FREE NCMA Basic Laboratory Procedures and Specimen Handling Questions and Answers

Question 1

When performing a venipuncture, which color-topped tube should be drawn first if blood cultures are not ordered?

Accepted Answer

Light Blue

Answer

Lavender

Answer

Red

Answer

Green

Question 2

What is the additive in a lavender-topped tube and what is its purpose?

Accepted Answer

EDTA, to prevent clotting by binding calcium

Answer

Sodium Citrate, to prevent coagulation

Answer

Heparin, to inhibit thrombin formation

Answer

Clot activator, to promote blood clotting

Question 3

A medical assistant is instructing a patient on how to collect a clean-catch midstream urine specimen. Which instruction is correct?

Accepted Answer

Wipe the area, begin to urinate in the toilet, then collect the sample.

Answer

Collect the very first part of the urine stream.

Answer

Fill the container to the very top.

Answer

No special cleaning is needed before collection.

Question 4

When is the most appropriate time to label a patient's specimen container?

Accepted Answer

Immediately after collection, in front of the patient.

Answer

Before entering the patient's room to save time.

Answer

After returning to the laboratory.

Answer

At the end of the day when all specimens are gathered.

Question 5

What is the purpose of inverting a blood collection tube after it is filled?

Accepted Answer

To ensure proper mixing of the additive and the blood.

Answer

To prevent the blood from hemolyzing.

Answer

To cool the specimen down more quickly.

Answer

To release the vacuum inside the tube.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a CLIA-waived test that a medical assistant might perform?

Accepted Answer

Urine dipstick test

Answer

Blood culture analysis

Answer

PAP smear microscopy

Answer

Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential