FREE MLPAO Specimen Processing and Handling Questions and Answers

Question 1

A serum separator tube (SST) is received for routine chemistry testing.
According to CLSI guidelines, what is the recommended maximum time between collection and centrifugation to ensure specimen integrity?

Accepted Answer

2 hours

Answer

4 hours

Answer

30 minutes

Answer

6 hours

Question 2

An MLA is tasked with preparing aliquots from a primary plasma sample for multiple downstream tests. Which of the following is the MOST critical step to perform immediately before pipetting the plasma into the secondary tubes?

Accepted Answer

Gently mix the primary sample by inversion.

Answer

Ensure the aliquot tubes are pre-chilled.

Answer

Check the primary sample for fibrin clots.

Answer

Verify the patient's fasting status.

Question 3

A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen is delivered to the lab for cell count, microbiology, and chemistry tests. The sample consists of four sequentially collected sterile tubes, numbered 1 through 4. For the cell count and differential, which tube is typically preferred to minimize contamination from a traumatic tap?

Accepted Answer

Tube #4

Answer

Tube #2

Answer

Tube #1

Answer

Any tube can be used interchangeably

Question 4

Which of the following conditions is the most common pre-analytical cause of a falsely elevated potassium (K+) level in a serum specimen?

Accepted Answer

Hemolysis

Answer

Lipemia

Answer

Icterus

Answer

Prolonged tourniquet application

Question 5

A laboratory receives a specimen for forensic toxicology testing. What is the most crucial documentation that must accompany the specimen from collection to analysis to ensure its legal admissibility?

Accepted Answer

A chain of custody form

Answer

A detailed patient clinical history

Answer

A standard laboratory requisition form

Answer

A signed patient consent form

Question 6

A blood sample for lactate analysis is drawn in a grey-top (sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate) tube. The test cannot be performed immediately. What is the proper short-term storage condition for this specimen to ensure stability?

Accepted Answer

Refrigerated on an ice/water slurry

Answer

Placed in a 37°C heat block

Answer

Left at room temperature on the bench

Answer

Frozen at -20°C

A serum separator tube (SST) is received for routine chemistry testing.According to CLSI guidelines, what is the recommended maximum time between collection and centrifugation to ensure specimen integrity?

A serum separator tube (SST) is received for routine chemistry testing.
According to CLSI guidelines, what is the recommended maximum time between collection and centrifugation to ensure specimen integrity?