MLPAO - Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario Specimen Collection and Handling Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

When performing venipuncture, the tourniquet should be removed from the patient's arm at what point?

Accepted Answer

After the last tube has been filled and before needle removal

Answer

Immediately after needle insertion

Answer

Only after applying pressure to the site

Answer

Before inserting the needle to prevent hemoconcentration

Question 2

For a coagulation test such as PT/INR, which is the correct blood-to-anticoagulant ratio in a sodium citrate (blue top) tube?

Accepted Answer

9:1

Answer

5:1

Answer

3:1

Answer

1:9

Question 3

What is the correct order of draw when collecting blood in multiple tube types during a single venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

Blood Culture → Sodium Citrate → Serum → Heparin → EDTA → Glucose

Answer

EDTA → Sodium Citrate → Serum Separator → Heparin

Answer

Serum → EDTA → Heparin → Sodium Citrate

Answer

Heparin → Serum → EDTA → Blood Culture

Question 4

A 2-year-old patient requires blood collection. Which specimen collection method is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Capillary puncture from the heel or fingertip using a lancet

Answer

Standard venipuncture from the antecubital fossa using a 21-gauge needle

Answer

Arterial puncture from the radial artery

Answer

Central venous catheter access only

Question 5

Which of the following specimens requires protection from light during transport and storage?

Accepted Answer

Serum or plasma for bilirubin analysis

Answer

Serum for calcium analysis

Answer

Whole blood for CBC

Answer

Urine for microalbumin

Question 6

What is the maximum time a peripheral blood smear should be made after collecting an EDTA blood sample for accurate WBC differential?

Accepted Answer

Within 30 minutes of collection

Answer

Within 1 hour of collection

Answer

Within 4 hours if refrigerated

Answer

Within 24 hours if stored at room temperature