Specimen Handling & Processing Flashcards
7 cards from real CET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Specimen Handling & Processing flashcards as text
Which of the following is an appropriate step when handling a specimen collected for cytology via brushing?
Answer: Smear the brush onto a glass slide and fix immediately with cytology spray or alcohol
Brush cytology specimens must be smeared onto a glass slide and immediately fixed with cytology spray or 95% ethanol to prevent air-drying artifact that ruins cellular morphology.
What does the chain of custody for a specimen primarily ensure?
Answer: Accountability and integrity of the specimen from collection to analysis
Chain of custody documentation ensures that the specimen's integrity is maintained and that there is a clear, accountable record of everyone who handled it from collection through analysis.
A patient is having an endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). How should the resected specimen be handled to preserve orientation for pathology?
Answer: Pin the specimen flat on a cork board with the mucosal side up before placing in formalin
EMR specimens must be pinned flat on a cork board mucosal-side up before fixation to preserve margins and orientation, allowing the pathologist to assess resection adequacy.
When is it appropriate to use normal saline as a transport medium for an endoscopic specimen?
Answer: For specimens being sent for flow cytometry or fresh tissue analysis
Saline is used as a transport medium for fresh tissue that requires flow cytometry, lymphoma workup, or other specialized testing that requires viable, unfixed cells.
According to standard safety protocols, formalin containers must be stored in which type of environment?
Answer: A well-ventilated area or designated chemical storage with appropriate labeling
Formalin (formaldehyde) is a known carcinogen and must be stored in well-ventilated, designated chemical storage areas per OSHA and NFPA standards to prevent exposure and fire hazard.
A requisition form must accompany each pathology specimen. Which clinical detail is MOST important to include on this form?
Answer: Relevant clinical history and the specific anatomical location of the biopsy
Relevant clinical history and the anatomical biopsy site provide the pathologist with context necessary to make an accurate diagnosis and correlate findings with the clinical picture.
What is the purpose of the rapid urease test (CLO test) performed on a gastric biopsy?
Answer: To detect Helicobacter pylori infection through ammonia production
The rapid urease (CLO) test detects Helicobacter pylori by identifying the ammonia produced when the bacteria's urease enzyme breaks down urea in the test medium, causing a color change.