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. Before collecting a saliva specimen for PCR, what should the patient avoid for at least 30 minutes?

    Answer: Eating, drinking, smoking, or brushing teeth

    Food, drink, and oral products can dilute the sample or introduce PCR inhibitors.

  2. A VTM tube arrives with the specimen leaked into the transport bag. What is the appropriate action?

    Answer: Reject the specimen and request recollection

    Leaked specimens pose contamination and safety risks and may have compromised volume or integrity.

  3. Which documentation is essential for buccal swabs collected for legal paternity testing?

    Answer: A chain-of-custody form

    Chain of custody documents every transfer so the results are legally defensible.

  4. Why should buccal swabs be air-dried before packaging when no transport medium is used?

    Answer: To prevent bacterial and mold growth that can degrade DNA

    Moisture in a sealed package promotes microbial growth that degrades DNA.

  5. Which blood component is a well-recognized PCR inhibitor if carried through extraction?

    Answer: Heme

    Heme from hemoglobin inhibits DNA polymerase, so hemolyzed samples can be problematic.

  6. Immediately after drawing blood into an EDTA tube, what should the collector do?

    Answer: Gently invert the tube 8-10 times

    Gentle inversion mixes the anticoagulant and prevents clotting without causing hemolysis.

  7. Respiratory swabs in VTM that will be tested within 72 hours should generally be stored at what temperature?

    Answer: 2-8°C

    Refrigeration preserves specimens short term; freezing at -70°C is used for longer delays.

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