Practice Test Geeks(MLS) Medical Laboratory Scientist Practice Test
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Clinical Procedures & Protocols 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 Procedures & Protocols flashcards as text

  1. A patient's blood culture bottle flags positive after 18 hours. What is the FIRST action the MLS should take?

    Answer: Subculture to blood agar and report Gram stain to clinician

    A positive blood culture flag requires immediate Gram stain and subculture, with results phoned to the clinician as a critical value.

  2. Which anticoagulant is used in the light blue (sodium citrate) tube and what is its primary application?

    Answer: Sodium citrate; coagulation studies

    Sodium citrate chelates calcium to prevent clotting and is the required anticoagulant for PT, aPTT, and other coagulation assays.

  3. A urine dipstick shows 2+ protein but the SSA (sulfosalicylic acid) test is negative. What is the most likely explanation?

    Answer: The protein is Bence Jones protein or immunoglobulin light chains

    Dipstick detects mainly albumin, while SSA detects all proteins including Bence Jones proteins; a negative SSA with positive dipstick suggests a false-positive dipstick reaction.

  4. During a venipuncture, blood stops flowing into the tube. Which corrective action should be attempted FIRST?

    Answer: Slightly advance or withdraw the needle to reposition it

    Slight needle repositioning is the first corrective step because the bevel may be against the vessel wall or the vein may have collapsed.

  5. Which specimen type is MOST appropriate for detecting anaerobic bacteria?

    Answer: Deep wound tissue submitted in an anaerobic transport container

    Anaerobes die rapidly on exposure to oxygen, so deep tissue submitted in sealed anaerobic transport is necessary for recovery.

  6. A hemolyzed serum specimen is received for potassium testing. The MLS should:

    Answer: Reject the specimen and request a recollect

    Hemolysis releases intracellular potassium, falsely elevating serum potassium by up to 20 mEq/L, making the result clinically unreliable.

  7. Which procedure is required before performing a finger stick on an infant younger than one year?

    Answer: Warm the heel for 3–5 minutes and collect from the plantar surface

    Heel sticks on the plantar (medial or lateral) surface, preceded by warming to increase blood flow, are the standard capillary collection site for infants under one year.