Laboratory Procedures and Diagnostics Flashcards

What does the acronym 'CLIA' stand for in the context of medical laboratory regulations?

Answer: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments

CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) establishes quality standards for all laboratory testing in the US to ensure accurate, reliable results.

Which type of microscopy is used to examine unstained specimens by varying the refractive index between the specimen and surrounding medium?

Answer: Phase-contrast microscopy

Phase-contrast microscopy enhances contrast in transparent specimens by exploiting differences in refractive index, making unstained living cells visible.

A urine dipstick test shows positive nitrites. What does this finding most likely indicate?

Answer: Bacterial infection in the urinary tract

Positive nitrites on a urine dipstick indicate the presence of bacteria that convert urinary nitrates to nitrites, suggesting a urinary tract infection.

What is the normal fasting blood glucose range for an adult?

Answer: 70-99 mg/dL

Normal fasting blood glucose for an adult is 70-99 mg/dL; values of 100-125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes, and ≥126 mg/dL indicates diabetes.

Which laboratory test measures the percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample?

Answer: Hematocrit

Hematocrit (HCT) measures the proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells, expressed as a percentage.

What is the purpose of a quality control (QC) sample in laboratory testing?

Answer: To verify that test results are accurate and within acceptable ranges before patient results are reported

QC samples are tested alongside patient samples to confirm the accuracy and precision of the test system before results are released.