Practice Test GeeksPCR - Polymerase Chain Reaction Certification Practice Test
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Specimen Collection & Handling Flashcards

7 cards from real PCR practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Specimen Collection & Handling flashcards as text

  1. Which substance commonly found in stool specimens is a well-known PCR inhibitor?

    Answer: Bile salts

    Bile salts and complex polysaccharides in feces inhibit polymerase activity.

  2. How many patient identifiers are required on a specimen label at minimum?

    Answer: Two

    Accreditation standards require at least two unique identifiers, such as full name and date of birth.

  3. When should a PCR specimen container be labeled?

    Answer: In the presence of the patient at the time of collection

    Labeling at the bedside immediately after collection reduces misidentification errors.

  4. Under U.S. DOT/IATA rules, diagnostic patient specimens are typically shipped under which designation?

    Answer: UN3373, Biological Substance, Category B

    Most routine diagnostic specimens are classified as Category B and shipped as UN3373.

  5. In triple packaging for specimen shipment, where is the absorbent material placed?

    Answer: Between the primary receptacle and secondary packaging

    Absorbent material between the primary and secondary layers contains leaks from the specimen.

  6. For Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae NAAT on urine, which specimen is preferred?

    Answer: First-catch urine collected at least 1 hour after last void

    The first portion of the stream contains the most urethral organisms for detection.

  7. Which refrigerant is most appropriate for shipping frozen RNA specimens that must remain frozen during transit?

    Answer: Dry ice

    Dry ice keeps specimens at about -78°C, preventing thawing during shipment.

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