Practice Test Geeks(AMCA) American Medical Certification Association Practice Test
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Diagnostic Procedures Flashcards

7 cards from real AMCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Diagnostic Procedures flashcards as text

  1. Which urine dipstick finding is most consistent with a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

    Answer: Positive leukocyte esterase and nitrites

    Leukocyte esterase indicates WBCs (pyuria) and nitrites indicate gram-negative bacteria, both hallmarks of UTI.

  2. The order of draw for venipuncture when collecting a yellow (SPS), light blue, and SST tube is:

    Answer: Yellow → Light blue → SST

    CLSI order of draw: blood cultures (yellow SPS) → coagulation (light blue) → serum tubes (SST/red) to prevent additive cross-contamination.

  3. Which imaging study uses a radioactive tracer to evaluate metabolic activity and is commonly used in cancer staging?

    Answer: PET scan

    PET (positron emission tomography) uses fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to detect areas of high metabolic activity such as tumors.

  4. A QRS complex wider than 0.12 seconds on an ECG suggests:

    Answer: Bundle branch block or ventricular origin

    A wide QRS (>0.12 s) indicates delayed ventricular conduction, as seen in bundle branch block or beats originating in the ventricles.

  5. Which blood test is used to screen for prostate cancer in men?

    Answer: PSA

    PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a glycoprotein produced by prostate tissue and is the standard screening marker for prostate cancer.

  6. What does the T wave on an ECG represent?

    Answer: Ventricular repolarization

    The T wave represents ventricular repolarization, the recovery phase of the ventricles after contraction.

  7. Which lab value is most critical to check before administering heparin therapy?

    Answer: aPTT

    The aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) monitors the intrinsic coagulation pathway and is the primary test for heparin therapy titration.