RMA Diagnostic Testing and Lab Procedures 2

Question 1

Which anticoagulant additive is found in the LAVENDER (purple) top blood collection tube and is the standard choice for CBC testing?

Accepted Answer

EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)

Answer

Lavender/purple top tubes contain EDTA, which chelates calcium to prevent clotting while preserving cell morphology — making it ideal for complete blood counts (CBC) and blood differential.

Question 2

A urine dipstick test shows positive nitrite and positive leukocyte esterase. What do these findings MOST strongly suggest?

Accepted Answer

Urinary tract infection

Answer

Positive nitrite (indicating bacteria that convert urinary nitrates) combined with positive leukocyte esterase (indicating white blood cells) is highly suggestive of a bacterial urinary tract infection.

Question 3

A point-of-care glucose meter reads 'HI' for a patient's blood glucose. What does this result mean and what action should the medical assistant take?

Accepted Answer

The glucose exceeds the meter's upper measurement limit; report the result to the provider immediately

Answer

A 'HI' reading means the blood glucose is above the maximum measurable range of the meter (typically 600 mg/dL) — this is a critical value requiring immediate provider notification.

Question 4

Which of the following is the CORRECT procedure for collecting a throat culture specimen?

Accepted Answer

Depress the tongue and swab the posterior pharynx and tonsillar area

Answer

A throat culture requires swabbing the posterior pharynx and tonsillar pillars where group A Streptococcus (strep throat) and other pathogens are found; the cheeks and tongue are not appropriate collection sites.

Question 5

When performing a capillary blood collection (fingerstick), which finger is preferred and what is the CORRECT puncture site?

Accepted Answer

Ring finger, lateral aspect of the fingertip (avoiding the center)

Answer

The ring finger (or middle finger) lateral aspect is preferred because it has adequate tissue depth and fewer nerve endings than the index finger or fingertip center, reducing patient discomfort.

RMA Practice Test

RMA Practice Test

RMA Diagnostic Testing and Lab Procedures 2