Clinical Procedures and Specimen Handling Flashcards

When performing a subcutaneous injection, the correct angle of insertion is:

Answer: 45-90 degrees depending on tissue depth

Subcutaneous injections are given at 45 degrees for thin patients and 90 degrees for those with adequate subcutaneous tissue.

A blood specimen labeled 'STAT' should be processed within:

Answer: 30-60 minutes

STAT specimens indicate urgent clinical need and should be processed and resulted within 30-60 minutes of collection.

Which action should the medical assistant take if a venipuncture needle accidentally slips out of the vein mid-draw?

Answer: Withdraw the needle, apply pressure, and attempt a new puncture at a different site

Redirecting or probing with a needle already in the skin causes tissue damage and hematoma; a fresh puncture at a new site is safer.

The chain of custody for a urine drug screen specimen is maintained by:

Answer: Documenting every person who handles the specimen with signatures and timestamps

Chain of custody requires documented signatures and timestamps for every person who handles the specimen to ensure legal admissibility.

Which color-coded sharps container should be used for disposal of used insulin syringes in the clinical setting?

Answer: Red or orange puncture-resistant sharps container

All contaminated needles and syringes must be placed immediately into red or orange puncture-resistant sharps containers.

When performing spirometry testing, the patient should be instructed to:

Answer: Inhale maximally, then exhale as forcefully and completely as possible

Forced vital capacity (FVC) testing requires maximal inhalation followed by the most forceful and complete exhalation possible.

A specimen collected for sputum culture should ideally be obtained:

Answer: From the first deep cough in the morning before eating or drinking

Early morning specimens contain the highest concentration of organisms before oral flora is diluted by food or fluids.