Introduction to the Clinical Laboratory Practice Quiz
Which department in a clinical laboratory is responsible for analyzing blood and other body fluids?
A) Microbiology
B) Hematology
C) Immunology
D) Clinical Chemistry
What is the primary purpose of a clinical laboratory?
A) To diagnose diseases
B) To conduct research
C) To provide patient care
D) To analyze specimens
Which of the following is a common anticoagulant used in blood collection tubes?
A) Sodium chloride
B) Sodium citrate
C) Sodium hydroxide
D) Sodium bicarbonate
What does the term ‘serology’ refer to in clinical laboratory practice?
A) Study of blood cells
B) Study of bodily fluids
C) Study of serum and its components
D) Study of microorganisms
Which laboratory department is responsible for blood typing and crossmatching?
A) Microbiology
B) Hematology
C) Immunohematology
D) Clinical Chemistry
What is the purpose of a requisition form in laboratory testing?
A) To request laboratory supplies
B) To order laboratory tests
C) To schedule patient appointments
D) To bill patients for services
Which of the following is a common method for sterilizing laboratory equipment?
A) Boiling
B) Autoclaving
C) Freezing
D) Drying
What is the primary function of a centrifuge in a clinical laboratory?
A) To mix solutions
B) To heat samples
C) To separate components of a sample
D) To sterilize equipment
Which organization sets standards for laboratory testing and accreditation?
A) World Health Organization (WHO)
B) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
C) Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
D) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
What is the purpose of quality control in laboratory testing?
A) To ensure patient safety
B) To maintain equipment
C) To ensure accuracy and reliability of test results
D) To reduce laboratory costs
Which of the following is a common method for identifying bacteria in microbiology?
A) Gram staining
B) PCR amplification
C) Western blotting
D) ELISA
What is the role of a pathologist in a clinical laboratory?
A) To perform laboratory tests
B) To interpret test results
C) To collect patient specimens
D) To maintain laboratory equipment
Which of the following is a common laboratory test for assessing kidney function?
A) Complete blood count (CBC)
B) Liver function tests
C) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
D) Electrocardiogram (ECG)
What is the purpose of a control sample in laboratory testing?
A) To calibrate equipment
B) To serve as a reference for comparison
C) To train laboratory personnel
D) To dispose of waste materials
Which of the following is a common method for sterilizing laboratory glassware?
A) Boiling
B) Autoclaving
C) Dry heat
D) Chemical disinfectants
What is the primary purpose of a laboratory information system (LIS)?
A) To manage patient records
B) To process laboratory test orders and results
C) To schedule patient appointments
D) To bill patients for services
Which of the following is a common method for collecting urine samples?
A) Venipuncture
B) Capillary puncture
C) Midstream clean-catch
D) Arterial puncture
What is the purpose of a blood culture in microbiology?
A) To assess blood clotting
B) To detect microorganisms in the blood
C) To measure blood glucose levels
D) To determine blood type
Which of the following is a common method for measuring blood glucose levels?
A) Hemoglobin A1c test
B) Complete blood count (CBC)
C) Liver function tests
D) Electrocardiogram (ECG)
What is the purpose of a blood gas analysis?
A) To assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood
B) To measure blood glucose levels
C) To determine blood type
D) To evaluate kidney function
Which of the following is a common method for sterilizing laboratory equipment?
A) Boiling
B) Autoclaving
C) Freezing
D) Drying
What is the primary function of a centrifuge in a clinical laboratory?
A) To mix solutions
B) To heat samples
C) To separate components of a sample
D) To sterilize equipment
Which of the following is used to detect the presence of antibodies in a patient’s serum?
A) Western blotting
B) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
C) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
D) Gram staining
Which test is used to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy?
A) Complete blood count (CBC)
B) Prothrombin time (PT)
C) Liver function tests
D) Electrolyte panel
What is the term for a sample that is not handled properly and produces inaccurate results?
A) Contaminated sample
B) Valid sample
C) Error sample
D) Inaccurate sample
What does the term “sensitivity” refer to in laboratory testing?
A) The ability of a test to detect the presence of a disease
B) The ability of a test to correctly identify healthy individuals
C) The time taken to process the test
D) The ability of a test to produce a positive result
What is the primary responsibility of a clinical laboratory scientist?
A) To collect specimens from patients
B) To interpret laboratory test results
C) To prepare patient meals
D) To maintain laboratory equipment
Which of the following is considered a biological hazard in the laboratory?
A) Bloodborne pathogens
B) Radiation
C) Sharp objects
D) Electrical hazards
Which of the following procedures is used for detecting bacteria in a urine sample?
A) Urine culture
B) Blood smear
C) Skin biopsy
D) Stool culture
What type of sample is typically used for a throat culture?
A) Blood
B) Saliva
C) Sputum
D) Swab from the throat
Which of the following is the most appropriate action when a laboratory worker experiences a needle stick injury?
A) Clean the wound with alcohol and resume work
B) Report the injury immediately to the supervisor and follow proper procedures
C) Ignore the injury if the needle is clean
D) Bandage the wound and continue working
What is the role of a laboratory technician in clinical testing?
A) To diagnose patients
B) To collect and process samples
C) To prescribe medication
D) To provide clinical consultations
What type of test is used to assess the presence of infections caused by viruses?
A) Complete blood count (CBC)
B) Serological test
C) Urinalysis
D) Radiography
Which of the following is used to measure the levels of specific proteins in the blood?
A) Biopsy
B) Blood culture
C) Protein electrophoresis
D) Urinalysis
Which method is most commonly used to identify genetic material from microorganisms?
A) Blood culture
B) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
C) Immunoassay
D) Electrophoresis
Which of the following is a potential risk of improper laboratory waste disposal?
A) Contamination of water supplies
B) Cross-contamination of test results
C) Exposure to harmful chemicals or pathogens
D) All of the above
What is the primary function of a reagent in laboratory testing?
A) To serve as a sample
B) To react with substances in the sample for detection
C) To sterilize the testing equipment
D) To provide energy for chemical reactions
Which of the following is an example of a point-of-care test?
A) Blood glucose meter
B) Blood culture
C) Liver function test
D) Complete blood count (CBC)
What is the function of a microscope in the laboratory?
A) To separate blood components
B) To amplify and visualize small objects or organisms
C) To sterilize laboratory materials
D) To perform chemical analyses
What does the term “pathogen” refer to?
A) A substance used to treat diseases
B) A microorganism that causes disease
C) A chemical used in the laboratory
D) A type of blood cell
What does the term “normal range” refer to in laboratory testing?
A) The range of values within which most healthy individuals’ test results fall
B) The expected range of all abnormal test results
C) The statistical outliers for a given test
D) The average test result in a population
Which of the following is an essential component of a laboratory safety program?
A) Handwashing and personal protective equipment
B) Test result review procedures
C) Patient education on lab tests
D) None of the above
Which of the following laboratory tests is commonly used to detect anemia?
A) Complete blood count (CBC)
B) Urinalysis
C) Electrolyte panel
D) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
What is the significance of a hemoglobin A1c test?
A) It monitors long-term glucose control in diabetic patients
B) It measures blood oxygen levels
C) It determines blood clotting ability
D) It assesses kidney function
Which of the following blood tests is commonly used to assess kidney function?
A) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
B) Electrolyte panel
C) Complete blood count (CBC)
D) Serum protein electrophoresis
What is the purpose of a centrifuge in the laboratory?
A) To heat samples
B) To separate components of a liquid sample by density
C) To sterilize instruments
D) To store sample tubes
Which of the following best describes an ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)?
A) A method to detect viral RNA
B) A test used for measuring antibodies or antigens
C) A procedure for detecting bacterial infections
D) A process for identifying blood cell types
What is the most common method used to identify bacteria in clinical microbiology?
A) Gram staining
B) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
C) Electrophoresis
D) Chromatography
What does a “streak plate” technique in microbiology accomplish?
A) Detects the presence of pathogens in blood
B) Isolates a single colony of bacteria from a mixed culture
C) Measures the amount of bacteria in a sample
D) Cultivates fungi in a controlled environment
Which of the following is the main function of red blood cells (RBCs)?
A) To fight infections
B) To transport oxygen to tissues and organs
C) To produce antibodies
D) To help in blood clotting
What type of sample is typically collected for a lipid panel?
A) Blood
B) Urine
C) Saliva
D) Sputum
What is the most common method used to sterilize laboratory instruments?
A) Boiling water
B) Autoclaving (steam sterilization)
C) UV radiation
D) Chemical disinfectants
What is a key factor in the proper collection of blood cultures?
A) Clean the skin with alcohol before drawing blood
B) Use a non-sterile needle for collection
C) Allow the blood sample to sit at room temperature
D) Draw blood from only one site
Which test would be used to confirm the presence of Streptococcus bacteria in a patient’s throat?
A) Throat culture
B) Blood culture
C) Urinalysis
D) Skin biopsy
Which laboratory technique is used for blood typing?
A) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
B) Agglutination test
C) Flow cytometry
D) Western blotting
What is the first step in laboratory safety when dealing with a biological spill?
A) Clean the area with disinfectant
B) Report the spill to a supervisor
C) Wear gloves and remove the contaminated material
D) Leave the area immediately
Which of the following is an essential component of a laboratory quality control program?
A) Regular calibration of instruments
B) Use of expired reagents
C) Discarding test samples without testing
D) Ignoring test results
What is the primary function of platelets in the blood?
A) To carry oxygen
B) To fight infections
C) To aid in blood clotting
D) To remove waste from the body
Which of the following best describes the term “biopsy”?
A) A test that measures blood sugar levels
B) A procedure to obtain tissue for examination
C) A test for detecting viruses in blood
D) A method for measuring lung function
Which laboratory test is used to assess liver function?
A) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
B) Liver function tests (LFTs)
C) Complete blood count (CBC)
D) Electrolyte panel
What type of sample is typically required for a culture and sensitivity test?
A) Urine
B) Blood
C) Sputum
D) All of the above
What is the function of a microscope slide in laboratory procedures?
A) To store samples
B) To visually examine and magnify small objects or organisms
C) To separate solid and liquid samples
D) To mix reagents
Which of the following laboratory techniques is used to separate proteins based on their size and charge?
A) Blood culture
B) Gel electrophoresis
C) PCR
D) Microscopy
What is the role of a clinical microbiologist in the laboratory?
A) To interpret test results and diagnose diseases
B) To collect patient samples
C) To identify pathogens and monitor infection control
D) To manage laboratory equipment and supplies
Which laboratory test is most commonly used to assess heart attack risk?
A) Blood glucose test
B) Cholesterol test
C) Complete blood count (CBC)
D) Liver function tests (LFTs)
Which of the following would require a serum sample to be collected?
A) Urinalysis
B) Lipid profile
C) Sputum culture
D) Stool culture
Which of the following is an example of a laboratory test that detects genetic mutations?
A) Blood culture
B) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
C) Urine analysis
D) Complete blood count (CBC)
Which part of the laboratory is responsible for the analysis of patient urine samples?
A) Hematology department
B) Microbiology department
C) Clinical chemistry department
D) Urinalysis department
Which of the following best describes the term “hematocrit”?
A) The percentage of red blood cells in a blood sample
B) The concentration of glucose in the blood
C) The amount of white blood cells in a blood sample
D) The protein content of blood plasma
Which of the following is the correct term for the process of blood clotting?
A) Hemolysis
B) Hemostasis
C) Hematopoiesis
D) Hypercoagulation
What type of sample is typically collected for a complete blood count (CBC)?
A) Blood
B) Urine
C) Sputum
D) Saliva
Which of the following laboratory techniques is used to separate cells or particles from a liquid sample based on their size and density?
A) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
B) Spectrophotometry
C) Centrifugation
D) Microscopy
Which of the following laboratory tests is used to assess blood oxygen levels?
A) Arterial blood gas (ABG) test
B) Complete blood count (CBC)
C) Electrolyte panel
D) Serum protein electrophoresis
What does the term “microbiological culture” refer to?
A) A method for measuring the density of bacterial cells
B) A process to grow microorganisms from a sample for identification
C) The isolation of genetic material for PCR testing
D) The analysis of body fluids under a microscope
Which of the following would most likely be used to identify a bacterial infection in a urine sample?
A) Gram stain
B) Blood culture
C) Electrolyte panel
D) Complete blood count (CBC)
In laboratory safety, what is the proper procedure for disposing of sharps, such as needles or glass slides?
A) Place them in a regular trash can
B) Dispose of them in a designated sharps container
C) Flush them down the sink
D) Discard them in the biohazard bag
Which of the following laboratory tests measures the number and types of cells in the blood?
A) Arterial blood gas (ABG) test
B) Complete blood count (CBC)
C) Coagulation profile
D) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test
What is the function of the reagent in a laboratory test?
A) To hold the sample in place
B) To catalyze chemical reactions or detect specific substances
C) To isolate specific cells or bacteria
D) To sterilize equipment
Which type of microscope is commonly used to examine viruses, which are too small to be seen with light microscopes?
A) Compound light microscope
B) Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
C) Transmission electron microscope (TEM)
D) Phase-contrast microscope
What is the main purpose of performing a sensitivity test on bacterial cultures?
A) To determine the number of bacteria present
B) To identify the type of bacteria causing an infection
C) To test which antibiotics are effective against the bacteria
D) To determine the genetic makeup of the bacteria
Which of the following is a primary role of the clinical chemistry laboratory?
A) To analyze body fluids for the presence of microorganisms
B) To measure chemical substances in the blood and other fluids
C) To perform tests for genetic disorders
D) To conduct blood typing and crossmatching
What is the purpose of performing an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test?
A) To detect bacterial infections
B) To measure the rate at which red blood cells settle in plasma, indicating inflammation
C) To assess blood oxygen levels
D) To determine the number of red blood cells
Which of the following is a test used to monitor the blood sugar levels in diabetic patients?
A) Complete blood count (CBC)
B) Fasting blood glucose test
C) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
D) Cholesterol test
Which of the following best describes the term “autopsy”?
A) A surgical procedure to treat disease
B) A test to detect bacteria in tissue samples
C) An examination of a body after death to determine cause of death
D) A method of blood type identification
Which of the following describes the function of an incubator in a microbiology laboratory?
A) To sterilize instruments
B) To store samples at a stable temperature
C) To grow microorganisms by providing an optimal temperature environment
D) To prepare reagents
What is the primary function of white blood cells (WBCs)?
A) To transport oxygen
B) To protect the body from infections
C) To regulate blood clotting
D) To maintain blood pressure
What is the term for a laboratory test that uses antibodies to detect the presence of specific antigens?
A) Culture test
B) Immunoassay
C) PCR test
D) Blood smear
Which of the following is used to sterilize laboratory glassware and instruments?
A) Boiling water
B) Autoclaving (steam sterilization)
C) UV radiation
D) Cold storage
What does a “blood culture” test help detect?
A) Blood sugar levels
B) Presence of bacteria or fungi in the blood
C) The number of platelets in the blood
D) The blood type of the individual
Which of the following is the correct method for calibrating a laboratory instrument?
A) Using distilled water as a control
B) Comparing instrument readings to a standard reference material
C) Cleaning the instrument with alcohol
D) Resetting the instrument to factory settings
What is the term for the liquid portion of blood without clotting factors?
A) Serum
B) Plasma
C) Whole blood
D) Hematocrit
Which laboratory department primarily handles the analysis of body fluids for chemical components such as glucose and enzymes?
A) Hematology
B) Clinical Chemistry
C) Microbiology
D) Immunology
What is the primary purpose of using a spectrophotometer in a clinical laboratory?
A) To measure the pH of a solution
B) To identify microorganisms in a sample
C) To measure the concentration of substances in a solution based on light absorbance
D) To determine the specific gravity of a liquid
Which of the following is a pre-analytical error in the laboratory?
A) Incorrect calibration of the instrument
B) Reporting incorrect test results
C) Collecting a blood sample in the wrong tube
D) Misinterpreting test data
What is the purpose of the “universal precautions” protocol in the laboratory?
A) To standardize laboratory procedures across institutions
B) To treat all specimens as potentially infectious
C) To ensure equipment functions properly
D) To regulate lab personnel certifications
Which type of laboratory test is used to evaluate the body’s immune response to infections or allergens?
A) Hematology panel
B) Immunoassay
C) Coagulation test
D) Blood glucose test
What does “chain of custody” refer to in a clinical laboratory setting?
A) The order in which specimens are analyzed
B) The documentation process that ensures the integrity of a sample during testing
C) The sequence of sterilization procedures for equipment
D) The method of organizing laboratory staff schedules
Which of the following is the most common anticoagulant used in hematology tests?
A) Heparin
B) EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)
C) Sodium citrate
D) Potassium oxalate
What is the proper method for collecting a sterile urine sample for culture?
A) Random sample collection
B) Clean-catch midstream collection
C) Collecting from a catheter without disinfection
D) Using a syringe to withdraw from a storage container
What is the primary focus of the field of cytology?
A) Study of tissues
B) Study of cells
C) Study of organ systems
D) Study of genetic material
What is the function of quality control in the laboratory?
A) To ensure patient samples are collected quickly
B) To verify the accuracy and reliability of test results
C) To train laboratory personnel
D) To reduce the cost of laboratory procedures
Which laboratory test is commonly used to monitor anticoagulant therapy?
A) Prothrombin Time (PT)
B) Complete Blood Count (CBC)
C) Creatinine test
D) Lipid panel
Which of the following is a biosafety level (BSL) requirement for handling highly infectious pathogens like Ebola?
A) BSL-1
B) BSL-2
C) BSL-3
D) BSL-4
What is the purpose of an arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis?
A) To assess kidney function
B) To evaluate lung function and blood pH levels
C) To measure glucose levels in the blood
D) To check for bacterial infections
Which laboratory test detects hidden blood in stool samples?
A) Hematocrit test
B) Occult blood test
C) ESR test
D) Coagulation test
What does the term “analyte” refer to in a clinical laboratory?
A) The reagent used for testing
B) The substance being measured or analyzed in a test
C) The equipment used in analysis
D) A standard reference material
What does the hematocrit measure?
A) The number of red blood cells in a blood sample
B) The proportion of red blood cells in total blood volume
C) The oxygen-carrying capacity of blood
D) The rate of blood clotting
Which test is used to measure kidney function by assessing levels of creatinine and urea in the blood?
A) Lipid panel
B) Renal function test
C) Complete blood count (CBC)
D) Coagulation profile
What does the term “phlebotomy” refer to?
A) The study of blood
B) The technique of drawing blood from a vein
C) The analysis of blood samples
D) The transfusion of blood
What is the primary purpose of the hematology department in a clinical laboratory?
A) Testing blood for chemical substances
B) Analyzing blood cells for abnormalities
C) Culturing microorganisms
D) Performing genetic analysis
Which of the following is the best practice for storing reagents in the laboratory?
A) In a well-lit area
B) According to the manufacturer’s recommendations
C) Near a heat source for consistent temperature
D) In an open container for easy access
What is the significance of a quality assurance program in the laboratory?
A) It monitors reagent usage to reduce waste.
B) It ensures compliance with safety protocols.
C) It provides systematic oversight to maintain high standards of accuracy and reliability.
D) It manages staff schedules effectively.
What is the role of proficiency testing in laboratory operations?
A) To compare test results among different laboratories
B) To calibrate laboratory equipment
C) To train laboratory personnel
D) To identify unknown samples
Which type of microscope is commonly used to examine blood smears and tissue samples?
A) Electron microscope
B) Compound light microscope
C) Fluorescence microscope
D) Phase-contrast microscope
Which laboratory test is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes?
A) Hemoglobin A1c test
B) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test
C) Liver function test
D) Serum creatinine test
What is the purpose of a differential white blood cell count?
A) To measure the total number of red blood cells
B) To evaluate the distribution of different types of white blood cells
C) To test for coagulation disorders
D) To determine hemoglobin levels
What does PPE stand for in a clinical laboratory?
A) Personal Performance Evaluation
B) Personal Protective Equipment
C) Professional Practice Education
D) Primary Patient Examination
Which of the following is a post-analytical laboratory error?
A) Incorrect sample labeling
B) Delayed delivery of test results to the physician
C) Using expired reagents
D) Failure to centrifuge the sample properly
What is the purpose of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)?
A) To standardize medical education programs
B) To regulate laboratory testing and ensure quality results
C) To provide funding for new laboratory equipment
D) To monitor patient satisfaction with laboratory services
Which laboratory test measures the clotting ability of blood?
A) Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
B) Coagulation profile
C) Complete Blood Count (CBC)
D) Serum protein electrophoresis
What is the main function of the microbiology department in a clinical laboratory?
A) Analyzing blood glucose levels
B) Identifying and testing microorganisms for infections
C) Performing routine hematology tests
D) Monitoring organ function through chemical analysis
What is the correct protocol for disposing of biohazardous waste?
A) Flush it down the sink
B) Autoclave it before disposal
C) Incinerate without segregation
D) Store it in regular trash bags
Which test is commonly used to evaluate liver function?
A) Lipid profile
B) Bilirubin test
C) Creatinine clearance test
D) Blood glucose test
What is the main advantage of using automated analyzers in the clinical laboratory?
A) Reduced energy consumption
B) Increased precision and reduced turnaround time
C) Elimination of quality control requirements
D) Simplification of manual techniques
Which laboratory test measures inflammation in the body?
A) Hematocrit
B) Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
C) Serum glucose
D) Platelet count
What is the term for an unintended error during laboratory testing?
A) Random error
B) Systematic error
C) Analytical bias
D) Technical deviation
What is the first step in the venipuncture procedure?
A) Selecting the appropriate vein
B) Applying the tourniquet
C) Identifying the patient and verifying the test order
D) Cleaning the site with antiseptic
Which laboratory accreditation body is responsible for ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards?
A) CDC
B) OSHA
C) CAP (College of American Pathologists)
D) FDA
What does the term “critical value” refer to in clinical laboratory testing?
A) A result outside the normal reference range but not requiring immediate action
B) A result indicating an emergency medical condition requiring immediate intervention
C) A borderline test result
D) A result requiring retesting for confirmation
What is the primary function of the clinical chemistry department in a laboratory?
A) Identifying microorganisms
B) Analyzing chemical components in bodily fluids
C) Studying tissue structure
D) Measuring blood coagulation
Which blood collection tube is typically used for coagulation studies?
A) Red-top tube
B) Lavender-top tube
C) Light blue-top tube
D) Green-top tube
What does the term “pre-analytical phase” refer to in laboratory testing?
A) The phase involving test interpretation
B) Activities performed before sample analysis
C) The process of reporting test results
D) The phase where calibration is conducted
What is the purpose of centrifugation in the laboratory?
A) To mix blood samples
B) To separate components of a sample by density
C) To sterilize the sample
D) To measure viscosity
Which type of laboratory error involves equipment malfunction?
A) Pre-analytical error
B) Analytical error
C) Post-analytical error
D) Human error
What does a hematocrit test measure?
A) Platelet count in blood
B) Percentage of red blood cells in blood
C) White blood cell differential
D) Blood glucose levels
Which document outlines the proper steps to handle laboratory equipment and reagents?
A) Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
B) Test requisition form
C) Laboratory Manual of Procedures (LMP)
D) Equipment Maintenance Log (EML)
Which laboratory department is responsible for identifying parasites?
A) Hematology
B) Microbiology
C) Immunology
D) Clinical chemistry
What is the proper technique for transporting a blood sample to the laboratory?
A) Place it in a sealed, leak-proof container with appropriate labeling
B) Carry it in open trays to ensure accessibility
C) Transport it without cooling to avoid condensation
D) Send it immediately regardless of labeling status
What does “universal precautions” mean in laboratory safety?
A) Handling all specimens as if they are potentially infectious
B) Using protective equipment only for high-risk samples
C) Isolating patients with infectious diseases
D) Cleaning equipment after handling infectious materials
Which of the following is a common anticoagulant used in blood collection tubes?
A) Sodium chloride
B) Heparin
C) Ethanol
D) Acetone
What is the main purpose of calibrating laboratory instruments?
A) To meet safety standards
B) To maintain operational efficiency
C) To ensure test accuracy and reliability
D) To reduce test costs
What does the term “STAT” signify on a laboratory requisition?
A) The test can be delayed for further confirmation
B) The test must be performed immediately
C) The result is inconclusive and requires retesting
D) The test requires additional patient consent
Which department in the clinical laboratory typically performs the Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
A) Clinical chemistry
B) Hematology
C) Microbiology
D) Cytology
What is the primary use of the immunology department in a clinical laboratory?
A) Diagnosing infections
B) Identifying chemical imbalances
C) Evaluating immune system responses
D) Monitoring genetic disorders
What type of sample is commonly used for a urinalysis?
A) 24-hour urine sample
B) First morning void
C) Random urine sample
D) All of the above
What is the first step in ensuring quality control in the laboratory?
A) Performing daily equipment calibration
B) Reviewing test results for errors
C) Following standard operating procedures (SOPs)
D) Conducting proficiency testing
Which term describes the process of matching patient identifiers with test requisition forms?
A) Cross-matching
B) Specimen verification
C) Patient identification confirmation
D) Label reconciliation
What does the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test measure?
A) Hemoglobin concentration in blood
B) Rate of red blood cell settling in a test tube
C) Total white blood cell count
D) Clotting time
Which laboratory safety practice is crucial when handling sharps?
A) Re-capping needles before disposal
B) Disposing of needles in puncture-proof sharps containers
C) Placing used needles in regular trash bins
D) Bending needles to prevent reuse