MLPAO - Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario Professional and Ethical Practices Questions and Answers

Question 1

A Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician (MLA/T) is asked by their supervisor to perform a test that is outside the MLPAO scope of practice for an MLA/T.
Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action for the MLA/T to take?

Accepted Answer

Discuss their concerns with the supervisor, referencing the MLPAO competency guidelines.

Answer

Perform the test to the best of their ability to be helpful.

Answer

Refuse to perform the test and report the supervisor to the CMLTO.

Answer

Ask a certified Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) to perform the test instead.

Question 2

Under Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), which of the following is a primary responsibility of a 'health information custodian' such as a medical laboratory?

Accepted Answer

To collect, use, and disclose only the personal health information necessary for the purpose of providing care.

Answer

To share patient results with any requesting healthcare provider.

Answer

To obtain a patient's photograph for their file.

Answer

To keep patient records for a maximum of one year.

Question 3

A patient calls the laboratory directly and demands to know their test results. According to the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and the scope of practice for medical laboratory professionals in Ontario, what is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Inform the patient that releasing results directly is a form of diagnosis and direct them to their ordering physician.

Answer

Provide the results immediately to ensure patient satisfaction.

Answer

Ask the patient to come to the lab in person with photo ID to receive a printed copy.

Answer

Tell the patient the results are not ready, even if they are.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key principle outlined in the CSMLS Code of Professional Conduct, which MLPAO certified professionals are expected to follow?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining skills and knowledge through continuing education.

Answer

Prioritizing the financial interests of the laboratory.

Answer

Performing duties as instructed, regardless of personal competence.

Answer

Sharing patient information with colleagues for educational purposes without consent.

Question 5

An MLA/T notices a small spill of a patient's blood sample in a shared workspace but is finishing their shift. What is the most professionally responsible action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately follow the laboratory's established safety and decontamination procedures before leaving.

Answer

Leave a note for the next shift to handle the cleanup.

Answer

Ignore the spill as it is very small and will likely dry.

Answer

Wipe it up with a regular paper towel and dispose of it in the regular trash.

Question 6

According to the Medical Laboratory Technology Act, 1991, who is permitted to use the title "medical laboratory technologist" in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Only members of the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO).

Answer

Any individual working in a medical laboratory for over five years.

Answer

Graduates of a recognized medical laboratory technology program.

Answer

Individuals who have passed the CSMLS national certification exam.

A Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician (MLA/T) is asked by their supervisor to perform a test that is outside the MLPAO scope of practice for an MLA/T.Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action for the MLA/T to take?

A Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician (MLA/T) is asked by their supervisor to perform a test that is outside the MLPAO scope of practice for an MLA/T.
Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action for the MLA/T to take?