Laboratory Operations
Which of the following is the formula for calculating a percent (w/v) solution? a grams of solute/volume of solvent x 100 b grams of solute x volume of solvent x 100 c volume of solvent/grams of solute x 100 d (grams of solute x volume of solvent)/100
a (grams of solute/volume of solvent) x 100
The HMIS or NFPA 704 hazardous material identification system rating for a slightly toxic chemical would be: a 1 in the yellow quadrant b 4 in the blue quadrant c 1 in the blue quadrant d 4 in the yellow quadrant
a 1 in the yellow quadrant
In most compound light microscopes, the ocular lense has a magnification of: a 10x b 40x c 50x d 100x
a 10x
Which one of the following questions can be legally asked on an employment application? a Are you eligible to work in the United States? b What is your date of birth? c Is your wife/husband employed full time? d Do you have any dependents?
a Are you eligible to work in the United States?
Kohler Illumination is: a a method to ensure optimal contrast and resolution b a method to magnify objects c an indication of the type of light source in use d one method of phase contrast magnification
a a method to ensure optimal contrast and resolution
Communication is enhanced by: a a planned strategy that includes listening skills and ensuring an understanding with questions b relying on email, memos and voice mail to communicate new information c formal, hierarchical patterns instead of informal networking patterns d assumptions if there are questions about the intent of the message
a a planned strategy that includes listening skills and ensuring an understanding with questions
A molal solution is equivalent to: a a solution containing 1 mole of solute per kg of solvent b 1,000 mL of solution containing 1 mole of solute c a solution containing 1 GEW of solute in 1 L of solution d a 1 L solution containing 2 moles of solute
a a solution containing 1 mole of solute per kg of solvent
To be analyzed by gas liquid chromatography a compound must: a be volatile or made volatile b bad sample detector c effluent line obstructed d strip chart motor hanging up
a be volatile or made volatile
HIPAA is a federal law that requires: a confidentiality of patients' health care information between 2 organizations b reporting of errors in laboratory results c access to patient records when there is a lawsuit d unannounced inspections by accreditation agencies
a confidentiality of patients' health care information between 2 organizations
CAP requires refrigerator temperatures to be recorded: a daily b weekly c monthly d periodically
a daily
Chromatography is based on the principle of: a differential solubility b gravity c vapor pressure d temperature
a differential solubility
Refer to the following illustration: This symbol indicates which of the following hazards? a flammable b electrical c radiation
a flammable
If the HMIS or NFPA 704 hazardous material identification system has a number 4 in the left blue quadrant, it represents a: a high health hazard b low health hazard c high reactivity hazard d low reactivity hazard
a high health hazard
When hazardous chemicals are transferred from the original appropriately labeled container(s) to a secondary container for immediate use by the person performing the transfer, it: a must be labeled with an emergency response phone number(s) b must be labeled with the identity or contents of the hazardous chemical(s) c must be labeled with hazard warnings related to the effect on involved target organs d does not required labeling
a must be labeled with an emergency response phone number(s)
The selectivity of an ion-selective electrode is determined by the: a properties of the membrane used b solution used to fill the electrode c magnitude of the potential across the membrane d internal reference electrode
a properties of the membrane used
The first procedure to be followed if the blood gas instrument is out of control for all parameters is: a recalibrate, then repeat control b repeat control on the next shift c replace electrodes, then repeat control d report patient results after duplicate
a recalibrate, then repeat control
According to OSHA, what type of warning sign should be posted in an area where an immediate hazard exists and where special precautions are necessary? a red, black and white "Danger" sign b yellow and black "Caution" sign c green and white "Safety Instruction" sign d orange and black "Biohazard" sign
a red, black and white "Danger" sign
Nephelometers measure light: a scattered at a right angle to the light path b absorbed by suspended particles c transmitted by now-particulate mixtures d reflected back to the source from opaque suspensions
a scattered at a right angle to the light path
The most effective disinfectant recommended to bloodborne pathogens is: a sodium hypochlorite b isopropyl alcohol c chlorhexidine gluconate d povidone-iodine
a sodium hypochlorite
When the exact concentration of the solute of a solution is known and is used to evaluate the concentration of an unknown solution, the known solution is: a standard b normal c control d baseline
a standard
The process of testing and documenting changes made to a laboratory information system is known as: a validation b quality engineering c customization d hazard analysis
a validation
Given the following values: 100, 120, 150, 140, 130 What is the mean? a 100 b 128 c 130 d 640
b 128 (add numbers and divide by number of intervals)
A cholesterol QC chart has the following data for the normal control: - X (mean): 137 mg/dL - #x: 1,918 mg/dL - 2 SD: 6 mg/dL - N: 14 The coefficient of variation for this control is: a 1.14% b 2.19% c 4.38% d 9.49%
b 2.19% [CV = (SD/mean) x 100%]
How many mL of a 3% solution can be made if 6 grams (0.006 kg) of solute are available? a 100 mL b 200 mL c 400 mL d 600 mL
b 200 mL (3/100 = 6/x, solve for x)
When cleaning up a small (5 mL) blood spill on the countertop, the first step after donning appropriate personal protective equipment is to: a flood the area with an appropriate intermediate to high-level disinfectant b absorb the spill with disposable absorbent material c evacuate the area for 30 minutes d clean the area with an aqueous detergent solution
b absorb the spill with disposable absorbent material
The extent to which measurements agree with the true value of the quantity being measured is known as: a reliability b accuracy c reproducibility d precision
b accuracy
Package inserts may be used: a instead of a typed procedure b as a reference in a procedure c at the bench but not in the procedure manual d if initiated and dated by the laboratory director
b as a reference in a procedure
A urine specimen comes to the laboratory 7 hours after it is obtained. It is acceptable for culture only if the specimen has been stored: a at room temperature b at 4-7C c frozen d with a preservative additive
b at 4-7C
The methodology based on the amount of energy absorbed by a substance as a function of its concentration and using a specific source of the same material as the substance analyzed is: a flame emission photometry b atomic absorption spectrophotometry c emission spectrography d x-ray fluorescence spectometry
b atomic absorption spectrophotometry
All laboratory instruments should: a have repairs conducted while connected to faulty wiring b be grounded or double insulated c have safety checks performed initially and then every 6 months d be connected to multiple outlet adapters
b be grounded or double insulated
A clean-catch urine is submitted to the laboratory for routine analysis and culture. The routine analysis is done first, and 3 hours later, the specimen is sent to the microbiology department for culture. The specimen should: a be centrifuged, and the supernatant cultured b be rejected due to the time delay c not be cultured if no bacteria are seen d be processed for cultured only if the nitrate is positive
b be rejected due to the time delay
In a double-beam photometer, the additional beam is used to: a compensate for variation in wavelength b correct for variations in light source intensity c correct for changes in light path d compensate for variations in slit-widths
b correct for variations in light source intensity
The advantage to using phase microscopy in urinalysis is to: a provide higher magnification b enhance constituents with a low refractive index c allow constituents to stain more clearly d provide a larger field of view
b enhance constituents with a low refractive index
Which chemical is a potential carcinogen? a potassium chloride b formaldehyde c mercury d picric acid
b formaldehyde
Which infectious agent is considered to be the primary occupational health hazard regarding transmission of bloodborne pathogens? a human immunodeficiency virus b hepaititis B c tuberculosis d methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
b hepatitis B
In addition to keeping the load close to your body and tightening your abdominal muscles when lifting heavy boxes of supplies, it is important to bend at the: a waist; lift with legs and buttocks b knees and hips; lift with legs and buttocks c knees and hips; lift with arms and back d waist twist your body when lifting
b knees and hips; lift with legs and buttocks
The middle value of a data set is statistically known as the: a mean b median c mode d standard deviation
b median
In performing a spinal fluid protein determination, the specimen is diluted 1 part spinal fluid to 3 parts saline to obtain a result low enough to measure. To calculate the protein concentration, the result must be: a multiplied by 3 b multiplied by 4 c divided by 3 d divided by 4
b multiplied by 4
After receiving appropriate training, the first step in using a fire extinguisher is to: a sweep the floor of the hose from side to side b pull the pin c squeeze the top handle or lever d aim the hose at the base of the fire
b pull the pin
An individualized quality control plan (IQCP) does not require: a risk assessment b revalidation of test performance c quality control plan d quality assessment
b revalidation of test performance
The reliability of a test to be positive in the presence of the disease it was designed to detect is known as: a accuracy b sensitivity c precision d specificity
b sensitivity
In a centrifugal analyzer, centrifugal force is used to: a add reagents to the rotor b transfer liquids from the inner disc to the outer cuvette c measure in optical density in the centrifugal force field d counteract the tendency of precipitates to settle in the cuvette
b transfer liquids from the inner disc to the outer cuvette
Diagnostic specificity is defined as the percentage of individuals: a with a given disease who have a positive result by a given test b without a given disease who have a negative result by a given test c with a given disease who have a negative result by a given test d without a given disease who have a positive result by a given test
b without a given disease who have a negative result by a given test
Which of the following is the formula for the coefficient of variation? a (standard deviation x 100)/standard error b (mean x 100)/standard deviation c (standard deviation x 100)/mean d (variance x 100)/mean
c (standard deviation x 100)/mean
The following data were calculated on a series of 30 determinations of serum uric acid control: mean = 5.8 mg/dL, 1 standard deviation = 0.15 mg/dL. If confidence limits are set at + 2 standard deviations, which of the following represents the allowable limits for the control? a 5.65-5.95 mg/dL b 5.35-6.25 mg/dL c 5.50-6/10 mg/dL d 5.70-5.90 mg/dL
c 5.50-6.10 mg/dL
When quantifying the amount of genomic DNA in a sample by spectrophotometry, an OD 260 of 1.0 corresponds to what concentration of DNA? a 10 ug/mL b 20 ug/mL c 50 ug/mL d 100 ug/mL
c 50 ug/mL
A friend calls and asks you to access his test results. Which of the following does this violate? a CAP b The Joint Commission c HIPAA d CLIA
c HIPAA
Which of the following require laboratories to establish a chemical hygiene plan? a CAP (College of American Pathologists) b ACS (American Chemical Society) c OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) d CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvements Act)
c OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act
Which of the following parameters of a diagnostic test will vary in the presence of a given disease in a population? a precision b sensitivity c accuracy d specificity
c accuracy
Which of the following about analytical errors is true? a analytical laboratory errors are easy for ordering providers to detect b analytical errors almost never happen in a CLIA accredited laboratory c analytical errors are not obvious to providers d analytical errors can be caused by poor patient preparation
c analytical errors are not obvious to providers
Which of the following statements about analytical errors is true? a analytical laboratory errors are easy for order providers to detect b analytical errors almost never happen in a CLIA accredited laboratory c analytical errors are not obvious to providers d analytical errors can be caused by poor patient preparation
c analytical errors are not obvious to providers
Urine samples should be examined within 1 hour of voiding because: a RBCs, leukocytes and casts agglutinate on standing for several hours at room temperature b urobilinogen increases and bilirubin decreases after prolonged exposure to light c bacterial contamination will cause alkalinzation of the urine d ketones will increase due to bacterial and cellular metabolism
c bacterial contamination will cause alkalinzation of the urine
Incident reports for occupational injury or illness should: a include information on the employee's past medical history b be filed only for incidents involving serious injury or illness c be filed for all incidents including near miss incidents d not be retained after review by a safety committee or officer
c be filed for all incidents including near miss incidents
Validation of calculated test results performed by a laboratory information system must be performed: a every 6 months b annually c biennially d only upon initial LIS instillation
c biennially
What type of identification system does this symbol represent? a transmission-based precautions b physical environmental hazards c chemical hazardous materials d radiation hazards
c chemical hazardous materials
A technician is asked to clean out the chemical reagent storeroom and discard any reagents not used in the past 5 years. How should the technician proceed? a discard chemicals into biohazard containers where they will b autoclaved b pour reagents down the drain, followed by flushing of water c consult SDS sheets for proper disposal d pack all chemicals for incineration
c consult SDS sheets for proper disposal
The ability to make good decisions often depends on the use of a logical sequence of steps that include: a defining problem, considering options, implementing decisions b obtaining facts, considering alternatives, reviewing results c defining problem, obtaining facts, considering options d obtaining facts, defining problem, implementing decision
c defining problem, obtaining facts, considering options
One of the elements of a written laboratory chemical hygiene plan is to: a require employees who handle chemicals to have annual medical evaluations b prohibit use of carcinogens c designate a laboratory chemical hygiene officer d perform chemical monitoring every 6 months for OSHA regulated substances
c designate a laboratory chemical hygiene officer
The best way to lower the light intensity of the microscope is to: a lower the condenser b adjust the aperture diaphragm c lower the rheostat d raise the condenser
c lower the rheostat
Hepatitis B vaccine is: a administered as a single 1-time injection b required for all healthcare employees c must be provided by the employer free of charge d recommended only when an exposure incident occurs
c must be provided by the employer free of charge
Automated analyzers generally incorporate mechanical versions of manual techniques. Modern instruments are packed in a wide array of configurations. The most common configuration is: a continuous flow analyzers b multiple specimen and multiple channel analyzers c random access analyzers d total automation analyzers
c random access analyzers
Unequivocal positive identification of each specimen can be achieved with analyzers that utilize bar code readers. One advantage of using bar code labels is: a elimination of manual specimen labeling b reduction of the number of lost specimens c reduction in specimen identification errors d reduction of specimen aliquoting errors
c reduction in specimen identification errors
Upon completion of a run of cholesterol tests, the technician recognizes that the controls are not within the 2 standard deviation confidence range. What is the appropriate course of action? a report the results without any other action b run a new set of controls c run a new set of controls and repeat specimens d recalibrate the instrument and run controls
c rune a new set of controls and repeat specimens
Safe handling and disposal of laboratory generated infectious waste require: a disinfection of all waste b thorough mixing of infectious and noninfectious waste c separation of infectious and noninfectious waste d incineration of all waste
c separation of infectious and noninfectious waste
Which of the following is the best guide to consistent centrifugation? a potentiometer setting b armature settings c tachometer readings d rheostat readings
c tachometer readings
An example of personal protective equipment (PPE) is: a a biological safety cabinet b an emergency safety shower c an eyewash station d a lab coat
d a lab coat
Compressed gas cylinders should: a be stored with flammable materials b be transported by rolling or dragging c have safety covers removed when pressure regulators are unattached d be secured upright to the wall or other stable source
d be stored upright to the wall or other stable source
A true statement about column chromatography methods, including high-performance liquid and gas chromatography, is that it: a all utilizes a flame ionization detector b requires derivation of nonvolatile compounds c can be used to separate gases, liquids or soluble solids d can be used for adsorption, partition, ion-exchange and steric-exclusion chromatography
d can be used for adsorption, partition, ion-exchange and steric-exclusion chromatography
While processing patient specimens, a technologist splashes a few small drops of a bronchial wash on his/her gloves. The first action should be to: a wash the gloves with antiseptic/soap and water b continue to wear the gloves until grossly contaminated or leaving the area c wash the gloves with an appropriate disinfectant d change the gloves and wash hands with antiseptic/soap and water
d change the gloves and wash hands with antiseptic/soap and water
An index of precision is statistically known as the: a median b mean c standard deviation d coefficient of variation
d coefficient of variation
A chemical that causes immediate visible destruction or irreversible alterations of human tissue at the contact site is best classified as: a carcinogenic b toxic c ignitible d corrosive
d corrosive
For safe operation of a centrifuge: a clean with soap/detergent when maintenance is performed or spills occur b open the centrifuge cover when it is in the process of slowing down c leave liquid specimen tubes uncovered during centrifugation d ensure proper balance is maintained
d ensure proper balance is maintained
The analytical measurement range (AMR): a confirms that the calibrations settings are valid b establishes the range of values that can be measured with dilution c can be measured using linearity materials of any matrix d establishes the range of values that can be measured without dilution
d establishes the range of values that can be measured without dilution
Using a common labeling system for hazardous material identification such as HMIS or NFPA 704, the top red quadrant represents which hazard? a reactivity b special reactivity c health d flammability
d flammability
The purpose of OSHA Hazard Communication, General Industry Standard, 29 CFR, Subpart Z, 1910.1200, is to require employers to establish a program ensuring personnel are provided with information regarding the workplace dangers of: a bloodborne pathogens b environmental hazards c general safety hazards d hazardous chemicals
d hazardous chemicals
Removing the immersion oil from a microscope lense is: a best accomplished with alcohol pads b never done c only required when you are dismantling the objective d important to prevent oil seeping behind the lens over time
d important to prevent oil seeping behind the lens over time
Which of the following is NOT a potential source of post-analytical errors? a excessive delay in reporting or retrieving a test result b interpretation of result c verbal notification of test result d labeling the specimen at the nurses' station
d labeling the specimen at the nurses' station
Legal pre-employment questions on an application are: a medical history of an employee b place of birth c felonies unrelated to job requirements d name and address of person to notify in case of emergency
d name and address of person to notify in case of emergency
The term used to describe reproducibility is: a sensitivity b specificity c accuracy d precision
d precision
Auto-verification of test results requires all of the following to be established by the laboratory except: a patient results entered into the LIS via an instrument interface b patient results evaluated based on validated rules defined in the LIS c successful quality control testing obtained prior to releasing patient results d review of results by a qualified technologist or technician
d review of results by a qualified technologist or technician
Pre-analytical variables in laboratory testing include: a result accuracy b report delivery to the ordering physician c test turnaround time d specimen acceptability
d specimen acceptability
Which of the following is the formula for arithmetic mean? a square root of the sum of values b sum of values x number of values c number of values/sum of values d sum of values/number of values
d sum of values/number of values
A paper or electronic report of lab results must include: a the name of the person who collected the specimen b the test price c a pathologist's signature d the name and address of the testing laboratory
d the name and address of the testing laboratory
What does the black ring on the lower end of a microscope objective lens indicate? a the kind of microscope to use b the magnification of the objective c nothing; it is simply decorative d the objective is used with immersion oil
d the objective is used with immersion oil
A pre-analytical error can be introduced by: a drawing a coagluation tube before an EDTA tube b mixing an EDTA tube 8-10 times c transporting the specimen in a biohazard bag d vigorously shaking of blood tube to prevent clotting
d vigorously shaking of blood tube to prevent clotting
