American Society for Clinical Pathology Flashcards

In ASCP specimen handling guidelines, what does 'STAT' designation mean for a laboratory specimen?

Answer: Immediate priority requiring urgent processing

STAT (Latin: statim) means immediately, indicating the specimen requires urgent processing ahead of routine samples.

According to ASCP standards, which tube must NEVER be used for glucose tolerance testing?

Answer: Gold-top (SST) tube

Gold-top SST tubes contain a clot activator and gel separator that can interfere with glucose measurements in GTT protocols.

A specimen labeled 'hemolyzed' is rejected by the lab. What does hemolysis indicate about the sample?

Answer: Red blood cells have ruptured, releasing intracellular contents

Hemolysis occurs when RBCs rupture, releasing hemoglobin and intracellular components that interfere with many assays.

When collecting a capillary blood specimen from an infant's heel, ASCP guidelines specify the puncture depth should not exceed:

Answer: 2.0 mm

Heel stick depth must not exceed 2.0 mm to avoid striking the calcaneal bone and causing osteomyelitis.

According to ASCP tube order of draw, which tube is collected FIRST when using a syringe transfer method?

Answer: Blood culture bottles

Blood culture bottles are filled first from a syringe to minimize contamination risk and ensure sterility of the sample.

A phlebotomist notices petechiae on a patient's arm after tourniquet application. What does this finding suggest?

Answer: The patient may have a bleeding disorder or fragile capillaries

Petechiae (small red spots) indicate capillary fragility or a platelet/coagulation disorder exacerbated by tourniquet pressure.

For a 2-hour postprandial glucose test, the blood specimen should be drawn how long after the patient begins eating?

Answer: Exactly 2 hours after the start of the meal

The 2-hour postprandial glucose draw is timed from when the patient starts eating, not from when they finish.