Phlebotomy Test Point of Care Testing

Question 1

Which regulatory category covers most point-of-care testing devices such as glucose meters and urine dipsticks?

Accepted Answer

Waived testing

Answer

Most POCT devices are classified as waived tests under CLIA because they are simple to perform and pose minimal risk of harm if performed incorrectly.

Question 2

When performing quality control on a glucose meter, the QC result falls outside the acceptable range. What is the FIRST action the phlebotomist should take?

Accepted Answer

Repeat the QC test using fresh control solution

Answer

The first step when QC fails is to repeat the test with fresh control solution to rule out an error with the original control sample.

Question 3

A patient's HbA1c POCT result is 8.2%. What does this value primarily reflect?

Accepted Answer

Average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months

Answer

HbA1c reflects average blood glucose levels over the preceding 2–3 months, correlating with the lifespan of red blood cells.

Question 4

Which anticoagulant is used in the collection tube for a POCT INR test performed on a fingerstick sample?

Accepted Answer

Sodium citrate

Answer

INR (prothrombin time) testing requires sodium citrate as the anticoagulant, which preserves coagulation factors.

Question 5

A urine dipstick test shows a positive nitrite result. This finding is MOST indicative of:

Accepted Answer

Bacterial infection

Answer

Nitrites on a urine dipstick indicate the presence of nitrite-producing bacteria, which convert urinary nitrates to nitrites, suggesting a urinary tract infection.

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Phlebotomy Practice Test Practice Test

Phlebotomy Test Point of Care Testing