The specimen is unlabeled or the label information does not match the requisition.

Answer

The patient was not fasting for a CBC.

Answer

The collection tube is from a different manufacturer than the lab prefers.

Answer

The venipuncture was performed using a 23-gauge needle.

Question 4

A specimen for bilirubin testing arrives in the laboratory in a clear transport bag. The test is scheduled to be performed 2 hours after collection. What is the most likely issue with this specimen?

Accepted Answer

Bilirubin is light-sensitive and the specimen was not protected from light.

Answer

The specimen should have been frozen immediately.

Answer

The transport time is too long for a bilirubin test.

Answer

A special anticoagulant, other than what is standard, was required.

Question 5

When collecting a blood specimen using a winged infusion set (butterfly) and an evacuated tube system for a single coagulation test (light blue top), what is the correct procedure?

Accepted Answer

Draw a discard tube before the light blue top tube.

Answer

Underfill the light blue top tube to compensate for the air in the tubing.

Answer

Collect the light blue top tube first without any special preparation.

Answer

Vigorously shake the tube after collection to mix the anticoagulant.

Question 6

For which of the following specimens is maintaining sterility during collection of utmost importance to ensure accurate results?

Accepted Answer

Urine for culture and sensitivity

Answer

24-hour urine for creatinine clearance

Answer

Blood specimen for a lipid panel

Answer

Random urine for routine urinalysis