MLS Professional Ethics & Communication 3

Question 1

Which professional organization publishes a Code of Ethics specifically for clinical laboratory scientists in the United States?

Accepted Answer

American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)

Answer

The ASCLS Code of Ethics outlines the professional and ethical responsibilities expected of clinical laboratory scientists.

Question 2

An MLS notices a coworker consistently skipping the required specimen identification step before testing. The most ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the behavior to the supervisor to protect patient safety

Answer

Patient safety supersedes workplace social comfort; unsafe practices must be reported through proper supervisory channels.

Question 3

The ethical principle of 'nonmaleficence' in laboratory practice means the MLS must:

Accepted Answer

Avoid actions that cause unnecessary harm to patients

Answer

Nonmaleficence means 'do no harm' — the MLS must avoid practices that could injure or negatively impact patients.

Question 4

When documenting a critical value call, which piece of information is LEAST relevant to record?

Accepted Answer

Patient's insurance carrier

Answer

Critical value documentation focuses on communication details (who, when, confirmation) — insurance information is not relevant to this safety process.

Question 5

A patient requests copies of their own laboratory results. Under HIPAA, the laboratory must:

Accepted Answer

Provide access within 30 days under the HIPAA Right of Access rule

Answer

HIPAA's Right of Access provision requires covered entities to provide patients access to their PHI within 30 days of a request.

(MLS) Medical Laboratory Scientist Practice Test

(MLS) Medical Laboratory Scientist Practice Test

MLS Professional Ethics & Communication 3