PCT Lab Procedures 3

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of inverting blood collection tubes after drawing?

Accepted Answer

To mix the blood with the tube additive

Answer

Gentle inversion mixes the blood with anticoagulants or other additives to prevent clotting or ensure proper preservation.

Question 2

A urinalysis report shows 3+ protein. Which condition should the PCT alert the nurse about?

Accepted Answer

Possible kidney disease or nephrotic syndrome

Answer

Significant proteinuria (3+) is a hallmark of nephrotic syndrome and other serious kidney disorders requiring medical evaluation.

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct order of draw when using a multi-tube system?

Accepted Answer

Blood culture, light blue, red/gold, green, lavender, gray

Answer

The standard order of draw minimizes cross-contamination of additives between tubes and ensures accurate results.

Question 4

A 24-hour urine collection is ordered. What instruction should the PCT give the patient?

Accepted Answer

Discard the first void, then collect all urine for 24 hours

Answer

The first void is discarded to establish a clean start time, then all subsequent urine is collected for exactly 24 hours.

Question 5

When performing a blood glucose test using a glucometer, the PCT should calibrate the device using:

Accepted Answer

A control solution provided by the manufacturer

Answer

Manufacturer-provided control solutions verify that the glucometer is reading accurately within acceptable ranges.

PCT Practice Test