I85PREP
⌘ K
CSMLS MLA Exam study materials
CSMLS MLA Exam study resources

CSMLS MLA Exam practice questions

One question at a time. Build your CSMLS MLA Exam understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is asked to collect a capillary blood specimen from an adult patient's finger. Which site is the preferred puncture location?

  1. The base of the finger near the proximal crease
  2. The central pad of the distal phalanx
  3. The tip of the thumb
  4. The side of the distal phalanx, perpendicular to the fingerprint ridges Correct answer.

Explanation

Capillary puncture is performed on the palmar surface of the distal phalanx, slightly off-center, where tissue depth is adequate and nerve endings are fewer. The thumb and fifth finger are avoided because their pads are thin and more sensitive, and puncturing near a crease risks contamination and poor healing.

Question 2Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

Which additive is present in a lavender-top (purple) evacuated blood collection tube?

  1. Silica clot activator
  2. Sodium citrate
  3. Sodium heparin
  4. Potassium EDTA Correct answer.

Explanation

Lavender-top tubes contain the anticoagulant EDTA, usually as the dipotassium or tripotassium salt, which chelates calcium and preserves cell morphology for hematology testing. The color-coded additive system is standardized so that tube contents are predictable regardless of brand.

Question 3Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A phlebotomist must collect a serum specimen and a plasma specimen from the same patient in one venipuncture. Which order of draw is correct for these two tubes?

  1. Serum tube first, then plasma tube Correct answer.
  2. Order depends only on the patient's age
  3. Either order is acceptable because both are collected by syringe
  4. Plasma tube first, then serum tube

Explanation

In the standard order of draw, sterile and additive-free or clot-activator serum tubes are drawn before anticoagulant tubes. Drawing the serum tube first prevents additive carryover from the anticoagulant tube into the serum specimen.

Question 4Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

What is the primary purpose of applying a tourniquet during routine venipuncture?

  1. To reduce the patient's pain during needle insertion
  2. To sterilize the puncture site
  3. To prevent hemolysis of the specimen
  4. To make the veins more visible and distended Correct answer.

Explanation

A tourniquet temporarily restricts venous return, causing the veins to distend and become easier to locate and palpate. It should not be left on longer than about one minute because prolonged stasis alters blood chemistry.

Question 5Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

Which action best demonstrates proper Standard Precautions when handling a blood specimen in the laboratory?

  1. Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious Correct answer.
  2. Wearing gloves only when the specimen is visibly bloody
  3. Recapping needles with two hands before disposal
  4. Disinfecting gloves with alcohol between patients

Explanation

Standard Precautions require that all blood and body fluids be handled as if infectious, regardless of the patient's known status. This approach protects laboratory staff from bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B and HIV.

Question 6Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A specimen for a fasting glucose is labeled with the patient's name and date of birth but lacks the collector's initials and the time of collection. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Add the missing information from memory
  2. Reject the specimen and request a recollect Correct answer.
  3. Store the specimen until the patient returns
  4. Release the result with a comment noting the omission

Explanation

Specimen labeling requirements include patient identifiers, collector identification, and date and time of collection. A specimen missing required labeling elements must be rejected because identity and collection integrity cannot be verified.

Question 7Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

Which of the following is the correct way to dispose of a used blood collection needle and holder?

  1. Recap the needle and place it in the laboratory refrigerator
  2. Place the needle in a plastic bag and then in regular waste
  3. Discard the entire unit, needle attached, into a puncture-resistant sharps container Correct answer.
  4. Break the needle off the holder and discard both in biohazard waste

Explanation

Used needles should be discarded immediately into a puncture-resistant, leak-proof sharps container without recapping or manipulation. The needle and holder may be discarded together when the holder is a single-use design.

Question 8Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

Which body fluid specimen requires the laboratory assistant to wear additional eye and face protection during handling?

  1. A sealed stool specimen in a transport container
  2. An open tube of serum being aliquoted Correct answer.
  3. A sealed urine specimen in a screw-cap container
  4. A closed evacuated blood tube in a rack

Explanation

When opening tubes or aliquoting specimens, splash and aerosol generation are possible, so eye and face protection are required. Properly sealed containers pose a much lower risk of splashing to the face.

Question 9Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A patient reports that he fainted during a previous blood collection. Which precaution should the medical laboratory assistant take?

  1. Have the patient lie down or recline during the draw and observe him afterward Correct answer.
  2. Apply the tourniquet for five minutes before the draw
  3. Use a smaller needle and skip the patient identification step
  4. Collect the specimen with the patient standing so he can leave quickly

Explanation

A history of syncope indicates a risk of vasovagal reaction, so the patient should be positioned lying down or reclined to prevent injury from a fall. The collector should also observe the patient during and after the procedure.

Question 10Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

Which preanalytical error is most likely to cause a falsely elevated potassium result?

  1. Prolonged tourniquet application with fist clenching Correct answer.
  2. Transporting the specimen on ice
  3. Drawing the specimen into a tube without additive
  4. Collecting the specimen in a lithium heparin tube

Explanation

Prolonged tourniquet time and repetitive fist clenching cause hemoconcentration and release of intracellular potassium, falsely raising the measured value. Proper technique limits tourniquet time and avoids excessive hand exercise.

Question 11Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A 24-hour urine collection is submitted, but the container volume appears to be less than the recorded total. What is the most appropriate interpretation?

  1. The discrepancy has no effect on analyte concentration
  2. The collection may be incomplete and should be evaluated before reporting Correct answer.
  3. The specimen should be diluted to the recorded volume
  4. The result can be calculated using the recorded volume regardless of the discrepancy

Explanation

A discrepancy between the measured volume and the recorded volume suggests a collection error, such as a missed void or a spill. Because analyte excretion is calculated from total volume, an incomplete collection can produce misleading results and should be investigated.

Question 12Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is performing a capillary puncture on an infant's heel. Which site is appropriate?

  1. The tip of any toe
  2. The medial or lateral plantar surface of the heel Correct answer.
  3. The center of the heel pad
  4. The posterior curvature of the heel

Explanation

Heel puncture in infants is performed on the medial or lateral plantar surface, where the tissue is thick enough to avoid the calcaneus. The posterior curvature and the center of the heel are avoided because of the risk of bone injury.

Question 13Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

Which specimen transport condition is correct for a light-blue-top coagulation tube?

  1. Store at 4 degrees Celsius for 24 hours before testing
  2. Freeze immediately after collection
  3. Warm to 37 degrees Celsius before centrifugation
  4. Transport at room temperature and test within the laboratory's established stability window Correct answer.

Explanation

Citrate coagulation specimens are typically transported at room temperature and processed within a defined stability window to preserve labile clotting factors. Freezing whole blood before separation destroys cells and alters the plasma.

Question 14Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A patient has an intravenous line in the right arm. Blood must be drawn from that arm. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Draw above the IV site using a tourniquet
  2. Draw from the arm with the IV line without any special procedure
  3. Draw below the IV site after flushing and discarding the first portion of blood Correct answer.
  4. Draw from the IV tubing directly into a serum tube

Explanation

When blood must be collected from an arm with an IV line, the specimen is drawn below the infusion site after the line is flushed and the first portion of blood is discarded. This minimizes dilution of the specimen by the infusate.

Question 15Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

Which test would be most affected by drawing blood into a tube that is underfilled relative to its additive?

  1. A blood culture in a culture bottle
  2. A coagulation test in a sodium citrate tube Correct answer.
  3. A hematocrit in a plain tube
  4. A serum chemistry panel in a clot-activator tube

Explanation

Sodium citrate tubes require a specific blood-to-anticoagulant ratio, and underfilling leaves excess citrate relative to calcium, prolonging clotting times. Other tube types are less sensitive to the exact fill volume.

Question 16Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is asked to centrifuge a set of serum tubes. Which practice is correct?

  1. Run the centrifuge at maximum speed regardless of the protocol
  2. Place all tubes on one side of the rotor for efficiency
  3. Balance tubes by placing them opposite each other across the rotor Correct answer.
  4. Leave the centrifuge lid open to observe the separation

Explanation

Centrifuge tubes must be balanced by placing tubes of equal weight opposite each other so the rotor spins evenly. Unbalanced loads can damage the instrument and break tubes, causing specimen loss and exposure.

Question 17Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A specimen is received in the laboratory at 4 degrees Celsius in a container that is leaking. What is the first appropriate action?

  1. Discard the container in regular waste
  2. Return the container to the patient's room
  3. Open the container and transfer the specimen to a new tube
  4. Place the leaking container in a secondary leak-proof container and follow spill procedures Correct answer.

Explanation

A leaking specimen container must be handled as a biohazard exposure; it should be placed into a secondary leak-proof container and the spill cleaned according to the facility's exposure control plan. Specimens should not be opened in a way that spreads contamination.

Question 18Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A patient's requisition lists a fasting lipid panel, but the patient reports eating breakfast one hour ago. What should the medical laboratory assistant do?

  1. Collect the specimen and discard the requisition
  2. Refuse to collect the specimen and send the patient away
  3. Wait for the patient to fast for another hour before collecting
  4. Collect the specimen and note the nonfasting status on the requisition Correct answer.

Explanation

The collector should proceed with the collection, document the nonfasting status, and notify the laboratory so the result can be interpreted appropriately. The collector does not have authority to cancel a test ordered by the clinician.

Question 19Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

Which statement best describes the correct use of an alcohol wipe before venipuncture?

  1. Wipe the site and immediately insert the needle while the alcohol is wet
  2. Wipe the site once with a dry gauze only
  3. Clean the site with a circular motion and allow it to air dry before puncture Correct answer.
  4. Apply alcohol after the needle is inserted

Explanation

The site is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe and allowed to dry completely, which allows the disinfectant to act and prevents alcohol from causing hemolysis or stinging. Circular cleaning from the center outward concentrates disinfection at the puncture site.

Question 20Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A blood specimen for ammonia is being processed. Which handling condition is most important?

  1. Deliver it on ice and separate plasma promptly Correct answer.
  2. Allow it to clot at room temperature for two hours
  3. Expose it to room air for thirty minutes before testing
  4. Store it at 37 degrees Celsius until the end of the shift

Explanation

Ammonia is unstable in whole blood because red cells release ammonia over time, so specimens are placed on ice and the plasma is separated promptly. Delays and warm storage falsely elevate ammonia results.

Question 21Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A patient has had a mastectomy with lymph node removal on the left side. Where should the venipuncture be performed?

  1. On the left arm, distal to the surgical site
  2. On the left arm, above the antecubital area
  3. In the left hand only
  4. On the right arm, if it is suitable Correct answer.

Explanation

The arm on the side of axillary lymph node dissection is avoided because of lymphedema and infection risk, so the opposite arm is used when it is suitable. If neither arm is usable, the collector consults the clinician about alternatives.

Question 22Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A laboratory assistant receives a 24-hour urine specimen with a total volume of 2,000 mL and an aliquot that was collected after the container was thoroughly mixed. The recorded volume was taken before mixing. How does this affect the result?

  1. It may cause an inaccurate result because the aliquot may not represent the whole collection Correct answer.
  2. It requires the specimen to be frozen immediately
  3. It has no effect because aliquots are always representative
  4. It only affects the color of the specimen

Explanation

Thorough mixing before removing an aliquot is essential because analytes may settle or stratify in a large volume. If mixing is inadequate, the aliquot may not reflect the average concentration of the whole collection and the calculated excretion will be inaccurate.

Question 23Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A glucose specimen collected in a tube without glycolysis inhibitor is left on the bench for two hours before centrifugation. What is the expected effect on the measured glucose value?

  1. Falsely increased
  2. Unchanged
  3. Immeasurable
  4. Falsely decreased Correct answer.

Explanation

Without an inhibitor such as sodium fluoride, red cells continue to metabolize glucose in vitro, lowering the measured concentration over time. Prompt separation of plasma or serum limits this preanalytical loss.

Question 24Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is asked to verify that a specimen container and requisition match before accessioning. The requisition lists two patient identifiers, but the tube label shows a different spelling of the surname. What is the correct interpretation?

  1. The discrepancy is acceptable if the first name matches
  2. The specimen should be held and the discrepancy resolved before testing Correct answer.
  3. The specimen should be tested and the result cancelled if it looks abnormal
  4. The tube label should be corrected to match the requisition without documentation

Explanation

A mismatch between the requisition and the tube label means patient identity cannot be confirmed, so the specimen must be held and the discrepancy resolved according to the facility's identification policy. Testing a specimen with unverified identity risks reporting results for the wrong patient.

Question 25Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A phlebotomy tray contains a tube with a light-blue top and a tube with a green top. For a patient requiring both a coagulation test and a heparinized chemistry test, which order of draw applies?

  1. Light-blue top first, then green top Correct answer.
  2. Either order, because both contain anticoagulants
  3. Green top first, then light-blue top
  4. Light-blue top only, because the green tube can be drawn later from the same needle

Explanation

The light-blue citrate tube is drawn before tubes containing other anticoagulants such as heparin, because carryover of heparin or other additives can interfere with coagulation testing. The order of draw is designed to prevent additive cross-contamination.

Question 26Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is preparing to collect a venous blood specimen from an adult. Which action is performed immediately after the needle is withdrawn and before the tube is labeled?

  1. Apply pressure to the site with a dry gauze and ask the patient to bend the arm
  2. Activate the safety device and place the needle in the sharps container Correct answer.
  3. Label the tubes at the patient's bedside while pressure is applied
  4. Remove the tube from the holder and invert it before activating the safety device

Explanation

Standard order after venipuncture is to activate the needle safety device and dispose of the needle immediately in the sharps container while the patient holds pressure. This prevents needlestick injury and takes priority over labeling.

Question 27Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A requisition for a patient in the emergency department requests a STAT troponin. What does the STAT designation require of the medical laboratory assistant?

  1. Process and deliver the specimen to the testing area immediately, ahead of routine work Correct answer.
  2. Notify the physician that the test will be added to the routine run
  3. Collect the specimen at the next scheduled phlebotomy round
  4. Store the specimen at room temperature until the end of the shift

Explanation

STAT means the specimen must be collected, processed, and delivered to the testing area without delay, taking priority over routine specimens. Delay can change clinical decisions in acute care.

Question 28Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is accessioning a specimen and finds that the requisition lists the patient's first and last name, while the tube label lists the last name only. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Call the patient at home to confirm identity, then proceed
  2. Reject the specimen as mislabeled and request a new collection Correct answer.
  3. Add the first name to the label and proceed
  4. Accession the specimen because the last name matches

Explanation

Two unique identifiers must match exactly between the requisition and the label before accessioning. A last-name-only label does not provide a second identifier, so the specimen must be rejected and recollected.

Question 29Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is preparing to draw blood from a patient with a documented latex allergy. Which precaution is most appropriate?

  1. Proceed with standard supplies because the allergy concerns ingestion only
  2. Wear vinyl gloves over standard latex gloves
  3. Use nitrile gloves and a latex-free tourniquet and supplies Correct answer.
  4. Double the standard latex gloves for the procedure

Explanation

For a latex-allergic patient, all contact materials including gloves, tourniquet, and adhesive bandages should be latex-free. Nitrile gloves and a latex-free tourniquet prevent a contact reaction.

Question 30Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A patient's requisition includes a blood culture set and a serum chemistry panel. Which collection order is correct when using a winged collection set with a discard tube?

  1. Either order is acceptable because both are sterile draws
  2. Blood culture bottles first, then the serum tube Correct answer.
  3. Serum tube first only if a butterfly needle is used
  4. Serum tube first, then the blood culture bottles

Explanation

Blood culture bottles are collected before other tubes because they are sterile media and must not be contaminated by additives or microorganisms from other tubes. The serum tube follows the cultures.

Question 31Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is asked to collect a specimen for a cold agglutinin test. Which handling step is most important after collection?

  1. Keep the specimen warm and deliver it immediately to the laboratory Correct answer.
  2. Freeze the specimen until testing can be scheduled
  3. Leave the specimen at room temperature overnight before separation
  4. Place the specimen on ice immediately after collection

Explanation

Cold agglutinins cause red cells to clump at cooler temperatures, so the specimen must be kept warm (approximately 37 degrees Celsius) and transported promptly. Chilling the sample can produce falsely low results.

Question 32Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is preparing a peripheral blood smear from an EDTA tube. Which practice produces the best-quality smear?

  1. Use a drop of well-mixed fresh blood and push the spreader at a smooth, steady angle Correct answer.
  2. Use chilled blood straight from the refrigerator
  3. Use a drop of settled blood from the top of the tube
  4. Use a large drop and push the spreader rapidly to cover the slide

Explanation

A properly mixed, fresh drop spread at a consistent angle yields a good monolayer with a feathered edge. Consistency in angle and speed controls smear thickness.

Question 33Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A urine specimen is received in a container with no patient identifier and no requisition. What should the medical laboratory assistant do?

  1. Test the specimen and hold the report until identification is possible
  2. Accession the specimen under a temporary identifier and test it
  3. Do not accession or test the specimen and follow the laboratory's rejection procedure Correct answer.
  4. Discard the specimen without documentation

Explanation

An unlabeled specimen cannot be linked to a patient, so it must be rejected and the rejection documented according to laboratory policy. Testing an unidentified sample risks reporting results to the wrong person.

Question 34Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is preparing to collect a specimen for a prothrombin time. Which action best prevents preanalytical error?

  1. Collect the tube after a heparin tube without a discard
  2. Fill the light-blue tube to the indicated volume and invert it gently the recommended number of times Correct answer.
  3. Fill the light-blue tube halfway and mix vigorously
  4. Allow the tube to clot at room temperature before transport

Explanation

Light-blue tubes contain a fixed amount of citrate anticoagulant, so the fill volume must be exact for the correct blood-to-additive ratio. Gentle inversion mixes the anticoagulant without hemolysis or activation.

Question 35Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant must transport a specimen for arterial blood gas analysis. Which condition is appropriate?

  1. Add a clot activator to the syringe before transport
  2. Expose the syringe to air and transport at room temperature
  3. Store the syringe at room temperature for several hours before delivery
  4. Seal the syringe, remove air bubbles, and transport on ice with prompt delivery Correct answer.

Explanation

Air bubbles alter blood gas values by diffusion, so they must be expelled and the syringe sealed. The sample is chilled and delivered promptly to slow cellular metabolism.

Question 36Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A patient becomes pale, sweaty, and dizzy during a venipuncture. What is the medical laboratory assistant's first action?

  1. Leave the patient alone to obtain help from another department
  2. Continue the draw quickly to finish before the patient loses consciousness
  3. Give the patient a glass of water before stopping the draw
  4. Stop the procedure, remove the needle, and apply pressure while assisting the patient to a safe position Correct answer.

Explanation

Signs of a vasovagal reaction require stopping the collection, ensuring the needle is removed safely, and protecting the patient from injury while keeping the airway clear. Help and further assessment follow once the patient is safe.

Question 37Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is asked to collect a specimen for a therapeutic drug level that requires a trough level. Which collection time is correct?

  1. Any time, as long as the time is documented
  2. Immediately before the next dose is administered Correct answer.
  3. At the peak of the drug's effect after administration
  4. Thirty minutes after the dose is given

Explanation

A trough level is drawn just before the next dose, when drug concentration is at its lowest steady-state point. Timing relative to dosing is critical for interpreting therapeutic drug monitoring.

Question 38Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is preparing to collect blood from a patient who has an arm with a large area of scarred, burned skin. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Select a site on the unaffected arm Correct answer.
  2. Collect from the affected arm below the scarred area
  3. Collect through the scarred tissue because veins are visible
  4. Use the affected arm with a smaller needle

Explanation

Scarred or burned skin is not suitable for venipuncture because of poor venous access, infection risk, and patient discomfort. An unaffected site on the other arm should be used.

Question 39Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant receives a serum separator tube that has been centrifuged, but the gel barrier is incomplete and serum and cells are mixed. What is the most likely consequence?

  1. The specimen is acceptable if the result is within reference range
  2. The specimen becomes sterile and is suitable for culture
  3. The tube can be recentrifuged indefinitely without effect
  4. Analyte values may be altered by continued contact between serum and cells Correct answer.

Explanation

An incomplete gel barrier allows prolonged contact between serum and cells, permitting glucose consumption, potassium leakage, and other changes. The specimen should be evaluated and recollected if necessary.

Question 40Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is asked to perform a capillary puncture on an adult's finger. Which site is preferred?

  1. The side of the distal phalanx of the third or fourth finger Correct answer.
  2. The thumb pad
  3. The tip of the index finger near the nail
  4. The center of the fingertip pad

Explanation

The side of the distal phalanx of the middle or ring finger has good blood flow and less nerve density, reducing pain. The central pad and thumb are more sensitive and more prone to callus.

Question 41Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is collecting a 24-hour urine specimen and the patient reports that one voiding was discarded. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Add the missed volume estimate to the container
  2. Continue the collection and report the result as accurate
  3. Restart the collection only if the missed void was the first one
  4. Notify the laboratory and follow the protocol for an incomplete collection Correct answer.

Explanation

A missed voiding makes the total volume and analyte excretion inaccurate. The laboratory must be informed so the collection can be restarted or handled per protocol.

Question 42Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is preparing to draw blood from a patient with a central venous catheter. Which statement describes an appropriate role for the assistant?

  1. Draw from the catheter without a discard because the line is sterile
  2. Use the catheter only if the peripheral veins are difficult
  3. Follow institutional policy and training before drawing from the line, using the correct discard volume Correct answer.
  4. Draw the specimen from the catheter and label it as a peripheral specimen

Explanation

Catheter draws require specific training, policy authorization, and a discard volume to clear infusate and line fluid. The specimen must be labeled as a line draw, not as peripheral.

Question 43Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is handling a specimen for a suspected infection requiring culture. Which practice is most appropriate for the outside of the specimen container?

  1. Wipe the container with a disinfectant and place it in a secondary leakproof bag Correct answer.
  2. Place the container directly in the transport bag with the requisition
  3. Wrap the container in a paper towel without disinfection
  4. Rinse the container under tap water before transport

Explanation

Containers are decontaminated and placed in a secondary leakproof bag to prevent contamination of staff and other specimens. The requisition should be kept outside the bag to avoid contamination.

Question 44Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is asked to verify a specimen for a sweat chloride test. Which collection requirement is essential?

  1. The specimen may be collected at any time without preparation
  2. The specimen is stable for several days at room temperature
  3. The specimen is collected in a plain red-top tube
  4. The collection must be performed using a validated stimulation and collection procedure Correct answer.

Explanation

Sweat chloride testing requires a standardized stimulation and collection procedure with validated materials to ensure adequate sweat volume and reliable results. Improper technique is a common source of error.

Question 45Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is preparing to collect a blood specimen from a patient who is receiving an intravenous infusion in the left arm. Which action is appropriate?

  1. Collect from the arm without the infusion Correct answer.
  2. Stop the infusion without an order and collect from the same arm
  3. Collect from the infusion arm below the infusion site
  4. Collect from the infusion arm above the infusion site

Explanation

Blood should be collected from the arm without the infusion to avoid dilution and contamination by the infusate. The infusion should not be stopped without a physician order.

Question 46Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is asked to collect a specimen for a blood alcohol test. Which practice is required?

  1. Collect the specimen without documenting the collector
  2. Use a non-alcohol disinfectant for the site and follow chain-of-custody procedures Correct answer.
  3. Cleanse the site with isopropyl alcohol and proceed
  4. Collect the specimen in a tube containing alcohol-based additives

Explanation

Alcohol-based skin cleansers can falsely elevate blood alcohol results, so a non-alcohol disinfectant is used. Legal alcohol testing also requires chain-of-custody documentation.

Question 47Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is asked to collect a specimen for a newborn screening test. Which practice is correct?

  1. Collect after the infant has begun feeding and document the collection time on the card Correct answer.
  2. Collect from the same puncture site used for a previous screen
  3. Collect immediately at birth before feeding
  4. Collect a large volume to fill all circles completely

Explanation

Newborn screening is typically collected after the infant has been feeding for a period, so that metabolic markers are detectable. The collection time and other required information must be recorded on the card.

Question 48Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is preparing to collect a specimen for a fasting lipid panel from a patient who is unsure whether the fasting requirement was met. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Tell the patient to come back the next day without notifying the provider
  2. Verify the fasting status with the patient and the ordering provider before collecting Correct answer.
  3. Collect the specimen and document the fasting status on the requisition
  4. Collect the specimen and report the result without noting fasting status

Explanation

Fasting status affects lipid results, so it should be verified before collection and documented. The ordering provider can decide whether to proceed or reschedule.

Question 49Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is asked to verify that a specimen for a glucose tolerance test is acceptable. Which statement describes the correct preparation?

  1. The patient should exercise vigorously between collections
  2. The patient should fast before the test and remain seated and not smoke during the test Correct answer.
  3. The patient should eat a normal meal immediately before the test
  4. The patient should smoke to stimulate metabolism

Explanation

Glucose tolerance testing requires fasting before the test and restriction of smoking and strenuous activity during the test, because these affect glucose values. The patient should also remain seated.

Question 50Medical Laboratory Assistant Practice (CSMLS MLA competency profile)

A medical laboratory assistant is preparing to collect a specimen from a patient with a known bleeding disorder. Which precaution is most appropriate?

  1. Apply firm pressure for an extended period after collection and observe the site Correct answer.
  2. Use a larger needle to speed the collection
  3. Apply minimal pressure to avoid bruising
  4. Collect from a site with visible bruising

Explanation

Patients with bleeding disorders require extended pressure and observation after venipuncture to prevent hematoma and prolonged bleeding. A smaller needle and careful technique are preferred.