The Canadian Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Exam is an essential certification for individuals pursuing a career as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in Canada. This exam evaluates the necessary skills and knowledge required to effectively assist medical laboratory technologists in performing diagnostic procedures that contribute to patient care. It covers a wide range of topics critical to laboratory operations, including specimen collection, handling, safety protocols, and patient communication.
Key Areas of Focus
Candidates are tested on their ability to correctly perform pre-analytical procedures such as venipuncture, specimen labeling, and the order of draw. Proficiency in understanding and applying infection control measures, quality assurance practices, and maintaining laboratory equipment is also assessed. Additionally, the exam evaluates a candidate’s ability to follow strict documentation protocols, adhere to safety regulations, and maintain confidentiality in accordance with industry standards.
Practical Application of Knowledge
The exam goes beyond theoretical knowledge, requiring candidates to demonstrate practical competency in clinical situations. A passing score on the MLA exam ensures that the candidate is prepared to handle the demands of a busy laboratory environment, supporting medical professionals in delivering accurate and timely results.
Career Benefits
Achieving certification through the Canadian MLA Exam opens up numerous career opportunities in hospitals, private clinics, research facilities, and public health units. It signals to employers that the candidate is committed to upholding high standards in patient care and laboratory operations, making it a valuable credential in the healthcare industry.
Sample Questions and Answers For CSMLS Exam
What is the primary role of a medical laboratory assistant?
A. Diagnose medical conditions
B. Collect, process, and prepare specimens for analysis
C. Prescribe medications
D. Conduct complex diagnostic procedures
Answer: B
Explanation: MLAs are responsible for collecting and processing specimens such as blood or urine and preparing them for testing—not diagnosing or prescribing.
What is the ideal angle for venipuncture with a straight needle?
A. 10–15 degrees
B. 30–45 degrees
C. 15–30 degrees
D. 45–60 degrees
Answer: C
Explanation: The correct angle is 15–30 degrees to safely enter the vein without causing damage.
What colour is the top of a tube containing EDTA?
A. Red
B. Green
C. Lavender
D. Blue
Answer: C
Explanation: Lavender-top tubes contain EDTA, an anticoagulant used primarily for hematology tests.
Which of the following is a component of the chain of infection?
A. Test requisition
B. Laboratory equipment
C. Susceptible host
D. Calibration log
Answer: C
Explanation: The chain of infection includes: infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.
What does the term “aseptic technique” refer to?
A. Working quickly to minimize contamination
B. Using bleach to sterilize tools
C. Performing procedures under sterile conditions to prevent contamination
D. Wearing gloves only during patient interaction
Answer: C
Explanation: Aseptic technique involves maintaining sterile conditions during procedures to prevent infection.
Which test requires a chain of custody protocol?
A. CBC
B. Glucose tolerance test
C. Drug screening
D. Electrolyte panel
Answer: C
Explanation: Drug screening requires strict documentation to ensure the sample’s integrity and legal validity.
Which of the following is a hematology test?
A. ALT
B. CBC
C. Lipase
D. BUN
Answer: B
Explanation: CBC (Complete Blood Count) falls under hematology, measuring blood cells and related components.
Which of the following should be done first before drawing blood?
A. Label the tube
B. Apply the tourniquet
C. Clean the venipuncture site
D. Identify the patient
Answer: D
Explanation: Proper patient identification is the first and most crucial step to avoid errors.
A tourniquet should not be left on a patient’s arm for more than:
A. 1 minute
B. 3 minutes
C. 5 minutes
D. 30 seconds
Answer: A
Explanation: Leaving the tourniquet on for over one minute can cause hemoconcentration and affect results.
Which department would test a throat swab for streptococcus?
A. Hematology
B. Microbiology
C. Biochemistry
D. Pathology
Answer: B
Explanation: Throat cultures are processed in the microbiology department to detect bacterial infections.
Which of the following is considered a biohazard?
A. Alcohol wipes
B. Urine sample
C. Lab coat
D. Paper requisition
Answer: B
Explanation: Bodily fluids like urine are considered biohazardous and must be handled accordingly.
When performing capillary puncture on infants, what site is most appropriate?
A. Thumb
B. Index finger
C. Heel
D. Ear lobe
Answer: C
Explanation: For infants under 1 year, the lateral or medial heel is the preferred site.
Which blood tube is typically collected last in the standard order of draw?
A. Lavender
B. Red
C. Blue
D. Gray
Answer: D
Explanation: Gray-top tubes, used for glucose or lactate testing, are collected last to prevent cross-contamination.
What action is required if a laboratory assistant is accidentally stuck with a needle?
A. Rinse with water and continue work
B. Report to supervisor and seek medical evaluation
C. Keep it a secret
D. Discard the needle and disinfect the site only
Answer: B
Explanation: All needle stick injuries must be reported immediately and require follow-up care.
What is the primary additive in a light blue-top tube?
A. Sodium fluoride
B. Potassium oxalate
C. Sodium citrate
D. EDTA
Answer: C
Explanation: Sodium citrate prevents coagulation and is used for coagulation studies like PT and APTT.
What is a requisition form?
A. A legal document
B. A tool to clean equipment
C. A container for samples
D. A form requesting lab tests
Answer: D
Explanation: A requisition form communicates what test is needed, patient information, and collection details.
Which of the following tests requires fasting?
A. ESR
B. Electrolytes
C. Glucose
D. PT/INR
Answer: C
Explanation: Fasting for 8–12 hours is required before glucose testing for accurate results.
When transporting specimens, they should be placed in:
A. A paper bag
B. A sealed test tube
C. A biohazard-labeled, leak-proof container
D. A sealed envelope
Answer: C
Explanation: Proper transport containers prevent leakage and exposure to infectious materials.
What is hemolysis in a blood specimen?
A. Breakdown of hemoglobin
B. Clotting of plasma
C. Rupture of red blood cells
D. Coagulation of serum
Answer: C
Explanation: Hemolysis is the rupture of RBCs, which can interfere with test results.
When should hand hygiene be performed during specimen collection?
A. Only after patient contact
B. Before and after patient contact
C. Only if visibly soiled
D. Not necessary with gloves
Answer: B
Explanation: Hand hygiene before and after patient interaction prevents contamination and infection.
What does the term “STAT” mean on a requisition?
A. To be stored
B. No special requirements
C. Send to storage
D. Immediate processing
Answer: D
Explanation: “STAT” means the sample must be collected and processed without delay.
Which blood test is affected by prolonged tourniquet application?
A. Blood cultures
B. Potassium
C. WBC
D. Hematocrit
Answer: B
Explanation: Prolonged tourniquet use can cause potassium levels to falsely elevate due to hemoconcentration.
What equipment is essential for a capillary collection?
A. Syringe
B. Winged infusion set
C. Lancet
D. Butterfly needle
Answer: C
Explanation: A lancet is used to puncture the skin during capillary collections.
Which of the following tests cannot be performed using capillary blood?
A. Glucose
B. Hemoglobin
C. Blood culture
D. Hematocrit
Answer: C
Explanation: Blood cultures require a venous sample to ensure sterility and proper volume.
Which of the following must be labeled immediately after collection?
A. Test requisition
B. Patient record
C. Blood specimen tube
D. PPE kit
Answer: C
Explanation: Specimen tubes must be labeled immediately to prevent identification errors.
Which department handles electrolyte testing?
A. Biochemistry
B. Hematology
C. Pathology
D. Microbiology
Answer: A
Explanation: Electrolyte panels like sodium and potassium are analyzed in the biochemistry department.
Gloves used during specimen handling should be:
A. Reused if not visibly dirty
B. Worn only for high-risk patients
C. Disposed of after every use
D. Sterilized weekly
Answer: C
Explanation: Disposable gloves must be discarded after each use to maintain hygiene.
What is the proper disposal method for a used needle?
A. Recap and place in biohazard bag
B. Discard in sharps container
C. Place in trash
D. Wash and reuse
Answer: B
Explanation: All needles must go into a puncture-proof sharps container to prevent injury.
What should an MLA do if a specimen is labeled with the wrong patient name?
A. Process it anyway
B. Inform the lab technologist quietly
C. Discard and redraw
D. Return it to the sender without reporting
Answer: C
Explanation: Mislabeled specimens must be rejected and recollected to ensure patient safety.
What is the correct order of draw when collecting multiple tubes?
A. Lavender, Blue, Green, Red
B. Red, Green, Lavender, Gray
C. Blue, Red, Green, Lavender, Gray
D. Green, Red, Blue, Gray, Lavender
Answer: C
Explanation: The correct CLSI order of draw ensures no additive contamination between tubes.
Which of the following is the first choice vein for venipuncture?
A. Cephalic vein
B. Median cubital vein
C. Basilic vein
D. Radial vein
Answer: B
Explanation: The median cubital vein is centrally located, large, and stable, making it the preferred site for venipuncture.
What is the main function of the buffy coat in a centrifuged blood sample?
A. It indicates clotting ability
B. It contains white blood cells and platelets
C. It separates plasma from serum
D. It stores glucose
Answer: B
Explanation: The buffy coat is the thin layer between plasma and red cells in centrifuged blood, made up of leukocytes and platelets.
How long should alcohol be allowed to dry before performing venipuncture?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 30 seconds
D. 1 minute
Answer: C
Explanation: Alcohol should dry for at least 30 seconds to ensure proper antisepsis and prevent hemolysis.
Which one of these is considered a Quality Control (QC) measure in the lab?
A. Warming the patient’s hand
B. Using expired reagents
C. Calibrating equipment daily
D. Performing tests without PPE
Answer: C
Explanation: Routine calibration ensures equipment gives accurate, reliable results—a key QC step.
What’s the best response if a patient refuses a blood draw?
A. Proceed anyway
B. Convince the patient to comply
C. Respect the refusal and document it
D. Call security
Answer: C
Explanation: Patients have the right to refuse. Always document refusals and notify the healthcare provider.
What does “PPE” stand for?
A. Personal Protective Equipment
B. Public Patient Examination
C. Proper Patient Entry
D. Physical Performance Evaluation
Answer: A
Explanation: PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment—items like gloves, masks, and gowns used to protect against infection.
A glucose test should be processed within:
A. 24 hours
B. 1 hour
C. 30 minutes
D. 5 hours
Answer: B
Explanation: Glucose levels degrade quickly; samples must be processed or preserved within one hour unless stabilized with additives.
The purpose of inverting blood tubes gently is to:
A. Mix additives thoroughly without hemolysis
B. Remove air bubbles
C. Heat the specimen
D. Create clotting
Answer: A
Explanation: Gentle inversion ensures additives like anticoagulants mix properly without damaging cells.
Which specimen requires protection from light?
A. Potassium
B. Bilirubin
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Answer: B
Explanation: Bilirubin breaks down when exposed to light, so it must be protected during collection and transport.
A lavender-top tube is commonly used for:
A. Coagulation tests
B. Liver enzyme testing
C. Hematology tests
D. Glucose tests
Answer: C
Explanation: Lavender tubes contain EDTA and are used primarily for hematology such as CBC.
What is the best course of action if a vein is not found in the arm?
A. Try the other arm
B. Force the needle in
C. Stick multiple times in the same spot
D. Skip the test
Answer: A
Explanation: Always assess both arms and use alternate sites if needed—never force or guess.
The CLSI recommends cleaning a venipuncture site with:
A. Betadine
B. Soap and water
C. 70% isopropyl alcohol
D. Hydrogen peroxide
Answer: C
Explanation: 70% isopropyl alcohol is the standard disinfectant for routine venipuncture.
A centrifuge is used to:
A. Freeze blood
B. Mix reagents
C. Separate blood components
D. Heat specimens
Answer: C
Explanation: Centrifugation separates plasma or serum from blood cells by spinning the sample at high speed.
Why is it important not to draw blood above an IV line?
A. It causes bruising
B. It may result in diluted or contaminated specimens
C. It’s painful
D. It’s not visible
Answer: B
Explanation: Blood collected above an IV line may contain IV fluids, leading to inaccurate lab results.
Which action prevents cross-contamination during blood collection?
A. Labeling all tubes at the end
B. Using the same gloves for multiple patients
C. Following the proper order of draw
D. Collecting blood without alcohol swabbing
Answer: C
Explanation: The correct order of draw prevents additive carryover between tubes.
What is the normal color of plasma in a healthy person?
A. Pink
B. Cloudy white
C. Straw-yellow
D. Deep red
Answer: C
Explanation: Normal plasma is clear and straw-yellow. Pink indicates hemolysis.
Which of the following would be considered a pre-analytical error?
A. Incorrect calibration
B. Improper result reporting
C. Mislabeling a specimen
D. Equipment malfunction
Answer: C
Explanation: Pre-analytical errors occur before analysis, including labeling and specimen collection issues.
The most accurate method to identify a conscious patient is:
A. Ask their date of birth only
B. Ask their full name and match with ID band
C. Read the chart
D. Ask a family member
Answer: B
Explanation: Patient identity must be verified using at least two identifiers, ideally name and DOB or ID band.
If a tube breaks in the centrifuge, what should you do first?
A. Leave it and tell maintenance
B. Unplug the centrifuge and report the spill
C. Remove the shards with your hands
D. Open the lid while it’s spinning
Answer: B
Explanation: Turn off and unplug the machine, follow spill protocol, and report the incident immediately.
Which is NOT a reason for sample rejection?
A. Hemolysis
B. Incorrect tube type
C. Full label with patient name
D. Insufficient sample volume
Answer: C
Explanation: A complete and correct label is required—this would not be a reason for rejection.
What is a nosocomial infection?
A. A hereditary infection
B. An infection contracted outside the hospital
C. A lab error
D. An infection acquired in a healthcare setting
Answer: D
Explanation: Nosocomial infections are hospital-acquired infections, often preventable with proper hygiene.
What is the main function of red blood cells?
A. Fight infection
B. Carry oxygen
C. Form clots
D. Store iron
Answer: B
Explanation: RBCs contain hemoglobin, which binds oxygen and delivers it to tissues.
The laboratory department responsible for urinalysis is:
A. Microbiology
B. Hematology
C. Clinical chemistry
D. General laboratory
Answer: D
Explanation: In many labs, routine urinalysis falls under the general lab or core lab department.
A patient faints during venipuncture. What should the MLA do first?
A. Continue the draw
B. Lay the patient flat and elevate legs
C. Give them food
D. Leave the room for help
Answer: B
Explanation: If a patient faints, protect them from injury by laying them down and elevating their legs, then get assistance.
The proper procedure for cleaning up a small blood spill involves:
A. Water and paper towel
B. Bleach solution 1:10 dilution
C. Vinegar
D. Soap only
Answer: B
Explanation: A 1:10 bleach solution is effective for disinfecting blood spills and killing bloodborne pathogens.
When is the best time to collect a sputum sample?
A. After lunch
B. At bedtime
C. First thing in the morning
D. After brushing teeth
Answer: C
Explanation: Morning sputum is more concentrated and yields better results for microbiological tests.
An MLA must wear gloves when handling:
A. Only used needles
B. Any body fluid or specimen
C. Lab reports
D. Clean test tubes
Answer: B
Explanation: Gloves must be worn when handling any specimens or potentially infectious material.
The function of platelets is to:
A. Transport hormones
B. Carry oxygen
C. Aid in blood clotting
D. Fight viruses
Answer: C
Explanation: Platelets are cell fragments that help the blood clot and prevent bleeding.
The gauge of a needle refers to:
A. Its length
B. The angle of insertion
C. The size of the opening
D. The tube size
Answer: C
Explanation: The gauge number indicates the diameter of the needle bore—the higher the number, the smaller the bore.
Which documentation must accompany every collected specimen?
A. Health card copy
B. Physician’s signature
C. Test requisition form
D. Patient consent form
Answer: C
Explanation: The test requisition form provides essential information for processing the specimen correctly.
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