Question 1

If a test is not considered appropriate for the specimen, the following should happen:
A) Discipline the ward clerk for ordering the wrong test.
B) Discipline the nurse for ordering the wrong test.
C) Hold a training session to teach hospital staff about correctly ordering tests.
D) The laboratory needs to communicate with the physician to determine exactly what needs to be done.

Accepted Answer

Disciplining the ward clerk or nurse is not appropriate as it assumes that they were solely responsible for the incorrect test ordering. Holding a training session may be helpful in the long term, but it does not solve the immediate issue of the wrong test order. The best option is for the laboratory to communicate with the physician to clarify what test is needed for the specimen.

Question 2

To assist hospital personnel in collecting the highest quality specimen, the laboratory should
A) post the microbiology laboratory's phone numbers in each section so personnel can call with questions and problems.
B) develop a well-written handbook and make it available at every patient care unit.
C) allow personnel to go to the floor and collect all specimens.
D) severely reprimand staff for not collecting specimens properly.

Accepted Answer

A well-written handbook provides clear guidelines and instructions for specimen collection, ensuring consistency and quality across all patient care units.

Question 3

What is the primary goal in the transportation of specimens to the laboratory?
A) To get the specimen to the laboratory by the end of the day
B) To maintain the specimen as near its original state as possible with minimal deterioration
C) To place the specimen in formalin and then transport it to the laboratory
D) To allow the specimen to sit, as long as it is delivered to the laboratory within 2 to 3 days after collection

Accepted Answer

The primary goal in the transportation of specimens to the laboratory is to maintain the specimen as near its original state as possible with minimal deterioration. This is crucial in order to obtain accurate and reliable test results. Options A, C, and D do not align with this primary goal.

Question 4

Swabs are appropriate for specimens collected from all the following sites, except
A) upper respiratory tract.
B) external ear.
C) urine.
D) genital tract.

Accepted Answer

Swabs are not appropriate for urine collection because urine is typically collected using a clean-catch midstream method or via catheterization to avoid contamination and ensure accurate results.

Question 5

To perform a quality laboratory analysis, the laboratory needs specific information regarding the patient and the specimen. What can be a critical weak link in the specimen management process?
A) Poor specimen collection techniques
B) Incomplete information on the requisition
C) Poor-quality hospital information system
D) Poor-quality laboratory information system

Accepted Answer

Incomplete information on the requisition can lead to errors in specimen handling, processing, and analysis, making it a critical weak link in the specimen management process.

Question 6

A night technician is working in microbiology when a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen comes in. Almost simultaneously, the technician is called to the emergency department to draw blood on seriously injured car crash victims. How would the technician store the CSF until time permits to work on the CSF specimen?
A) Put the specimen in the refrigerator where it is good for 4 hours at 4° C.
B) Leave the specimen on the shelf where it is good for 6 hours at room temperature.
C) Pour the specimen into a tube of broth.
D) Place the specimen in a 35° C incubator where it is good for up to 6 hours.

Accepted Answer

CSF specimens should be kept at body temperature (35-37°C) to preserve any potential pathogens until they can be processed.

Question 7

The best way to minimize the amount of upper respiratory flora in a sputum specimen is to follow which of these procedures?
A) Cough up the specimen and when the specimen gets to the laboratory, digest it with enzymes that will kill the normal flora.
B) When plating the specimen, ensure that the swab goes deep into the sample to get only bacteria present in the lower lung.
C) Have the patient rinse the mouth with water and expectorate with the aid of a really deep cough directly into a sterile container.
D) Have a respiratory technician decontaminate a patient's mouth and throat before the specimen is collected.

Accepted Answer

Rinsing the mouth and deep coughing can help minimize upper respiratory flora, as this will help to remove any bacteria from the mouth and throat that might contaminate the sputum sample. Enzymes are not typically used to digest sputum samples, as this can damage the cells and make it difficult to identify pathogens. Plating the sample deeply will not necessarily eliminate upper respiratory flora, as the bacteria may still be present in the sample. Decontaminating the patient's mouth and throat is an option, but it may not always be necessary and can be time-consuming.

Question 8

All the following principles of specimen collection are fundamental to ensuring appropriate specimen management, except:
A) Collect the appropriate quantity of specimen.
B) Label the specimen accurately with the specific anatomic site and the patient information.
C) Select the correct anatomic site to collect the specimen.
D) It is acceptable to delay transport of the specimen to the laboratory if it is in transport media.

Accepted Answer

Delay in transport of a specimen, even if in transport media, can impact the integrity and accuracy of the results. Therefore, it is important to transport the specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible. The other options, collecting the appropriate quantity of specimen, labeling the specimen accurately, and selecting the correct anatomic site, are all essential principles of specimen collection to ensure accurate and reliable laboratory test results.

Question 9

Sputum specimens are often collected for the diagnosis of
A) acute pharyngitis.
B) bacterial pneumonia.
C) meningitis.
D) diverticulitis.

Accepted Answer

Sputum specimens are commonly collected to diagnose bacterial pneumonia, as the microorganisms causing the infection can often be identified in the sputum. Sputum specimens are not typically used for the diagnosis of acute pharyngitis, meningitis, or diverticulitis.

Question 10

The specimen of choice for detecting gastrointestinal pathogens is
A) a urine specimen.
B) vomit.
C) a swab of the anal area with no feces on it.
D) a stool specimen.

Accepted Answer

Stool specimens are the specimen of choice for detecting gastrointestinal pathogens, as they contain the actual fecal matter and can provide a more accurate representation of the presence or absence of pathogens. Urine samples are not typically used to detect gastrointestinal pathogens, as they reflect the urinary tract rather than the gastrointestinal tract. Vomit may contain some gastrointestinal contents but may not provide as accurate a representation as a stool specimen. Swabs of the anal area may also be used in some cases, but are not as reliable as stool specimens.

Question 11

Data generated by the laboratory is directly influenced by
A) the quality of the specimen and its condition when received.
B) the physician's decision to do the test.
C) quality control performed on a monthly basis.
D) the air quality in the laboratory.

Accepted Answer

The quality of the specimen and its condition when received directly influence the data generated by the laboratory. A poor quality or improperly handled specimen can lead to inaccurate results, errors in interpretation, and potential patient harm. The physician's decision to do the test, quality control performed on a monthly basis, and air quality in the laboratory may also impact laboratory data, but their influence is indirect and not as significant as the quality of the specimen.

Question 12

The goal of the specimen collector when collecting specimens for culture should be to
A) make sure the specimen gets to the laboratory.
B) avoid hurting the patient when collecting the specimen.
C) maintain the viability of the living organisms at the site with minimal contamination.
D) get the specimen quickly to get the doctor off the collector's back.

Accepted Answer

The goal of the specimen collector when collecting specimens for culture is to maintain the viability of the living organisms at the site with minimal contamination. This ensures the most accurate results from the laboratory analysis. Avoiding hurting the patient is important but not specifically related to obtaining a viable specimen for culture. Simply getting the specimen to the laboratory quickly is not enough if the living organisms have been contaminated or deteriorated.

Question 13

Why is clean-catch midstream urine used for a urine culture as opposed to a clean-catch urine?
A) The first portion of the urine flow washes contaminants from the urethra and the next portion of urine is more representative of the bladder.
B) The name was changed, but the procedure remains the same and the entire amount of urine from the bladder is cultured.
C) No urine is free from contamination, so just wipe the external genitalia and void into the cup.
D) Catheterized specimens are also called clean-catch midstream urine specimen.

Accepted Answer

Clean-catch midstream urine is used for urine cultures because the first portion of the urine flow may contain contaminating bacteria from the urethra, while the next portion is more representative of the bladder. The midstream technique involves collecting a sample of the urine after this initial flushing of the urethra, which reduces the risk of contamination and ensures a more accurate culture.

Question 14

Proper identification of each specimen includes a label firmly attached to the container with all the following information, except
A) diagnosis.
B) name.
C) identification number.
D) date.

Accepted Answer

Proper identification of a specimen should include the name, identification number, and date, but not necessarily the diagnosis. The diagnosis is typically provided by the medical professional who ordered the test or procedure.

Question 15

A safe method of transporting aspirated wound material would be in
A) a leakproof bag.
B) a tube of broth.
C) an anaerobic transport system.
D) a plastic container.

Accepted Answer

An anaerobic transport system would be the best choice for transporting aspirated wound material because it maintains an oxygen-free environment which is important for the survival of anaerobic bacteria that may be present in the wound. A leakproof bag or plastic container may not provide an appropriate environment for the bacteria, and a tube of broth may not be necessary if the wound material is going to be cultured on specific media.

Question 16

How should specimen collection instructions be given to the patient to ensure collection of a good specimen for culture?
A) Written only in English
B) Verbally, in many different languages
C) Verbally, only in English
D) Both verbal and written instruction in simple language

Accepted Answer

Both verbal and written instruction in simple language ensures that the patient can fully understand the instructions and therefore collect a good specimen for culture. Using simple language also improves patient compliance and reduces the risk of errors. Providing instructions in multiple languages may be necessary depending on the patient population.

Question 17

If transport of the specimen is delayed, the specimen can be maintained by all of the following, except
A) preservatives.
B) transport or holding medium.
C) saltwater.
D) anticoagulants.

Accepted Answer

Saltwater does not have the ability to maintain the viability of a specimen over an extended period of time. Preservatives, transport or holding medium, and anticoagulants can help preserve the specimen and prevent degradation.

Question 18

The requisition form should provide all the following information, except
A) patient name or identification number.
B) patient age and gender.
C) patient home address.
D) specific anatomic site.

Accepted Answer

The patient's home address is not necessary information for a requisition form for imaging. However, the patient's name or identification number, age and gender, as well as the specific anatomic site to be imaged, are all important pieces of information required for accurate and appropriate imaging procedures.

Question 19

Why is it acceptable for a fecal sample to be collected in a nonsterile container?
A) Fecal samples can be runny and if the specimen leaks, this can present a biohazard.
B) Many types of bacteria call the intestinal tract home; the specimen cannot become contaminated.
C) Leakproof containers are always sterile, so the container will be leakproof, as well as sterile.
D) Because DNA probes can determine resident flora from pathogenic bacteria.

Accepted Answer

Fecal samples contain many types of bacteria that naturally inhabit the intestinal tract, so contamination is not a concern. However, leakproof containers should still be used to prevent biohazards.

Question 20

All specimens must be transported
A) in leakproof secondary containers.
B) in syringes with needles attached.
C) in a tube of broth.
D) in a latex glove.

Accepted Answer

Transporting specimens in leakproof secondary containers prevents any accidental spills or leaks during transportation, ensuring the safety of anyone handling the samples and preventing contamination of other samples or the environment. Using syringes with needles attached, tubes of broth, or latex gloves as transport methods do not provide the same level of containment and could be hazardous.

Quiz 6: Specimen Collection and Processing

If a test is not considered appropriate for the specimen, the following should happen:

To assist hospital personnel in collecting the highest quality specimen, the laboratory should

What is the primary goal in the transportation of specimens to the laboratory?

Swabs are appropriate for specimens collected from all the following sites, except

To perform a quality laboratory analysis, the laboratory needs specific information regarding the patient and the specimen. What can be a critical weak link in the specimen management process?

The best way to minimize the amount of upper respiratory flora in a sputum specimen is to follow which of these procedures?

All the following principles of specimen collection are fundamental to ensuring appropriate specimen management, except:

Sputum specimens are often collected for the diagnosis of

The specimen of choice for detecting gastrointestinal pathogens is

Data generated by the laboratory is directly influenced by

The goal of the specimen collector when collecting specimens for culture should be to

Why is clean-catch midstream urine used for a urine culture as opposed to a clean-catch urine?

Proper identification of each specimen includes a label firmly attached to the container with all the following information, except

A safe method of transporting aspirated wound material would be in

How should specimen collection instructions be given to the patient to ensure collection of a good specimen for culture?

If transport of the specimen is delayed, the specimen can be maintained by all of the following, except

The requisition form should provide all the following information, except

Why is it acceptable for a fecal sample to be collected in a nonsterile container?

All specimens must be transported