Phlebotomy Test Point of Care Testing 3

Question 1

Which CLIA waiver requirement must a phlebotomist follow even for the simplest POCT devices?

Accepted Answer

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU)

Answer

Perform calibration every 8 hours

Answer

Send specimens to a reference lab for confirmation

Answer

Obtain a separate CLIA certificate for each test performed

Question 2

A POCT INR result of 5.8 is obtained on a patient taking warfarin. This result is considered:

Accepted Answer

A critical value requiring immediate provider notification

Answer

Normal therapeutic range for warfarin

Answer

Subtherapeutic—the warfarin dose needs increasing

Answer

Within acceptable range for mechanical heart valves

Question 3

For POCT testing, liquid quality control should be run:

Accepted Answer

Per manufacturer guidelines and facility policy, typically each shift or each day of use

Answer

Only when a new box of test strips is opened

Answer

Once a week regardless of how often the device is used

Answer

Only after a patient result appears abnormal

Question 4

Which analyte is measured by a POCT i-STAT device using a creatinine cartridge?

Accepted Answer

Serum creatinine for kidney function assessment

Answer

Hemoglobin A1c

Answer

Urinary creatinine for drug screen correction

Answer

Creatine kinase for cardiac monitoring

Question 5

A phlebotomist performing POCT notices that the QC result is within range but the patient's glucose result seems inconsistent with their clinical presentation (the patient appears diaphoretic and confused but the meter reads 120 mg/dL). The BEST action is to:

Accepted Answer

Repeat the test or collect a venous sample for lab glucose

Answer

Accept the result and document it

Answer

Administer glucose immediately based on clinical signs

Answer

Recalibrate the meter and retest the patient

Question 6

On a POCT urine dipstick, which pad detects the presence of blood in the urine?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin/occult blood

Answer

Leukocyte esterase

Answer

Urobilinogen

Answer

Specific gravity

Question 7

Which of the following describes the concept of 'turnaround time' (TAT) in POCT quality assurance?

Accepted Answer

Time from specimen collection to result reporting

Answer

Time between QC runs

Answer

Time for the reagent to reach room temperature

Answer

Time between device maintenance checks

Question 8

What is the primary advantage of performing POCT over traditional central laboratory testing?

Accepted Answer

Faster result turnaround enabling quicker clinical decisions

Answer

Lower cost per test

Answer

Greater test accuracy

Answer

Fewer QC requirements