PCT Non-Blood Specimen Collection 3

Question 1

When collecting a throat swab specimen, the PCT should swab which area?

Accepted Answer

The back of the throat, tonsils, and any areas of redness or exudate

Answer

The tonsillar area and posterior pharynx are where pathogens like Group A Streptococcus colonize, and areas of exudate have the highest bacterial concentration.

Question 2

Which type of urine specimen is used for routine urinalysis?

Accepted Answer

Random (routine) voided specimen

Answer

A random voided specimen is the standard collection method for routine urinalysis as it is non-invasive and provides adequate information for screening.

Question 3

A wound culture specimen should be collected from:

Accepted Answer

The wound edges and base after cleaning the surface with saline

Answer

After gentle cleaning to remove surface contaminants, swabbing the wound edges and base captures the actively infecting organisms rather than surface colonizers.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a urine specific gravity test?

Accepted Answer

To measure the kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute urine

Answer

Specific gravity measures the concentration of dissolved substances in urine, reflecting the kidney's concentrating ability and the patient's hydration status.

Question 5

When collecting a stool specimen for ova and parasites (O&P), the specimen should be:

Accepted Answer

Delivered to the laboratory while still warm or placed in preservative immediately

Answer

Parasites and their ova are best identified when the specimen is fresh and warm, as cooling kills trophozoites and makes identification difficult.

Patient Care Technician Test Practice Test

Patient Care Technician Test Practice Test

PCT Non-Blood Specimen Collection 3