Specimen Processing in a Clinical Laboratory

What is the primary purpose of specimen processing in a laboratorysetting?

• To generate patient reports

• To collect samples from patients

• To prepare patients for treatment

• To organize hospital equipment

A phlebotomist is preparing to draw blood from a patient for testing. Which of the following is a pre-analytical consideration she should keep in mind?

• Calibration of the blood drawing equipment

• Analysis of the patient's previous medical data

• Proper identification of the patient

• Quality control of the blood drawing process

A phlebotomist is preparing to draw blood from a patient for various tests. What is the recommended order for drawing blood tubes during venipuncture?

• Red, Green, Purple

• Purple, Green, Red

• Red, Purple, Green

• Green, Purple, Red

A patient is brought into the ER and requires an immediate blood sample. Why is it crucial for the phlebotomist to gently mix the anticoagulant tubes immediately after collection?

• To prevent hemolysis

• To activate clotting factors

• To enhance sample clotting

• To ensure adequate oxygenation

A patient is about to have their blood drawn for testing. The phelbtomist reaches for a tube with a green top to prevent clotting. What additive is commonly used in these tubes?

• EDTA

• Heparin

• Sodium citrate

• Sodium fluoride

A patient's urine sample has been collected for a critical test. What is the correct temperature range for storing the sample before analysis?

• Room temperature (20-25°C)

• Refrigerated (2-8°C)

• Freezing temperature (-20°C)

• Body temperature (37°C)

A patient has been brought into the emergency room and a sample needs to be taken immediately to prevent cellular degradation. Which type of sample should be taken?

• Urine

• Blood

• Stool

• Sputum

A doctor needs to analyze a patient's blood sample. What is the purpose of centrifugation in this process?

• To separate cellular components from liquid

• To increase the temperature of the blood sample

• To activate enzymes in the blood sample

• To neutralize acidic components in the blood sample

A patient is suspected of having a bacterial infection. Which of the following is a critical step in preparing the patient's sample for culture in a medical lab?

• Refrigeration

• Incubation

• Decanting

• Gram staining

In the context of medical sample handling, what does "chain of custody" refer to in a hospital?

• The chronological documentation of sample handling

• A type of sample transport container

• The order in which tests are performed

• The expiration date of reagents used in processing