NAPTP Specimen Processing and Handling 3

Question 1

Which temperature range is appropriate for storing most serum chemistry specimens awaiting testing?

Accepted Answer

Refrigerated at 2–8°C

Answer

Frozen at -20°C

Answer

Room temperature 20–25°C

Answer

Incubated at 37°C

Question 2

A clotted specimen is submitted in a lavender (EDTA) tube. What should the phlebotomist do?

Accepted Answer

Reject the specimen and collect a new one

Answer

Process the clot by centrifuging

Answer

Warm the tube to dissolve the clot

Answer

Remove the clot with a wooden stick

Question 3

How many times should a tube with an anticoagulant additive be inverted after collection?

Accepted Answer

8–10 times gently

Answer

1–2 times vigorously

Answer

3–4 times gently

Answer

15–20 times vigorously

Question 4

Which of the following specimens is most stable and can be stored at room temperature for the longest time before testing?

Accepted Answer

Urinalysis dipstick

Answer

ABG (arterial blood gas)

Answer

Ammonia

Answer

Glucose (plain red top, no fluoride)

Question 5

What does 'chain of custody' mean in the context of specimen handling?

Accepted Answer

A documented, unbroken record of specimen possession from collection to testing

Answer

The sequence of anticoagulants added to a tube

Answer

The order in which tubes are filled during a multi-tube draw

Answer

A protocol for disposing of biohazardous materials

Question 6

Icterus in a specimen is caused by elevated levels of:

Accepted Answer

Bilirubin

Answer

Triglycerides

Answer

Hemoglobin

Answer

Glucose

Question 7

When a specimen requires immediate processing but no centrifuge is available, the phlebotomist should:

Accepted Answer

Notify the laboratory and follow facility protocol for STAT escalation

Answer

Shake the tube vigorously to separate the cells

Answer

Allow the tube to sit upright for 24 hours

Answer

Freeze the specimen immediately