Question 1

Laboratories that perform moderate-complexity tests ____.
A) must be run by a pathologist
B) can allow the patient to perform these tests at home
C) will not significantly impact the patient if they perform or interpret the tests incorrectly
D) cannot also perform high-complexity procedures
E) are not authorized to perform blood cell counts and cholesterol screening

Accepted Answer

Laboratories that perform moderate-complexity tests must adhere to specific regulatory standards, including having a qualified director. While not all labs must be run by a pathologist, those performing moderate to high-complexity tests often require a director with specific medical or scientific qualifications, which can include pathologists. The other options are incorrect because they misrepresent the regulations and capabilities of laboratories performing moderate-complexity tests. Patients typically do not perform these tests at home, incorrect performance or interpretation can significantly impact patient care, many can also perform high-complexity tests, and they are authorized to perform a wide range of tests including blood cell counts and cholesterol screening.

Question 2

When testing specimens that may be contaminated with blood-borne or other pathogens, which of the following would apply?
A) Use a mouth pipette to draw specimens
B) Avoid working when you have cuts, lesions, or sores on your hands
C) Rock the stopper back and forth to transfer a blood specimen from one collection tube to another container
D) Place the tube stopper directly on the work counter without covering it
E) Work on an open counter when completing procedures that are likely to generate splashes of contaminated material

Accepted Answer

Using a mouth pipette to draw specimens (A) is unsafe and outdated due to the risk of exposure to pathogens. Rocking the stopper back and forth (C) can lead to aerosolization of the specimen, increasing the risk of exposure. Placing the tube stopper directly on the work counter (D) can contaminate the work surface. Working on an open counter during procedures that generate splashes (E) increases the risk of exposure to contaminants. Avoiding work when having cuts, lesions, or sores on your hands (B) is a recommended safety practice to prevent infection and cross-contamination.

Question 3

A foreign object that is visible through a microscope, but is unrelated to the specimen and may be misinterpreted when the specimen is examined, is a(n) ____.
A) reagent
B) calibration
C) artifact
D) standard
E) control

Accepted Answer

An artifact in microscopy refers to any foreign object or material present in the specimen that is not related to the specimen itself. Artifacts can be introduced during specimen preparation or can be inherent to the microscopy system, and they may lead to misinterpretation of the specimen's true nature.

Question 4

Which of the following was created in response to public concern over the accuracy of laboratory testing?
A) Hazard Communication Standard
B) Certificate of Waiver Tests
C) Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988
D) Material Safety Data Sheets
E) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Accepted Answer

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) were established in response to public concern over the accuracy of laboratory testing, ensuring that all laboratory testing (except research) performed on humans in the U.S. is accurate, reliable, and timely.

Question 5

Which of the following are chemicals or chemically treated substances used in test procedures?
A) Standards
B) Objectives
C) Artifacts
D) Controls
E) Reagents

Accepted Answer

Reagents are chemicals or chemically treated substances used in test procedures.

Question 6

Which of the following is used to measure small amounts of liquids and can be either mechanical or manual?
A) Hemocytometer
B) Volumetric flask
C) Pipette
D) Photometer
E) Beaker

Accepted Answer

Pipettes are specifically designed for measuring and transferring small amounts of liquids accurately. They come in both mechanical (such as micropipettes) and manual (such as glass pipettes) forms, making them versatile tools in laboratories for precise liquid handling.

Question 7

Which of the following is included in the guidelines for Standard Precautions?
A) Transfer blood from one collection device to another with the use of a mouth pipette
B) Wear the same gloves from patient to patient as you collect specimens for testing
C) Avoid wearing gloves when working with needles
D) Wear eye protection and face masks when there is a risk that droplets or spray may come in contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth
E) If a work surface becomes contaminated, disinfect it once a week.

Accepted Answer

Standard Precautions include wearing personal protective equipment, such as eye protection and face masks, when there is a risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials through splashes, spray, or droplets. This is to protect healthcare workers from exposure to infectious agents. Choices A, B, C, and E are not in line with standard precautions, which emphasize the use of protective barriers and proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread of infections.

Question 8

A slide calibrated to the exact measurements needed to count blood cells or sperm under a microscope is a ____.
A) glucometer
B) hemocytometer
C) centrifuge
D) photometer
E) pipette

Accepted Answer

A hemocytometer is a specially designed slide used for counting blood cells or sperm under a microscope. It has a grid that helps in the accurate counting of cells in a specific volume of fluid.

Question 9

A quality assurance program ____.
A) requires employees to receive training regarding workplace hazards
B) is designed to monitor the quality of patient care a medical laboratory provides
C) assumes that all blood, blood products, human tissue, and body fluids are contaminated
D) contains information about hazardous chemicals or other substances
E) specifies standards that must be met in order to perform tests in a POL

Accepted Answer

A quality assurance program is specifically designed to monitor and ensure the quality of patient care provided by a medical laboratory.

Question 10

The focus of a quality control program is to ____.
A) protect the safety of employees in the workplace
B) assume that all blood, blood products, human tissue, and body fluids are contaminated
C) provide information about hazardous chemicals or other substances
D) ensure accuracy in test results through careful monitoring of test procedures
E) specify standards that must be met in order to perform laboratory tests in a POL

Accepted Answer

The primary focus of a quality control program is to ensure accuracy in test results through careful monitoring of test procedures. This involves regular checks and calibrations to maintain the reliability and accuracy of laboratory testing processes.

Question 11

Which of the following communications should be used when preparing a patient for a laboratory test?
A) Use technical terminology and language when providing information about the test
B) Avoid giving the patient test instructions if the patient has had the test before
C) Let the patient be your guide in determining how much information to provide
D) Interpret and communicate the test results to the patient as soon as they are available
E) Use the patient's first name to establish a friendly atmosphere

Accepted Answer

Using the patient as a guide helps tailor the information to their needs and ensures they understand the process, which can alleviate anxiety and improve compliance.

Question 12

Which of the following is a characteristic of control samples that are run in the POL?
A) They are used once after every five patient samples are processed.
B) They serve as a check on the accuracy of the test.
C) The results from a patient sample and a control sample should be different.
D) They have unknown results when the test is performed.
E) They are used only after equipment has been serviced or replaced.

Accepted Answer

Control samples in the Physician Office Laboratory (POL) are used to verify the accuracy and reliability of the test system. They provide a known response against which patient sample results can be compared to ensure the test is working correctly.

Question 13

The chemically coated strip used in blood glucose monitoring is an example of a(n) ____.
A) reagent
B) standard
C) artifact
D) objective
E) control

Accepted Answer

The chemically coated strip used in blood glucose monitoring acts as a reagent because it contains chemicals that react with glucose in the blood to measure the glucose level.

Question 14

Which of the following types of tests may be performed in a physician's office laboratory if the POL has been granted a Certificate of Waiver?
A) Bacteriology and immunology
B) Cytology and histopathology
C) Chemistry and hematology
D) Mycology and immunohematology
E) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and urinalysis

Accepted Answer

Tests that can be performed in a physician's office laboratory (POL) with a Certificate of Waiver are generally simple, pose minimal risk of an incorrect result, and include procedures like the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and urinalysis. These tests are considered waived tests under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).

Question 15

Which of the following is used to measure the large amounts of liquids necessary for reagents?
A) Hemocytometer
B) Volumetric beaker
C) Pipette
D) Centrifuge
E) Photometer

Accepted Answer

Volumetric beakers are specifically designed for measuring and holding large volumes of liquids, making them suitable for preparing reagents in a laboratory setting.

Question 16

Certificate of Waiver tests are classified as such if they ____.
A) are moderately complex
B) pose an insignificant risk to the patient if they are performed or interpreted incorrectly
C) are run by a pathologist
D) are highly complex and require that the laboratory be inspected periodically
E) are not performed in a POL

Accepted Answer

Certificate of Waiver tests are classified as such because they pose an insignificant risk to the patient if they are performed or interpreted incorrectly. This classification allows certain tests to be performed with minimal regulatory oversight due to their low risk of harm.

Question 17

Which of the following are considered high-complexity tests?
A) Urinalysis, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood glucose, and pregnancy
B) Tests in clinical cytogenics, histopathology, histocompatibility, and cytology
C) Tests in bacteriology, mycobacteriology, virology, and parasitology
D) Tests in mycology, immunology, and chemistry
E) Tests in immunohematology and hematology

Accepted Answer

High-complexity tests typically involve more detailed analysis and interpretation, often requiring specialized equipment and expertise. Tests in clinical cytogenetics, histopathology, histocompatibility, and cytology are examples of such high-complexity testing due to their intricate methodologies and the critical nature of their diagnostic information.

Question 18

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 had an impact on physician's office laboratories in which way?
A) They decreased overall expenses.
B) They caused many doctors to close their laboratories.
C) They increased the number of tests performed.
D) They had no impact because physician's office laboratories are exempt.
E) They decreased efficiency and accuracy in the POLs.

Accepted Answer

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) of 1988 imposed regulatory standards on all laboratory testing to ensure accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of patient test results regardless of where the test was performed. This included physician's office laboratories (POLs). The increased regulation and associated costs led to many doctors closing their laboratories because they could not or chose not to meet the new requirements.

Question 19

Moderate-complexity tests include ____.
A) hemoglobin and spun microhematocrit tests
B) chemistry, immunology, bacteriology, and virology
C) cytogenics, histopathology, histocompatibility, and cytology
D) urinalysis and fecal occult blood tests
E) erythrocyte sedimentation rate and pregnancy tests

Accepted Answer

Moderate-complexity tests include chemistry, immunology, bacteriology, and virology, as these require more technical skill and interpretation compared to waived tests.

Question 20

Which of the following is an appropriate solution for cleaning a surface contaminated with blood, blood products, or body fluids?
A) 10% bleach
B) Hot water and soap
C) 20% isopropyl alcohol
D) Iodine
E) 20% ammonia

Accepted Answer

10% bleach solution is recommended for disinfecting surfaces contaminated with blood, blood products, or body fluids because it is effective in killing a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

Quiz 45: Orientation to the Lab

Laboratories that perform moderate-complexity tests ____.

When testing specimens that may be contaminated with blood-borne or other pathogens, which of the following would apply?

A foreign object that is visible through a microscope, but is unrelated to the specimen and may be misinterpreted when the specimen is examined, is a(n) ____.

Which of the following was created in response to public concern over the accuracy of laboratory testing?

Which of the following are chemicals or chemically treated substances used in test procedures?

Which of the following is used to measure small amounts of liquids and can be either mechanical or manual?

Which of the following is included in the guidelines for Standard Precautions?

A slide calibrated to the exact measurements needed to count blood cells or sperm under a microscope is a ____.

A quality assurance program ____.

The focus of a quality control program is to ____.

Which of the following communications should be used when preparing a patient for a laboratory test?

Which of the following is a characteristic of control samples that are run in the POL?

The chemically coated strip used in blood glucose monitoring is an example of a(n) ____.

Which of the following types of tests may be performed in a physician's office laboratory if the POL has been granted a Certificate of Waiver?

Which of the following is used to measure the large amounts of liquids necessary for reagents?

Certificate of Waiver tests are classified as such if they ____.

Which of the following are considered high-complexity tests?

The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 had an impact on physician's office laboratories in which way?

Moderate-complexity tests include ____.

Which of the following is an appropriate solution for cleaning a surface contaminated with blood, blood products, or body fluids?