MLPAO - Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario Specimen Collection and Handling Questions and Answers

Question 1

An MLA/T is tasked with collecting blood for coagulation studies (light blue top), a complete blood count (lavender top), and a basic metabolic panel (serum separator tube - SST).
To prevent additive cross-contamination, what is the correct order of draw?

Accepted Answer

Light blue top, SST, Lavender top

Answer

Lavender top, SST, Light blue top

Answer

SST, Lavender top, Light blue top

Answer

Light blue top, Lavender top, SST

Question 2

A physician's office sends a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity to the laboratory. Upon receipt, the MLA/T notices the specimen is in a non-sterile container. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Reject the specimen and request a new sample collected in the proper container.

Answer

Process the specimen and add a comment about the container.

Answer

Transfer the urine to a sterile container and proceed with testing.

Answer

Aliquot a small amount for culture and discard the rest.

Question 3

Which of the following analytes requires the specimen to be protected from light during collection and transport?

Accepted Answer

Bilirubin

Answer

Glucose

Answer

Potassium

Answer

Creatinine

Question 4

An MLA/T receives a blood specimen for a Prothrombin Time (PT) test in a light blue top tube. The MLA/T observes that the tube is only filled to 50% of its capacity. What is the implication of this short draw?

Accepted Answer

The results will be falsely prolonged (higher).

Answer

The results will be falsely shortened (lower).

Answer

The specimen will likely be hemolyzed.

Answer

There is no significant impact on the test results.

Question 5

When collecting a specimen for forensic toxicology testing, what is the most critical procedure that must be meticulously followed to ensure the specimen is admissible in legal proceedings?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a strict chain of custody.

Answer

Using a gray-top tube for collection.

Answer

Placing the specimen on ice immediately.

Answer

Obtaining a fasting sample from the donor.

Question 6

According to Ontario laboratory guidelines, which two identifiers are the minimum requirement for labeling a primary patient specimen at the time of collection?

Accepted Answer

Patient's full name and one other unique identifier (e.g., DOB or Health Card Number).

Answer

Patient's full name and room number.

Answer

Patient's date of birth and the date of collection.

Answer

Patient's Health Card Number and the physician's name.