TYPES OF TESTS

Question 1

A test used to evaluate kidney function. It should be collected in a gel-barrier serum tube (red or gold top). Serum should be separated from cells immediately and refrigerated for storage.

Answer 1

Creatinine

Question 2

The test used to evaluate liver function. It requires to be a fasting collection and collected in a gel-barrier tube. Serum should be separated from cells immediately and refrigerated for storage.

Answer 2

ALP

An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of the enzyme ALP in your blood. ALP is present in many tissues throughout the body, but is most concentrated in the liver, bones, bile ducts, and intestines.

Question 3

This test helps to determine acute pancreatitis. It should be collected in a gel-barrier serum tube (red or gold top). Hemolysis and lipemia should be avoided. Serum should be separated from cells immediately and refrigerated for storage.

Answer 3

Amylase

Question 4

A test used to diagnose gout in a patient. It should be collected in a gel-barrier serum tube (red or gold top). Serum should be separated from cells within 45 minutes and stored at room temperature.

Answer 4

Uric acid

Question 5

What measurements may be falsely increased as a result of patients not adequately fasting prior to blood collection?

• Glucose and hemoglobin
• Glucose and triglycerides
• Triglycerides and hematocrit
• Glucose and bilirubin

Answer 5

Glucose and triglycerides

Fasting is recommended for 8-12 hours prior to the collection of a lipid profile, where triglycerides are being determined, and prior to blood collection for glucose, where a fasting level is being sought.

Question 6

Long-term (up to 10 years) storage of DNA samples is best accomplished at a temperature range of

• -10°C to -20°C
• • 70°C
• 4°C to 10°C
• 20°C to 28°C.

Answer 6

• # 70°CA freezing temperature of < -70°C is best suited for long-term storage (over 10 years) of nucleic acids.

A temperature range of -10°C to -20°C is best used for storage of nucleic acids up to 6 months.

A temperature range of 4°C to 10°C is refrigerator temperature, which is appropriate for short-term storage-usually no longer than a few days.

Room temperature, 20°C to 28°C, is not suitable for storage of nucleic acids as it can quickly degrade the samples.

Question 7

What is collected in a gel barrier tube and tested in the serology department for syphilis?

Answer 7

Rapid plasma reagin (RPR)

Question 8

What is the test that need to be collected in a serum gel tube (RED top) and goes to the chemistry department for testing?

Answer 8

A BUN (blood urea test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood.

Urea nitrogen is a waste product that forms when your body breaks down proteins. It’s produced in your liver, carried in your blood, and filtered out by your kidneys.

A BUN test is often used to check how well your kidneys are working. A small amount of urea nitrogen in your blood is normal, but higher-than-normal levels can indicate kidney problems.)

Question 9

What is collected in a lavender tube and tested in the hematology department?

Answer 9

Reticulocyte count

A reticulocyte count measures the number of reticulocytes, or immature red blood cells, in your blood to determine how well your bone marrow is producing red blood cells.

This test is often used to:

• Diagnose anemia
• Monitor the effectiveness of anemia treatments
• Assess bone marrow function after a bone marrow transplant or chemotherapy

Question 10

What is the main function of thrombocytes?

• To fight off infection.
• To assist in the coagulation process.
• To transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs to be expelled.
• To transport nutrients, hormones, nitrogenous waste, and electrolytes among other substances.

Answer 10

To assist in the coagulation process.

Thrombocytes’ (platelets) main function is to assist in the coagulation process.

Erythrocytes’ (red blood cells) main function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissue to the lungs to be expelled.

Leukocytes’ (white blood cells) main function is to fight off infection.

Plasma’s functions include the transportation of nutrients, hormones, nitrogenous waste, electrolytes, and other substances throughout the body.

Question 11

What is the main function of Thrombocytes’ (platelets)?

Answer 11

To assist in the coagulation process.

Question 12

What is the main function of Erythrocytes’ (red blood cells)?

Answer 12

To transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from the tissue to the lungs to be expelled.

Question 13

What is the main function of Leukocytes’ (white blood cells)?

Answer 13

To fight off infection.

Question 14

What is the main function of Plasma?

Answer 14

Plasma’s main functions include the transportation of nutrients, hormones, nitrogenous waste, electrolytes, and other substances throughout the body.

Question 15

When collecting a blood specimen for alcohol abuse, which of the following antiseptics should be avoided for cleansing the collection area?

• Ethanol
• Soap and water
• Povidone-iodine
• Benzalkonium chloride (BZK)

Answer 15

Ethanol

Ethanol and other alcohol-based antiseptics should not be used to cleanse the collection site when testing for blood alcohol (ETOH) because it will elevate the test results.

Alternative cleansing solutions can be used, such as benzalkonium chloride (BZK), povidone-iodine, or if there is no other option, soap and water.