MLPAO Core Laboratory Procedures Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What is the purpose of centrifugation in specimen processing in a medical laboratory?

Accepted Answer

To separate blood into its cellular and liquid components

Answer

To mix reagents with the specimen

Answer

To lyse red blood cells for analysis

Answer

To concentrate bacteria for culture

Question 2

What does the term 'hemolysis' mean in the context of laboratory specimen quality?

Accepted Answer

Rupture of red blood cells releasing hemoglobin into the plasma/serum

Answer

Clotting of blood in the collection tube

Answer

Bacterial contamination of the specimen

Answer

Protein denaturation during storage

Question 3

In clinical chemistry, what is a 'blank' in the context of spectrophotometric analysis?

Accepted Answer

A solution containing all reagents but no analyte, used to zero the instrument

Answer

A sample with the highest analyte concentration used for calibration

Answer

A patient sample with no detectable analyte

Answer

A quality control sample at the lower limit of detection

Question 4

What is the principle of the Gram stain in clinical microbiology?

Accepted Answer

Differentiates bacteria based on cell wall composition into Gram-positive (purple) and Gram-negative (pink) groups

Answer

Differentiates organisms based on cell size

Answer

Detects acid-fast mycobacteria using carbolfuchsin

Answer

Identifies fungi based on capsule staining

Question 5

What is the purpose of performing a reticulocyte count in hematology?

Accepted Answer

To evaluate the bone marrow's erythropoietic activity and response to anemia

Answer

To assess platelet function

Answer

To count immature white blood cells

Answer

To measure coagulation factor levels

Question 6

In urinalysis, what does a positive nitrite result on a urine dipstick indicate?

Accepted Answer

Presence of Gram-negative bacteria that convert dietary nitrates to nitrites

Answer

Presence of protein in urine

Answer

Elevated glucose levels in urine

Answer

Presence of white blood cells