AMT CMLA case studies
AMT CMLA · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) is one of the allied health credentials offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT), a not-for-profit association of allied health professionals. AMT lists the CMLA alongside its laboratory and clinical credentials such as the Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Molecular Diagnostics Technologist (MDT), and Registered Phlebotomy Technician (RPT). The AMT CMLA case studies are 5 cases and about 3,911 words.
1The Lymphedematous Arm, the Hematoma, and the Short-Draw Lavender Tube
A 62-year-old inpatient with a saline-locked 22-gauge IV in the right antecubital fossa needs a STAT basic metabolic panel, CBC, PT/INR, and two sets of blood cultures. Three years ago she had a left mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection; her left arm is visibly lymphedematous.
800 words, about 4 min2Three STAT Specimens, One Wrong Spin, and a Hematocrit of 58%
At 5:40 a.m., three STAT specimens from one ED patient arrive in the core lab by pneumatic tube: a light-blue 3.2% sodium citrate tube for PT/INR, a lithium heparin green top for ammonia and potassium, and a gold serum separator tube for troponin. The tube-system log shows a 4:55 a.m.
739 words, about 4 min3Two Consecutive QC Failures, Twelve Patients Waiting, and a Hematocrit of 61%
A three-room rural clinic holds a CLIA Certificate of Waiver and performs glucose testing only on a waived meter; three medical assistants rotate through testing. A new lot of strips arrives and the morning QC gives Level 1 = 98 mg/dL (acceptable 80–120) and Level 2 = 212 mg/dL (acceptable 240–300).
797 words, about 4 min47:40 p.m. Needlestick, an Unresponsive Source, and an Overfilled Sharps Container
At 7:40 p.m., a phlebotomist finishes a draw on a 34-year-old ED patient with altered mental status. A call light startles her and the 21-gauge needle passes through her glove into the pad of her left index finger, drawing blood.
804 words, about 4 min5The Daughter Interpreting, the Refused Second Stick, and the Phone Call for an HIV Result
An 80-year-old woman arrives at the outpatient draw station with her adult daughter. The requisition lists a CBC, a comprehensive metabolic panel, and an HIV antibody test.
771 words, about 4 min