Practice Test Geeks(MLS) Medical Laboratory Scientist Practice Test
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Clinical Testing & Analysis Flashcards

7 cards from real MLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Clinical Testing & Analysis flashcards as text

  1. A patient's serum glucose is 54 mg/dL on a fasting specimen. Which confirmatory step is most appropriate?

    Answer: Repeat testing on a new fasting specimen

    A fasting glucose of 54 mg/dL is hypoglycemic and should be confirmed with repeat testing on a fresh specimen to rule out pre-analytical errors.

  2. Which reagent in the Wright-Giemsa stain is responsible for staining acidic cellular components pink/red?

    Answer: Eosin Y

    Eosin Y is the acidic dye in Wright-Giemsa that binds to basic (positively charged) cellular components such as hemoglobin and eosinophil granules, staining them pink to red.

  3. A PT result is markedly prolonged but the PTT is normal. Which factor deficiency is most consistent with this pattern?

    Answer: Factor VII

    Factor VII is the only clotting factor unique to the extrinsic pathway; its deficiency prolongs PT while leaving PTT normal.

  4. A urine specific gravity of 1.001 most likely indicates:

    Answer: Diabetes insipidus or overhydration

    Specific gravity of 1.001 represents maximally dilute urine, consistent with diabetes insipidus or excessive fluid intake.

  5. In the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, which standard is used to prepare the bacterial inoculum?

    Answer: 0.5 McFarland standard

    CLSI guidelines specify a 0.5 McFarland turbidity standard (~1–2 × 10⁸ CFU/mL) for inoculum preparation in Kirby-Bauer testing.

  6. Which lipoprotein is primarily responsible for transporting dietary triglycerides from the intestine to peripheral tissues?

    Answer: Chylomicrons

    Chylomicrons are synthesized in intestinal epithelial cells and carry dietary (exogenous) triglycerides through lymph to peripheral tissues.

  7. A hemoglobin electrophoresis at alkaline pH shows a band migrating to the same position as HbS. Which additional test best distinguishes HbS from HbD?

    Answer: Acid pH electrophoresis

    HbS and HbD co-migrate at alkaline pH but separate on acid (citrate agar) electrophoresis: HbS migrates toward the cathode while HbD remains near the origin.