Microbiology and Specimen Collection Flashcards

What is the purpose of a rapid antigen detection test for strep throat?

Answer: To quickly detect group A Streptococcus antigens in office

Rapid strep tests detect group A Streptococcus antigens directly, giving results within minutes in the office.

A negative rapid strep test in a symptomatic child is often followed by what?

Answer: A throat culture for confirmation

Because rapid tests can produce false negatives, a backup throat culture is often performed in children.

Which term describes the normal microorganisms that live on and in the body without causing disease?

Answer: Normal flora (microbiota)

Normal flora are the resident microorganisms that coexist with the host without causing disease under normal conditions.

What is the correct way to fill a microbiology requisition for specimen tracking?

Answer: Include patient name, source, date/time, and tests ordered

A complete requisition with patient ID, specimen source, collection date/time, and ordered tests ensures accurate processing.

Which microorganism group is the smallest and requires a living host cell to reproduce?

Answer: Viruses

Viruses are the smallest infectious agents and can only replicate inside living host cells.

What should a medical assistant do if a specimen container is leaking during transport?

Answer: Follow biohazard spill protocol and not process the compromised specimen

A leaking specimen is a biohazard; the MA should follow spill protocol, and the compromised specimen typically requires recollection.

Which condition requires a fasting specimen related to specimen collection accuracy?

Answer: Fasting blood glucose

A fasting blood glucose requires the patient to avoid food for several hours to obtain an accurate baseline reading.