Ch 41 Outline

Question 1

What are the functions of a clinical laboratory?

Answer 1

Diagnosis & screening, Monitoring treatment effectiveness, Supporting overall patient care

Question 2

What are the types of laboratory tests?

Answer 2

Qualitative Tests (positive/negative results), Quantitative Tests (numerical values)

Example: Pregnancy test (qualitative), blood glucose test (quantitative)

Question 3

What are reference (outside) laboratories?

Answer 3

Hospital-based or independent, Perform complex and specialized tests, Provide supplies for specimen collection and transport

Question 4

What is a Physician’s Office Laboratory (POL)?

Answer 4

In-house testing for quick results, Requires trained personnel and maintenance of lab equipment, May have a separate designated lab area

Question 5

What specimens are used in clinical testing?

Answer 5

Blood, urine, stool, sputum, tissue, etc.

Proper collection, labeling, and storage are essential

Question 6

What are the key responsibilities of a medical assistant in the clinical laboratory?

Answer 6

Phlebotomy & specimen collection, Patient preparation & education, Record management & data entry, Following QA & QC protocols

Question 7

What is the purpose of a laboratory requisition form?

Answer 7

Ensures physician’s orders are correctly documented

Must include patient details, test type, specimen source, and physician’s info

Question 8

How are laboratory test results transferred?

Answer 8

Recording results accurately in charts, tables, or flow sheets, Ensuring HIPAA compliance when handling patient data

Question 9

What are the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)?

Answer 9

Established in 1988 to regulate lab testing accuracy, Three categories of testing: Waived tests, Moderate-complexity tests, High-complexity tests

Question 10

What are common CLIA-waived tests?

Answer 10

Blood glucose (glucometer), Urine pregnancy test, Rapid Strep test, Hemoglobin testing

Question 11

What are common laboratory equipment?

Answer 11

Autoclave, Centrifuge, Microscope, Glucometer

Question 12

What are the parts and use of a microscope?

Answer 12

Objective lenses: 10x, 40x, 100x, Magnification formula: Ocular lens × Objective lens

Proper care: Clean lenses, use correct light settings, store properly

Question 13

What are OSHA & CDC safety guidelines?

Answer 13

Standard Precautions, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Sharps Disposal

Question 14

What are common laboratory hazards?

Answer 14

Chemical spills, improper specimen handling, mislabeled samples

Preventing cross-contamination with proper labeling and storage

Question 15

What are the steps to complete a laboratory requisition form?

Answer 15

Verify patient information, Ensure correct test is ordered and documented

Question 16

What are the best practices for collecting & handling specimens?

Answer 16

Ensure proper labeling, Store at correct temperature to prevent contamination

Question 17

What are quality control measures in the laboratory?

Answer 17

Always check expiration dates on test strips and reagents, Follow calibration procedures for lab equipment

Question 18

What are the steps for using & cleaning a microscope?

Answer 18

Adjust focus and light settings correctly, Clean lenses with proper lens paper, Store microscope covered when not in use

Question 19

What are The three Phases of The Laboratory workflow?

Answer 19

PreAnalytical (Pre examination),Analytical Phase (Examination), Postanalytical Phase (Post Examination)