Medical Laboratory Technician  Exam Study Guide 2026

The blood pad on the reagent strip detects the peroxidase-like activity of the heme portion of hemoglobin and myoglobin. In cases of rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), myoglobin is released and filtered by the kidneys, causing a positive reagent strip result for blood. However, since there are no intact red blood cells, the microscopic exam will be negative.

The PT test measures the extrinsic and common pathways by adding tissue thromboplastin (tissue factor) and calcium to citrated plasma and timing clot formation.

IgM is the first antibody class secreted following initial antigen exposure. Its pentameric structure provides ten antigen-binding sites and multiple Fc regions that very efficiently fix complement via the classical pathway, even with a single molecule bound to antigen.

Monoclonal antibodies are produced by hybridomas derived from a single B cell clone and bind a single specific epitope with high specificity.

Gold or SST (serum separator tube) tubes contain a clot activator and gel separator that isolates serum after centrifugation for chemistry testing.

Taq polymerase, derived from Thermus aquaticus, is a heat-stable DNA polymerase that can withstand the high temperatures used in PCR cycling.