Testing and laboratory procedures module

Question 1

random urine sample

Answer 1

• the patient urinates in a clean, non sterile container
• this specimen is used for screening purposes

Question 2

first morning specimen urine sample

Answer 2

• the patient collects the first specimen of the morning in a clean container
• this specimen is more concentrated and used for pregnancy testing or when other analytes (protein, nitrites) need to be evaluated

Question 3

clean-catch midstream urine sample

Answer 3

• the patient performs perineal cleaning using moist wipes, begins to urinate, and then collects the specimen midstream in a sterile urine container
• used for cultures or when a non contaminated specimen is desired

Question 4

24 hour urine sample

Answer 4

• uses a container with preservatives
• patient discards the first morning specimen and collects all specimens for the next 24 hours, including the first void of the second day
• this type of collection is important in quantitative analysis of components such as protein when analyzing kidney function

Question 5

catheterized collection urine sample

Answer 5

• used when a sterile urine sample is needed or if patients are unable to provide a specimen on their own
• involves insertion of a sterile tube (catheter) through the urethra into the bladder
• procedure is performed by provider or nurse, with the medical assistant prepping the patient and assisting

Question 6

What is a fecal occult blood test?

Answer 6

• testing a stool specimen collection to screen for the presence of blood
• can indicate a disease process or gastrointestinal bleeding
• blue color indicates positive result

Question 7

What is a tape test?

Answer 7

• used to detect pinworms
• typically affects small children
• provide parents with a slide with a piece of tape on it
• tape is placed over the child’s anus before getting up in the morning and then back on the slide, which is brought to the provider for analysis

Question 8

What is O&P testing?

Answer 8

• ova and parasite testing
• detects presence of parasites and their eggs

Question 9

What is important for a patient conducting a sputum collection?

Answer 9

• produce a deep, productive cough
• produces a specimen from deep within the lungs rather than saliva from the mouth
• best collected early in the morning before eating or drinking
• patients should avoid mouthwashes prior to the sputum collection

Question 10

What are some reminders for specimen collections for cultures?

Answer 10

• collect the specimen at the appropriate time
• collect the specimen from the site of suspected infection
• minimize transport from time to a reference lab
• collect the appropriate quantity
• use the appropriate containers and label them accordingly

Question 11

CLIA waived testing

Answer 11

• clinical laboratories improvement amendments waived testing
• the simplest form of laboratory procedures

Question 12

pregnancy testing

Answer 12

• urine is screened for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) antibodies

Question 13

rapid streptococcus testing

Answer 13

• throat swabs are obtained to screen for Group A streptococcus

Question 14

dipstick, tablet, or multi-stick urinalysis

Answer 14

• a screening tool for analytes that are excreted in the urine

Question 15

hemoglobin testing

Answer 15

• a machine is used to screen for the oxygen-carrying protein in whole blood, performed using capillary blood from a fingerstick (capillary puncture)

Question 16

spun hematocrit

Answer 16

• fingerstick collection of blood in microcapillary tubes is centrifuged and evaluated for the percentage of red blood cells

Question 17

blood glucose testing

Answer 17

• whole blood is analyzed in a glucometer for a quantitative glucose level and is a screening test for diabetes, performed using capillary blood from a finger stick

Question 18

hemoglobin A1c

Answer 18

• capillary blood test shows diabetes control over an approximate 3 month period

Question 19

cholesterol testing

Answer 19

• lipids are evaluated using capillary blood

Question 20

helicobacter pylori

Answer 20

• a blood sample screens for H. pylori, which is the main cause of gastric ulcers

Question 21

mononucleosis screening

Answer 21

• this screening tool tests for the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in capillary blood

Question 22

nasal smear for influenza types A and B

Answer 22

• this screening is a qualitative test for influenza antigens using a swab that is inserted into the nostril

Question 23

drug testing

Answer 23

• substances can be detected in urine and blood samples

Question 24

moderate- and high-complexity testing

Answer 24

• considered non waived
• labs performing these tests must have a CLIA certificate and undergo inspections to ensure standards are being met
• tests are typically performed in a reference or hospital laboratory

Question 25

COLA testing

Answer 25

• the commission on office laboratory accreditation is an independent accreditor for laboratories
• focuses on meeting CLIA regulations with a goal of providing the best care to the patient

Question 26

quality assurance

Answer 26

• comprehensive and relates to policies and procedures that must be implemented for reliability of test results

Question 27

quality control

Answer 27

• included in quality assurance but is more specific
• related to test reliability and accuracy while attempting to uncover errors and eliminate them

Question 28

what are nine examples of information found in demographics?

Answer 28

• patient name
• address
• date of birth
• sex
• telephone number
• insurance information
• provider information
• diagnosis or indications for testing
• order date

Question 29

what is a testing panel?

Answer 29

• a group of tests that are connected to one particular body system; profile

Question 30

what is a chain of custody and when would you use it?

Answer 30

• a series of processes and procedures used to ensure security and accuracy
• when collecting and handling specimens for drug testing for employment or a court subpoena

Question 31

what is a critical value?

Answer 31

• a laboratory result that is outside of the established reference range and presents potential health risks to a patient

Question 32

hyperopia

Answer 32

• difficulty seeing things up close
• farsightedness

Question 33

myopia

Answer 33

• difficulty seeing things far away
• nearsightedness

Question 34

presbyopia

Answer 34

• a gradual, age-related loss of the eyes’ ability to focus actively on nearby objects

Question 35

when would you use an ishihara book?

Answer 35

• testing for color blindness

Question 36

tympanometry

Answer 36

• the process of recording the movement of the tympanic membrane through pressure variances in the external ear canal

Question 37

audiometry

Answer 37

• the process of testing hearing

Question 38

where are tuning forks placed?

Answer 38

• on the top of the head or on the mastoid process

Question 39

radioallergosorbent (RAST) testing

Answer 39

• a blood test used to detect antibodies associated with allergens

Question 40

peak flow testing

Answer 40

• spirometry/pulmonary function test
• measures forced expiratory volume which indicates the effectiveness of airflow out of the lungs
• patient forcefully blows out of their mouth, medical assistant records the number where the marker is located at the end of the test
• repeat the test two to three times and record the results

Question 41

spirometry testing

Answer 41

• automated test that produces a graphic result
• test conducted similarly to peak flow test
• patients require additional pretest preparation; no large meals 2 hrs before the test, no smoking 1 hr before the test, and discontinuing the use of bronchodilators or other breathing therapies (inhalers, nebulizers) for at least 6 hrs before the test