MLS Quality & Safety 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of quality control (QC) in a clinical laboratory?
- To increase test volume
- To ensure accuracy and reliability (Correct answer)
- To reduce testing costs
- To eliminate all laboratory errors
Correct answer: To ensure accuracy and reliability
Quality control ensures the accuracy and reliability of laboratory test results by monitoring the performance of testing instruments and reagents.
Question 2: Which of the following is a critical component of a laboratory’s quality assurance (QA) program?
- Reducing reagent usage
- Proficiency testing (Correct answer)
- Increasing sample volume
- Minimizing test complexity
Correct answer: Proficiency testing
Proficiency testing is a key part of quality assurance, helping to evaluate a laboratory’s ability to produce accurate and consistent test results.
Question 3: Which biosafety level (BSL) is required for handling highly infectious pathogens such as Ebola virus?
- BSL-1
- BSL-2
- BSL-3
- BSL-4 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: BSL-4
Biosafety Level 4 (BSL-4) laboratories are required for working with highly infectious agents like Ebola, which pose a severe risk to human health.
Question 4: What should be done in case of an accidental laboratory spill involving bloodborne pathogens?
- Evacuate the building immediately
- Cover the spill with paper towels and disinfect with bleach (Correct answer)
- Ignore the spill if it's small
- Use only water to clean the area
Correct answer: Cover the spill with paper towels and disinfect with bleach
Spills involving bloodborne pathogens should be immediately contained and disinfected using an appropriate chemical agent, such as a 10% bleach solution.
Question 5: Which type of fire extinguisher should be used in a laboratory setting to handle flammable liquid fires?
- Class A
- Class B (Correct answer)
- Class C
- Class D
Correct answer: Class B
Class B fire extinguishers are specifically designed to handle fires involving flammable liquids such as ethanol, acetone, and laboratory solvents.
Question 6: What is the purpose of material safety data sheets (MSDS) in a laboratory?
- To track laboratory inventory
- To provide information on chemical hazards and safety (Correct answer)
- To ensure compliance with research protocols
- To determine chemical purity
Correct answer: To provide information on chemical hazards and safety
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide essential information on the properties, handling, storage, and hazards of chemicals used in a laboratory setting.
MLS Quality & Safety 1
What is the primary purpose of quality control (QC) in a clinical laboratory?