NCCT Point-of-Care Testing 3

Question 1

A phlebotomist performs a POCT glucose test and obtains a critically high result of 520 mg/dL. What is the immediate next step?

Accepted Answer

Notify the nurse or physician immediately per critical value protocol

Answer

Repeat the test three times and average the results

Answer

Document the result and wait for the next scheduled test

Answer

Discard the result and send a venous sample to the central laboratory

Question 2

Which of the following is a recognized limitation of POCT compared to central laboratory testing?

Accepted Answer

POCT devices generally have less precision than laboratory analyzers

Answer

POCT requires larger blood sample volumes

Answer

POCT cannot test glucose or electrolytes

Answer

POCT results are not admissible in patient medical records

Question 3

What is the proper disposal method for used POCT lancets after a fingerstick glucose test?

Accepted Answer

Place directly into a puncture-resistant sharps container

Answer

Recap the lancet and place in a regular waste bin

Answer

Wrap in gauze and discard with biohazardous waste bags

Answer

Return to the manufacturer for safe disposal

Question 4

A POCT hemoglobin result is 7.2 g/dL. How should this result be communicated?

Accepted Answer

Reported immediately to the nurse or physician as a critical value

Answer

Entered into the device log only and reviewed at end of shift

Answer

Repeated twice and the median value recorded

Answer

Sent to the central laboratory for confirmation before reporting

Question 5

Which POCT test is commonly used at the bedside to aid in the rapid diagnosis of myocardial infarction (heart attack)?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac troponin testing

Answer

Blood glucose testing

Answer

Prothrombin time/INR

Answer

Hemoglobin A1c testing

Question 6

How often should POCT liquid quality controls typically be run in a clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

At least once per 24 hours of use or per manufacturer recommendations

Answer

Once per month per device

Answer

Only when a new box of test strips is opened

Answer

Once per week or whenever a new operator uses the device

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the chain of custody as it applies to POCT?

Accepted Answer

The documentation trail ensuring patient specimens and results are traceable to the correct patient

Answer

The process of verifying reagent expiration dates before testing

Answer

The protocol for transferring POCT devices between departments

Answer

The manufacturer's record of device calibration history