PCT Lab Procedures 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient's potassium result comes back critically elevated at 6.8 mEq/L. What is the PCT's first action?
- Document the result in the chart and continue with other duties
- Immediately notify the nurse or supervising clinician (Correct answer)
- Repeat the test on a new specimen before reporting
- Administer a potassium-lowering medication
Correct answer: Immediately notify the nurse or supervising clinician
A critically elevated potassium is a life-threatening value requiring immediate clinician notification per critical value protocols.
Question 2: Which tube is used when the laboratory requires serum for a chemistry test?
- Lavender (EDTA) tube
- Light blue (citrate) tube
- Red or gold (SST) tube (Correct answer)
- Green (heparin) tube
Correct answer: Red or gold (SST) tube
Red or gold serum separator tubes allow blood to clot; after centrifugation, serum is separated for chemistry testing.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a buffy coat in a centrifuged blood specimen?
- It contains pure plasma used for hormone testing
- It is the layer of white blood cells and platelets between red cells and plasma (Correct answer)
- It is the red cell layer used for hemoglobin testing
- It is the clear top layer used for serum chemistry
Correct answer: It is the layer of white blood cells and platelets between red cells and plasma
The buffy coat is the thin white layer between packed red cells and plasma that contains leukocytes and platelets.
Question 4: During a venipuncture, a hematoma begins to form at the puncture site. The PCT should:
- Continue collecting blood and apply pressure afterward
- Remove the needle immediately and apply firm pressure (Correct answer)
- Apply a warm compress and continue the draw
- Rotate the needle to change the angle and proceed
Correct answer: Remove the needle immediately and apply firm pressure
A hematoma indicates blood leaking into surrounding tissue; the needle must be removed and firm pressure applied to stop bleeding.
Question 5: Which urine color finding should be immediately reported to the nurse?
- Pale yellow
- Amber/dark yellow after low fluid intake
- Red or cola-colored urine (Correct answer)
- Slightly cloudy appearance
Correct answer: Red or cola-colored urine
Red or cola-colored urine can indicate hematuria or hemoglobinuria, both of which may signal serious medical conditions.
Question 6: What does the acronym POCT stand for in a clinical laboratory setting?
- Patient-Ordered Clinical Testing
- Point-of-Care Testing (Correct answer)
- Post-Operative Chemistry Test
- Preliminary On-Call Test
Correct answer: Point-of-Care Testing
Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) refers to diagnostic tests performed at or near the patient's location rather than in a central laboratory.
Question 7: A PCT is collecting blood from a patient in isolation for MRSA. Which PPE is required before entering the room?
- Gloves only
- Gloves and a surgical mask
- Gloves, gown, and surgical mask or N95 per facility policy (Correct answer)
- No PPE required if the PCT has been vaccinated
Correct answer: Gloves, gown, and surgical mask or N95 per facility policy
Contact precautions for MRSA require gloves and gown at minimum; a mask is added if splash risk or respiratory precautions apply per policy.
PCT Lab Procedures 5
A patient's potassium result comes back critically elevated at 6.8 mEq/L.
What is the PCT's first action?