ASCP Domain 3: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing Welcome to your ASCP Domain 3: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing 1. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing What is the maximum allowable time for a blood gas specimen to remain unanalyzed at room temperature? A. 15 minutes B. 30 minutes C. 1 hour D. 2 hours None 2. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing When handling a specimen for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), what is crucial to record alongside the time of collection? A. The time of the last meal B. The patient's age C. The time of the last dose D. The patient's blood type None 3. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing In the context of specimen handling, what is the primary reason for rejecting a hemolyzed blood sample for potassium testing? A. Potassium cannot be measured accurately in hemolyzed samples. B. Hemolysis does not affect potassium levels. C. Potassium levels are lower in hemolyzed samples. D. Hemolysis increases the pH of the sample. None 4. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing For a specimen requiring light protection, which of the following actions is most appropriate? A. Store in a clear glass container. B. Wrap the container in aluminum foil. C. Use a red-tinted tube. D. Place the specimen near a light source. None 5. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing What is the recommended action if a specimen arrives in the laboratory without proper identification? A. Use the specimen if it is the only one available. B. Label the specimen with the assumed patient's name. C. Reject the specimen and request a new one. D. Perform the tests and verify patient identity later. None 6. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing When preparing a specimen for frozen section analysis, what is the most critical factor to ensure specimen integrity? A. The type of anticoagulant used B. The speed of freezing C. The size of the tissue sample D. The type of fixative None 7. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing In the transportation of specimens for electron microscopy, what is the most important consideration? A. Avoidance of vibration B. Maintenance of a specific pH C. Exposure to light D. Temperature control None 8. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing Why is it critical to invert anticoagulant tubes immediately after collection? A. To prevent clotting B. To mix the blood with the air C. To separate the plasma D. To cool down the sample None 9. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing What is the primary reason for discarding the first few milliliters of blood when collecting a blood culture specimen? A. To reduce the risk of contamination B. To obtain a sufficient sample volume C. To ensure the blood is oxygenated D. To test the blood for anticoagulants None 10. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing For a urine drug screen, what is the primary reason for measuring the temperature of the specimen shortly after collection? A. To ensure the sample has not been adulterated B. To check for proper preservation C. To determine the concentration of the analytes D. To verify the patient's identity None 11. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing When transporting a specimen for lactic acid measurement, why is it important to place the specimen on ice? A. To accelerate the metabolic processes B. To prevent glycolysis C. To enhance coagulation D. To increase enzyme activity None 12. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing What is the primary purpose of using a pneumatic tube system for specimen transport? A. To minimize vibration B. To reduce transit time C. To avoid temperature fluctuations D. To ensure specimen anonymity None 13. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing In the context of specimen traceability, what is the most crucial piece of information to maintain with the specimen throughout the testing process? A. The patient's diagnosis B. The phlebotomist's name C. The patient's identification number D. The time of the test request None 14. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing Why is it important to avoid using a tourniquet when collecting a specimen for coagulation studies? A. To prevent hemolysis B. To reduce the risk of contamination C. To avoid hemoconcentration D. To prevent clotting None 15. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing When collecting a 24-hour urine specimen, what is the key step to ensure the accuracy of the test results? A. Starting the collection with an empty bladder B. Maintaining the urine at room temperature C. Limiting fluid intake during the collection period D. Avoiding physical activity during the collection None 16. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing For specimens collected for molecular testing, what is the critical factor to consider regarding the collection container? A. The color of the container B. The use of preservatives C. The material of the container D. The size of the container None 17. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing When a specimen is collected for a biopsy analysis, what is the most critical aspect to consider regarding the fixative used? A. The volume of the fixative B. The pH of the fixative C. The temperature of the fixative D. The type of fixative None 18. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing Why is it essential to avoid using an anticoagulant with a high concentration of citrate in a blood collection tube for coagulation studies? A. It can cause hemolysis. B. It can lead to over-chelation of calcium. C. It can induce clotting. D. It can cause hemoconcentration. None 19. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing In the context of specimen handling, what is the primary reason for rejecting a hemolyzed blood sample for potassium testing? A. Potassium cannot be measured accurately in hemolyzed samples. B. Hemolysis does not affect potassium levels. C. Potassium levels are lower in hemolyzed samples. D. Hemolysis increases the pH of the sample. None 20. ASCP: Specimen Handling, Transport, and Processing Why is it important to avoid using a tourniquet when collecting a specimen for coagulation studies? A. To prevent hemolysis B. To reduce the risk of contamination C. To avoid hemoconcentration D. To prevent clotting None 1 out of 20 Time is Up! Time's up
