NCMA Basic Laboratory Procedures and Specimen Handling 3

Question 1

Which of the following best describes hemolysis in a blood specimen?

Accepted Answer

Rupture of red blood cells releasing hemoglobin into the serum

Answer

Hemolysis occurs when red blood cells rupture, releasing intracellular contents (hemoglobin, potassium, enzymes) into the serum, causing the specimen to appear pink or red and falsely elevating certain analytes.

Question 2

What is the minimum volume of urine typically required for a routine urinalysis?

Accepted Answer

10–12 mL

Answer

A minimum of 10–12 mL of urine is generally sufficient for a routine urinalysis including dipstick, microscopic examination, and color/clarity assessment in most laboratory protocols.

Question 3

Which safety symbol on a laboratory reagent indicates a biohazard?

Accepted Answer

A trefoil-like symbol with three interlocking circles on an orange background

Answer

The biohazard symbol — a distinctive three-lobed trefoil on an orange or fluorescent background — identifies materials that contain biological agents capable of causing disease in humans.

Question 4

A medical assistant performs a dipstick urinalysis and notes a glucose result of 2+. What should be the next step?

Accepted Answer

Report the result and alert the provider for follow-up

Answer

A 2+ glucose on dipstick urinalysis is a significant finding that must be reported to the provider; it may indicate hyperglycemia, diabetes, or renal glycosuria requiring further diagnostic workup.

Question 5

What is the correct order of steps for performing a capillary puncture on a fingertip?

Accepted Answer

Select site → cleanse with alcohol → allow to dry → puncture → wipe away first drop → collect specimen

Answer

The correct sequence for fingerstick is site selection, cleansing with 70% isopropyl alcohol, allowing full drying, puncturing perpendicular to the fingerprint, discarding the first drop (contaminated with tissue fluid), then collecting the specimen.

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NCMA - National Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test

NCMA Basic Laboratory Procedures and Specimen Handling 3