NCCT Laboratory Terminology and Communication

Question 1

What does the abbreviation 'STAT' mean in a laboratory order?

Accepted Answer

Immediately/urgent

Answer

STAT (from Latin 'statim') means immediately, indicating an urgent test that must be collected and processed without delay.

Question 2

What does 'NPO' mean on a patient's order?

Accepted Answer

Nothing by mouth

Answer

NPO (nil per os) means the patient must not eat or drink anything, which is critical to know before collecting fasting specimens.

Question 3

Which abbreviation refers to a test ordered to monitor a drug at its lowest blood concentration?

Accepted Answer

Trough

Answer

A trough level is drawn just before the next drug dose to measure the minimum drug concentration in the bloodstream.

Question 4

What does the term 'hemolysis' mean in the context of a specimen?

Accepted Answer

Rupture of red blood cells releasing hemoglobin

Answer

Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells break apart, releasing hemoglobin and intracellular contents that can interfere with many lab tests.

Question 5

What does 'QNS' mean on a laboratory report?

Accepted Answer

Quantity not sufficient

Answer

QNS (Quantity Not Sufficient) indicates the collected specimen volume was inadequate to perform the required laboratory testing.

NCCT - National Certified Phlebotomy Technician Exam Practice Test