FREE PCT Non-Blood Specimen Collection Questions and Answers

Question 1

When instructing a female patient on how to collect a clean-catch midstream urine specimen, the PCT should tell her to:

Accepted Answer

Begin urinating into the toilet, then collect the specimen

Answer

Collect the very first part of the urine stream

Answer

Wipe the perineal area from back to front

Answer

Fill the collection cup to the very top

Question 2

A PCT is collecting a 24-hour urine specimen. The patient voids at 8:00 AM. What should the PCT do with this first specimen?

Accepted Answer

Discard the specimen and start the collection

Answer

Add it to the collection container as the first sample

Answer

Send it to the lab as a random specimen

Answer

Test it with a reagent strip and then add it to the container

Question 3

When collecting a stool specimen for ova and parasites (O&P), what is a critical step?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the specimen is not contaminated with urine

Answer

Refrigerate the specimen immediately

Answer

Collect the specimen from the toilet bowl water

Answer

Wait at least one hour before sending it to the lab

Question 4

What is the best time of day to collect a sputum specimen?

Accepted Answer

In the early morning upon waking

Answer

Immediately after a meal

Answer

Right before bedtime

Answer

In the middle of the afternoon

Question 5

A PCT needs to collect a sputum specimen for culture. The patient is having difficulty producing a sample. The PCT should instruct the patient to:

Accepted Answer

Take a few deep breaths and then cough deeply

Answer

Spit saliva into the cup

Answer

Drink a large glass of cold water quickly

Answer

Lie flat on their back for 10 minutes

Question 6

When collecting a stool specimen for a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), the PCT should instruct the patient to avoid which of the following for 3 days prior to the test?

Accepted Answer

Red meat

Answer

Dairy products

Answer

High-fiber bread

Answer

Yellow vegetables

Question 7

After collecting a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity, what is the most appropriate action if it cannot be transported to the lab immediately?

Accepted Answer

Place it in a specimen refrigerator

Answer

Leave it at the patient's bedside

Answer

Add a preservative tablet from the lab

Answer

Keep it in a warm water bath