ASCP Specimen Collection 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which test is carried out prior to a patient giving blood?
- hemoglobin (Correct answer)
- hematocrit
- HIV
- hematology
Correct answer: hemoglobin
A hemoglobin test is routinely performed prior to blood donation to ensure the donor has sufficient red blood cell levels. This prevents the donor from experiencing adverse effects like anemia after donating blood. It also ensures the donated blood is suitable for transfusion, as low hemoglobin would indicate insufficient oxygen-carrying capacity.
Question 2: What proportion of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets make up the total volume of blood?
- 75%
- 95%
- 45% (Correct answer)
- 25%
Correct answer: 45%
Hemolysis refers to the breakdown or rupture of red blood cells (erythrocytes), which releases hemoglobin into the surrounding plasma or serum. This can occur due to improper blood collection techniques, vigorous shaking of the sample, or certain medical conditions. Hemolysis can interfere with laboratory test results, making the sample unsuitable for analysis.
Question 3: Which color tubes have coagulants in them?
- light blue, red, gold
- gold, red, orange (Correct answer)
- gold, green, lavender
- grey, gold, red
Correct answer: gold, red, orange
Dark blue top tubes are specifically designed for trace metal analysis. These tubes are manufactured with very low levels of trace element contamination in their stoppers and glass. This stringent manufacturing process ensures accurate results for sensitive tests like lead, zinc, or copper levels, preventing external contamination from affecting the sample.
Question 4: Hemolysis: What is it?
- the breakdown of erythrocytes (Correct answer)
- red serum red
- insufficient red blood cells
- not enough white blood cells
Correct answer: the breakdown of erythrocytes
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, anucleated cell fragments that are crucial for blood clotting (hemostasis). When a blood vessel is injured, platelets aggregate at the site of injury to form a plug, initiating the coagulation cascade and preventing excessive blood loss. They are essential for wound healing and maintaining vascular integrity.
Question 5: When performing trace metal analysis, which color tube would you use?
- dark blue (Correct answer)
- orange
- yellow
- green
Correct answer: dark blue
The cephalic vein is frequently utilized for venipuncture in obese patients because it tends to be more superficial and palpable on the outer aspect of the arm. In contrast, the median cubital and basilic veins can be deeper and more challenging to locate due to increased adipose tissue. Its accessibility makes it a reliable choice in these situations.
Question 6: Which statement best sums up platelets?
- the blood clotting cells (Correct answer)
- blood cells that consume fungus and bacteria
- the watery, colorless portion of blood
- developed cells that supply biological tissues with oxygen
Correct answer: the blood clotting cells
The stratum basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis, resting directly on the basement membrane. This layer contains actively dividing keratinocytes, which continuously produce new skin cells that migrate upwards. It also houses melanocytes, responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.
Question 7: Which vein is frequently utilized to take a patient's blood when they are obese?
- axillary vein
- basilic vein
- median cubital
- cephalic vein (Correct answer)
Correct answer: cephalic vein
Lavender-stoppered tubes contain Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as an anticoagulant. EDTA works by binding to calcium ions, which are essential cofactors in the blood coagulation cascade, thereby preventing the blood from clotting. These tubes are primarily used for hematology tests, such as complete blood counts (CBC), where whole blood is required and cell morphology must be preserved.
Question 8: Which of the following describes the epidermis's deepest layer?
- Stratum corneum
- Stratum lucidum
- Stratum basale (Correct answer)
- Stratum granulosum
Correct answer: Stratum basale
Orange-top tubes contain thrombin, a powerful and rapid clot activator. Thrombin significantly accelerates the clotting process, allowing for quick serum separation, which is ideal for STAT (short turnaround time) serum chemistry tests. This rapid clotting is crucial when immediate test results are needed for critical patient care decisions.
Question 9: Which of the following are contained in tubes with a lavender stopper?
- SST
- EDTA (Correct answer)
- sodium heparin
- sodium citrate
Correct answer: EDTA
Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint, round spots that appear on the skin as a result of small hemorrhages (bleeding) under the skin. They are typically red or purple and do not blanch when pressed. They can be caused by various factors, including capillary fragility or prolonged tourniquet application, and indicate minor bleeding from capillaries.
Question 10: Which tube has the thrombin needed for the STAT serum test?
- orange (Correct answer)
- gold
- lavender
- all of these
Correct answer: orange
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Question 11: What are little purple or red dots on the body that result from a small cut?
- purpura
- ecchymosis
- petechiae (Correct answer)
- bruises
Correct answer: petechiae
A petechia is a tiny, 1-2 mm purple or red patch on the skin that results from a small blood clot in capillary blood vessels. Physical trauma, such as a severe episode of coughing, holding one's breath, vomiting, or sobbing, is the most frequent cause of petechiae. These events can induce facial petechiae, particularly in the area around the eyes.
ASCP Specimen Collection 1
Which test is carried out prior to a patient giving blood?