Medical Technologist Knowledge Flashcards
7 cards from real Medical Technologist Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Medical Technologist Knowledge flashcards as text
The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) detects:
Answer: Antibodies or complement coating patient's red blood cells in vivo
The DAT uses anti-human globulin reagent to detect IgG antibodies or complement components already bound to RBCs in vivo.
Which culture medium is selective and differential for gram-negative enteric organisms, inhibiting gram-positive bacteria?
Answer: MacConkey agar
MacConkey agar contains bile salts and crystal violet to inhibit gram-positive bacteria while differentiating lactose-fermenting from non-fermenting gram-negative rods.
In a manual differential WBC count, 100 cells are counted. If 68 are neutrophils and the total WBC is 5,000/µL, the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is:
Answer: 3,400/µL
ANC = 68% × 5,000/µL = 3,400/µL, which is within the normal adult reference range.
Which electrolyte abnormality is most consistent with a patient who has been vomiting repeatedly?
Answer: Hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis
Repeated vomiting causes loss of HCl and fluid, leading to hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis.
The beta-lactamase test on a Staphylococcus aureus isolate is performed to determine:
Answer: Penicillin resistance
Beta-lactamase production confers resistance to penicillin by hydrolyzing its beta-lactam ring; this guides antibiotic selection.
In flow cytometry immunophenotyping, a cell population positive for CD19, CD20, and surface immunoglobulin is consistent with:
Answer: Mature B lymphocytes
CD19 and CD20 are pan-B-cell markers, and surface immunoglobulin expression confirms mature B lymphocyte identity.
A specimen with a serum sodium of 118 mEq/L should prompt the medical technologist to:
Answer: Report the result and notify the ordering provider immediately
A sodium of 118 mEq/L is a critical (panic) value and must be reported immediately to the ordering provider per laboratory policy.