NCCT Specimen Handling and Processing 2

Question 1

What is the primary reason for centrifuging a blood specimen after collection?

Accepted Answer

To separate cellular components from serum or plasma

Answer

To destroy bacteria in the specimen

Answer

To warm the specimen to body temperature

Answer

To dissolve any clots that may have formed

Question 2

Which specimens must be protected from light during transport to the laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Bilirubin and vitamin B12 specimens

Answer

CBC specimens

Answer

Blood cultures

Answer

Type and screen specimens

Question 3

What happens to potassium levels in a specimen that is hemolyzed?

Accepted Answer

Potassium increases significantly

Answer

Potassium decreases significantly

Answer

Potassium is not affected by hemolysis

Answer

Potassium becomes undetectable

Question 4

What is the maximum time a serum specimen should remain on the clot before centrifugation?

Accepted Answer

2 hours

Answer

10 minutes

Answer

30 minutes

Answer

24 hours

Question 5

Why must a blood gas specimen be placed on ice immediately after collection?

Accepted Answer

To slow cellular metabolism that consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide

Answer

To prevent the blood from clotting

Answer

To preserve the anticoagulant in the syringe

Answer

To prevent bacterial contamination

Question 6

What is the correct procedure for aliquoting serum from a centrifuged tube?

Accepted Answer

Use a clean disposable pipette to transfer serum without disturbing the cell layer

Answer

Pour the serum directly from the tube into a transfer tube

Answer

Use the same pipette for multiple patient specimens to save time

Answer

Shake the tube vigorously before transferring