Sample Preparation and Handling

Question 1

Errors that occur prior to testing comprise 46-56% of all the errors encountered for laboratory samples.

Answer 1

Preexamination

Question 2

Preexamination errors are sometimes called?

Answer 2

Pre-analytical errors

Question 3

The most serious and potentially most dangerous preexamination error called?

Answer 3

Improper patient identification

Question 4

It is the factor under the phlebotomist’s control that can create a change in test results.

Answer 4

Tourniquet

Question 5

The tourniquet should be on the arm no longer than?

Answer 5

1 minute

Question 6

This can affect the results of testing.

Answer 6

Vigorous exercise

Question 7

This causes an increase in concentration.

Answer 7

A. Creatine Kinase
B. Aspartase Aminotransferase
C. Lactate Dehydrogenase
D. Bilirubin
E. Creatinine
F. Uric acid

Question 8

Glucose changes due to stress and exercise

Answer 8

• Increased with stress
• Decreased with exercise

Question 9

Hemoglobin changes due to stress and exercise

Answer 9

Decrease

Question 10

Blood pressure changes due to the posture

Answer 10

Increase

Question 11

Blood volume changes due to the posture

Answer 11

Decrease

Question 12

Calcium changes due to the posture

Answer 12

Increase

Question 13

In how many hours does a patient’s fasting?

Answer 13

8-12 hours

Question 14

Fill in the blanks:

Most tubes should be filled at least ___ of the stated volume to be accurate.

Answer 14

75%

Question 15

It is the most common factor that varies test results over which phlebotomists have control.

Answer 15

Order of draw

Question 16

MCQ:

This common test requires chilling of the specimens and includes the following;

I. Ammonia
II. Acid phosphatase
III. Catecholamines
IV. Lactic acid
V. pH/blood gases

A. I, II, III, IV, V
B. I, II, III
C. II, III, IV, V
D. II, IV, V

Answer 16

A. I, II, III, IV, V

Question 17

A common test that must be maintained at 37 degrees Celsius.

Answer 17

Cold agglutinins and Cryoglobulin

Question 18

It can be detrimental to some samples. Bilirubin is especially vulnerable.

Ex. Vitamin C, E, and K

Answer 18

Exposure to light

Question 19

The most common sample to be collected.

Answer 19

Urine

Question 20

Once samples have been collected, they must be?

Answer 20

transported into the laboratory