Point of Care Testing Flashcards
8 cards from real Phlebotomy Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 8 Point of Care Testing flashcards as text
Which POCT test is used to monitor patients on heparin therapy in an acute care setting?
Answer: Activated clotting time (ACT)
Activated clotting time (ACT) is a bedside POCT used to monitor unfractionated heparin therapy, especially in cardiac catheterization labs and surgical suites.
When using a glucose meter for POCT, the operator must enter a lot number or scan a barcode before testing. This step primarily ensures:
Answer: The correct calibration data matches the test strips in use
Entering the lot number or scanning the test strip code loads the correct calibration data specific to that batch of strips, ensuring accurate results.
A POCT urine dipstick result shows leukocyte esterase 2+ and nitrite positive. These findings together are MOST consistent with:
Answer: Urinary tract infection
The combination of positive leukocyte esterase (WBCs in urine) and positive nitrite (bacteria converting nitrates) is the classic dipstick pattern for a UTI.
What is the purpose of running both high and low controls on a POCT device?
Answer: To verify the device performs accurately across the reportable range
Running high and low controls verifies that the device produces accurate results at both extremes of the reportable range, catching errors that affect only one end of the scale.
Which specimen type is required for a fingerstick HbA1c test at the point of care?
Answer: Capillary whole blood
POCT HbA1c analyzers use capillary whole blood obtained via fingerstick, which contains the red blood cells needed to measure glycated hemoglobin.
A phlebotomist notices that the POCT glucose test strips expired yesterday. The correct action is to:
Answer: Discard them and use a new, in-date lot of strips
Expired test strips must be discarded and replaced; using them can produce inaccurate results, posing a patient safety risk regardless of how recently they expired.
In a POCT setting, delta check refers to:
Answer: Comparison of a patient's current result with their previous result
A delta check compares a patient's current test result with their most recent previous result to detect implausible changes that may indicate sample or patient identification errors.
Which of the following factors can cause a falsely LOW glucose reading on a POCT glucose meter?
Answer: Elevated hematocrit (polycythemia)
An elevated hematocrit (polycythemia) causes falsely low glucose readings on many glucose meters because more blood volume is occupied by red blood cells, diluting the plasma glucose signal.