Specimen Handling and Processing: A Comprehensive Guide for Phlebotomists

Question 1

When labeling a specimen, which practice should **NOT** be followed?

Accepted Answer

Writing directly on the specimen container

Answer

Using a waterproof marker

Answer

Including patient information and test details

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for specimen labeling?

Accepted Answer

Use pencil to write the patient's information

Answer

Label immediately after collection

Answer

Use water-resistant ink

Question 3

When collecting a blood sample using a vacuum tube, to which level should the tube be filled?

Accepted Answer

To the vacuum line

Answer

To the top of the tube

Answer

It does not matter

Answer

Halfway to the vacuum line

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of an anticoagulant used in blood collection and what is its purpose?

Accepted Answer

EDTA: prevents blood clotting

Answer

Chloride: regulates fluid balance

Answer

Sodium: maintains electrolyte balance

Answer

Glucose: provides energy for cells

Question 5

At what temperature should urine specimens be refrigerated for optimal preservation?

Accepted Answer

2-8 degrees Celsius (36-46 degrees Fahrenheit)

Answer

Room temperature

Answer

15-20 degrees Celsius (59-68 degrees Fahrenheit)

Answer

10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit)

Question 6

Which of the following is a primary method for preserving microbiological specimens?

Accepted Answer

Refrigeration

Answer

Heating

Answer

Ultraviolet light

Question 7

What type of containers are essential for transporting specimens safely and securely?

Accepted Answer

Leak-proof containers

Answer

Plastic bags

Answer

Cloth bags

Answer

Cardboard boxes

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of centrifuging a specimen?

Accepted Answer

To separate its components

Answer

To store its components

Answer

To dilute its components

Answer

To mix its components

Question 9

Which specimen type is used to test for blood glucose levels? This type of specimen is obtained after the blood has clotted.

Accepted Answer

Serum

Answer

Whole blood

Answer

Urine

Answer

Plasma

Question 10

At what temperature should urine specimens be stored before testing to maintain their integrity?

Accepted Answer

4°C (39°F)

Answer

Room temperature (approximately 20-25°C or 68-77°F)

Answer

-20°C (-4°F)

Answer

37°C (98.6°F)

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of using a capillary tube to collect blood?

Accepted Answer

To obtain small volumes of blood for specific tests, such as blood glucose monitoring

Answer

To prevent coagulation

Answer

To mix blood with anticoagulants

Answer

To transport blood specimens

Question 12

Which substance is NOT commonly used as an anticoagulant in blood collection tubes to prevent coagulation?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol

Answer

EDTA

Answer

Sodium fluoride

Question 13

What is the correct procedure for gently inverting a blood collection tube after drawing blood to ensure proper mixing with anticoagulants?

Accepted Answer

Invert the tube gently 8-10 times

Answer

Invert the tube only once

Answer

Shake the tube vigorously

Answer

Do not invert the tube at all

Question 14

Identify the potential biohazard that poses the greatest risk during specimen handling, particularly when dealing with blood and other bodily fluids.

Accepted Answer

Bloodborne pathogens

Answer

Broken glass

Answer

Chemical spills

Question 15

Within what time frame should blood specimens be transported to the laboratory for testing to ensure accurate results and maintain specimen integrity?

Accepted Answer

Within 2 hours

Answer

Within 12 hours

Answer

Within 6 hours

Answer

Within 24 hours

Question 16

Which method is considered the safest and most appropriate for disposing of used needles after blood collection to minimize the risk of needlestick injuries and infections?

Accepted Answer

Sharps container

Answer

Regular trash can

Answer

Sink

Question 17

What is the recommended temperature range for storing blood specimens intended for most clinical laboratory tests?

Accepted Answer

2-8°C

Answer

20-25°C

Answer

-20°C

Answer

37°C

Question 18

What is the primary function of a blood bank?

Accepted Answer

To store and distribute blood products for transfusions and other medical procedures

Answer

To test blood for diseases

Answer

To collect blood from donors

Question 19

Which laboratory technique separates plasma or serum from red blood cells?

Accepted Answer

Centrifugation

Answer

Coagulation

Answer

Filtration

Answer

Precipitation

Question 20

What is the purpose of implementing a quality control program in a clinical laboratory?

Accepted Answer

To monitor and ensure the accuracy, precision, and reliability of laboratory test results

Answer

To train laboratory personnel

Answer

To evaluate new equipment

Question 21

Which regulatory body in the United States is responsible for overseeing laboratory testing standards and practices?

Accepted Answer

CLIA

Answer

CAP

Answer

FDA

Question 22

In specimen handling, what is the paramount consideration?

Accepted Answer

Preserving specimen integrity

Answer

Expediting delivery to the lab

Answer

Prioritizing cost-effectiveness

Answer

Sterilizing the specimen

Question 23

When collecting urine for urinalysis, which type of container is optimal?

Accepted Answer

Sterile leak-proof container

Answer

Unlabeled plastic jar

Answer

Open glass beaker

Answer

Metal can with a lid

Question 24

For storing blood specimens, what is the ideal temperature range?

Accepted Answer

2-8 degrees Celsius

Answer

Sub-zero temperatures (-20 to -10 degrees Celsius)

Answer

Room temperature (15-25 degrees Celsius)

Answer

Moderately warm temperatures (10-15 degrees Celsius)

Question 25

While labeling a specimen container, what essential information must be included?

Accepted Answer

Patient's name, collection date and time, specimen type

Answer

Referring physician's details

Answer

Reason for the test

Question 26

What is the primary purpose of anticoagulants in blood collection tubes?

Accepted Answer

Preventing blood coagulation

Answer

Preserving the morphology of red blood cells

Answer

Sterilizing the blood sample

Answer

Facilitating microscopic examination

Question 27

In specimen transportation, which method is considered inappropriate?

Accepted Answer

Regular postal mail

Answer

Courier delivery service

Answer

Pneumatic tube system

Answer

Dedicated specimen transport bag

Question 28

In routine laboratory testing, what is the most commonly used blood collection tube?

Accepted Answer

Vacutainer tube

Answer

Capillary tube

Answer

Microvac tube

Question 29

What is the primary purpose of centrifuging a blood specimen?

Accepted Answer

Separating serum or plasma from red blood cells

Answer

Maintaining specimen integrity

Answer

Mixing the specimen uniformly

Answer

Removing impurities from the sample

Question 30

What is the most crucial step to ensure specimen integrity during transportation?

Accepted Answer

Proper packaging and labeling

Answer

Using the same collection tube for multiple specimens

Answer

Rapid delivery to the laboratory

Answer

Storing the specimen at room temperature

Question 31

What information is absolutely essential on a specimen label?

Accepted Answer

Patient name, identification number, date, and time of collection

Answer

Specimen type, date and time of collection, physician name

Answer

Patient name, date of birth, collection site

Question 32

Which blood collection tube is used for serum or plasma separation without additives?

Accepted Answer

Red top tube (no additive)

Answer

Blue top tube (citrate)

Answer

Purple top tube (EDTA)

Answer

Green top tube (heparin)

Question 33

Under what conditions should a specimen be rejected for testing?

Accepted Answer

Hemolysis, clotting, or insufficient volume

Answer

Incomplete label

Answer

Collected in the wrong container

Question 34

What is the primary purpose of using a tourniquet during blood collection?

Accepted Answer

To increase venous pressure for easier blood flow

Answer

To prevent blood from clotting

Answer

To disinfect the puncture site

Question 35

What is the recommended storage temperature for most blood samples?

Accepted Answer

2-8 degrees Celsius (35-46 degrees Fahrenheit)

Answer

25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit)

Answer

10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit)

Answer

18-22 degrees Celsius (64-72 degrees Fahrenheit)

Question 36

What is the correct procedure for handling a contaminated specimen?

Accepted Answer

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), label the specimen as biohazard, and transport it to the designated disposal site

Answer

Discard the specimen in the regular trash

Question 37

Which of the following is an example of a pre-analytical error in specimen processing?

Accepted Answer

Hemolysis caused by improper blood collection technique

Answer

Incorrect test result due to equipment malfunction

Answer

Delayed delivery of specimen to the laboratory

Question 38

Why is it important to calibrate laboratory equipment regularly?

Accepted Answer

To ensure accurate and reliable test results

Answer

To comply with regulatory requirements

Answer

To reduce the risk of specimen contamination

Answer

To prevent equipment damage

Question 39

Which of these factors can impact the stability of a specimen?

Accepted Answer

Temperature, light, and pH

Answer

Sample size and collection site

Answer

Collection date and patient age

Answer

Humidity and altitude

Question 40

What is the primary purpose of a specimen request form?

Accepted Answer

To provide necessary information to the laboratory for accurate testing, including patient identification, test instructions, and specimen details.

Answer

To serve as a legal document for specimen collection

Answer

To track the movement of specimens through the laboratory

Question 41

Which of the following is a key reason for using specimen collection tubes with additives?

Accepted Answer

To maintain specimen integrity by preventing clotting, preserving cells, or promoting stability during storage and transportation.

Answer

To increase specimen volume for easier handling

Answer

To reduce specimen contamination

Question 42

When labeling a specimen, what crucial information must be included?

Accepted Answer

Patient identification (e.g., name, medical record number), collection date and time, specimen type, and any special handling requirements.

Answer

Reason for testing

Answer

Healthcare provider's name

Question 43

Which of the following is an appropriate method for storing plasma specimens to maintain their integrity?

Accepted Answer

Frozen at -20°C or below

Answer

Refrigerated at 4°C

Answer

In a warm water bath

Answer

Room temperature

Question 44

What is the main purpose of centrifugation in specimen processing?

Accepted Answer

To separate solid and liquid components of a specimen by spinning at high speed.

Answer

To reduce specimen contamination

Answer

To sterilize the specimen

Answer

To increase specimen volume

Question 45

Which type of container is suitable for transporting blood specimens safely and securely?

Accepted Answer

Leak-proof, puncture-resistant container with a biohazard label

Answer

Glass jar

Answer

Plastic bag

Question 46

Why is maintaining aseptic technique crucial during specimen handling?

Accepted Answer

To prevent contamination of the specimen and ensure accurate test results.

Answer

To reduce specimen volume

Answer

To improve specimen stability

Answer

To protect healthcare workers only

Question 47

What is a potential consequence of improper specimen collection?

Accepted Answer

Invalid or inaccurate test results, leading to incorrect diagnosis or treatment decisions.

Answer

Increased specimen volume

Answer

Improved specimen stability

Answer

No significant impact on test results

Question 48

What is the primary function of a laboratory information system (LIS) in specimen processing?

Accepted Answer

To digitally manage and track specimen data, including collection, testing, and results.

Answer

To perform diagnostic tests

Answer

To schedule patient appointments

Answer

To store physical specimens

Question 49

Which of the following is a common reason for specimen rejection?

Accepted Answer

Incorrect labeling or missing information on the specimen container or request form.

Answer

High specimen volume

Answer

Patient's age

Question 50

What is the appropriate disposal method for used sharps after specimen collection?

Accepted Answer

Sharp container

Answer

Biohazard bag

Answer

Regular trash

Answer

Down the sink