General laboratory techniques

Sample collection in the medical laboratory

Quiz Type

Practice

Subject

Chemistry

Level

Level 200

Questions

10 questions

Created By

Megan Ashong - Lamptey

Quick Rules

Time limit: 50 minutes
Multiple attempts are not allowed
All questions must be answered to submit

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Question 1 of 10

Question 1

Basic multiple choice Remembering

What is the primary purpose of sample collection in a medical laboratory?

To diagnose and monitor diseases

Correct

To entertain patients

To prescribe medications directly

To provide dietary advice

Explanation

The primary purpose of sample collection is to diagnose and monitor diseases, as samples provide the necessary information for medical analysis.

Question 2

Basic multiple choice Remembering

Which type of sample is commonly collected for blood tests?

Blood samples

Correct

Urine samples

Saliva samples

Hair samples

Explanation

Blood samples are the most common type of samples collected for blood tests in medical laboratories.

Question 3

Basic multiple choice Remembering

What is a key step in the sample collection process in a medical laboratory?

Ensuring proper hygiene and sterilization

Correct

Taking as many samples as possible

Ignoring patient comfort

Collecting samples at random times

Explanation

Ensuring proper hygiene and sterilization is a critical step to prevent contamination during the sample collection process.

Question 4

Basic multiple choice Remembering

What should be done immediately after collecting a sample?

Labeling the sample accurately

Correct

Throwing it away

Leaving it uncovered

Putting it in a random location

Explanation

Labeling the sample accurately immediately after collection is crucial for ensuring that it can be properly identified and processed later.

Question 5

Basic multiple choice Remembering

Which of the following is NOT a common reason for sample rejection in a lab?

Improper labeling

Sufficient volume of the sample

Correct

Contamination of the sample

Improper storage conditions

Explanation

Sufficient volume of the sample is NOT a reason for rejection; in fact, inadequate volume would lead to rejection due to insufficient material for analysis.

Question 6

Complex multiple choice Understanding

A medical laboratory technician is preparing to collect a blood sample from a patient. They notice that the patient is visibly anxious and has difficult veins. What is the most appropriate approach to ensure a successful sample collection?

Proceed with the collection quickly to reduce the patient's anxiety.

Calm the patient and explain the process while selecting the best vein.

Correct

Skip the blood sample and request a different type of sample instead.

Collect the sample without addressing the patient’s anxiety, as it is irrelevant to the procedure.

Explanation

The correct approach is to calm the patient and explain the collection process, as this helps to reduce anxiety and may result in better cooperation and vein visibility. Rushing the procedure may increase the patient’s anxiety and lead to difficulties in obtaining the sample. Skipping the sample or ignoring the patient's feelings is not advisable, as both could compromise sample quality or patient trust.

Question 7

Complex multiple choice Understanding

During a quality control meeting, a lab supervisor discusses the importance of proper sample labeling. They mention an incident where mislabeling led to incorrect diagnoses. Which rationale best supports the necessity of accurate labeling in sample collection?

Accurate labeling ensures samples are processed faster.

Correct labeling directly impacts patient treatment and outcomes.

Correct

Labeling is only important for storage purposes, not for the testing phase.

Inaccurate labeling is often overemphasized and rarely causes real problems.

Explanation

Correct labeling is crucial because it directly influences patient treatment and outcomes; mislabeling can lead to incorrect diagnoses, which can harm patients. Ensuring fast processing is secondary to maintaining accuracy in patient identification and treatment recommendations. The misconception that labeling is only relevant for storage ignores the broader implications on healthcare quality.

Question 8

Case based multiple choice Understanding

[Case Scenario] A medical laboratory technician receives a request for a blood sample collection for various tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and a lipid panel. The technician knows that some tests require specific procedures to ensure accurate results. The technician prepares to collect the samples but must decide which collection tubes to use to avoid cross-contamination of additives and ensure proper testing. Question: What is the most critical consideration the technician should keep in mind when selecting the collection tubes for the blood samples?

The volume of the blood sample must be maximized for all tests.

Different tests require different tube additives, and they must be prioritized.

Correct

Collecting samples from the same site is important to reduce patient discomfort.

All blood samples can be put into one tube regardless of the test.

Explanation

In laboratory sample collection, the primary focus should be on the compatibility of tube additives with the tests to ensure results are accurate. Each test may require specific additives, and cross-contamination can skew results, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate collection tubes.

Question 9

Case based multiple choice Understanding

[Case Scenario] During a routine inspection of a medical laboratory, the quality control manager discovered that some samples had been mishandled due to incorrect storage conditions. Blood samples meant for serological studies were stored at room temperature instead of refrigerated. This mishandling raised concerns regarding the integrity of the samples and the potential for inaccurate test results. Question: What should the manager advise the laboratory team to do in response to this incident?

Dispose of all affected samples and conduct the tests again.

Correct

Continue with the tests as planned since minor temperature deviations do not affect results.

Ignore the incident, as it is not a frequent occurrence in the lab.

Only test the samples that appear visually normal and dispose of the others.

Explanation

The mishandling of blood samples can significantly affect the accuracy of test results. The laboratory team must ensure that all affected samples are disposed of and retesting is done with new samples to uphold quality standards.

Question 10

Case based multiple choice Understanding

[Case Scenario] A new medical laboratory technician is training on proper sample collection techniques. During the training session, the instructor emphasized the importance of patient identification and verification procedures prior to collection. The instructor demonstrated the protocol, which includes confirming the patient's identity and matching it with the test requisition form. Additionally, the instructor discussed how mixing up samples can lead to erroneous interpretations of results in clinical decisions. Question: What is the best practice the technician should follow to ensure accurate sample collection?

Only verify patient identity if time permits.

Collect samples in the presence of a witness to confirm identity.

Always confirm patient identity against the test requisition form before collection.

Correct

Collect samples first and verify later to save time.

Explanation

Accurate patient identification is critical in sample collection to prevent errors in sample labeling and post-collection handling. Following proper verification protocols ensures the validity and reliability of test results, impacting clinical outcomes.