01
True or false
1 point
A specimen label and requisition have conflicting patient identifiers. True or false: Laboratory staff should choose the identity that seems most likely and relabel the specimen.
Free Practice Quiz Question List
6 Specimen Handling Practice Cases Online Quiz Questions
Use this free practice quiz with 20 questions to review 6 Specimen Handling Practice Cases, test your knowledge, and prepare for your next test or exam.
20 questions
02
Choose one
1 point
A urine cup has matching identifiers, but urine has leaked into the transport bag. What is the most appropriate action?
- A
Process the urine because its identifiers match.
- B
Follow spill and rejection procedures and notify the submitting site.
- C
Wipe the outside of the cup and proceed without documenting the leak.
- D
Transfer the urine to a new cup without checking whether the procedure permits it.
03
Written response
1 point
A blood tube arrives several hours after collection, and multiple tests were ordered. What property must be checked for each test to determine whether the elapsed time affects specimen usability?
04
Fill in the blank
1 point
A serum tube is centrifuged before the required clotting time is complete. Do not assume that spinning it sooner is to following the validated procedure.
05
Choose all
1 point
A properly labeled blood tube arrives several hours after collection, and transport conditions are unknown. Select all factors the laboratory should check for each ordered test before deciding whether the specimen is suitable.
- A
The stability requirement for each ordered test.
- B
Whether the specimen type is acceptable for each ordered test.
- C
Whether separation was required for each ordered test.
- D
Whether the specimen looks normal, as appearance alone establishes acceptability.
- E
One universal time limit that applies to every test.
06
Choose one
1 point
Two tubes opposite one another in a centrifuge differ substantially in size and fill level. The operator is ready to start. What should the operator do?
- A
Start the run because the tubes are opposite one another.
- B
Estimate the difference in fill level and proceed if it seems small.
- C
Stop and balance the rotor using suitable counterbalancing tubes or materials.
- D
Move both tubes next to each other so they are easier to monitor.
07
Written response
1 point
A specimen was refrigerated during a delay, but its test instructions specify a different storage condition. Storage requirements depend on what?
08
True or false
1 point
True or false: If a specimen arrives in the wrong container, it may be transferred to a different container only when the applicable procedure specifically permits it.
- A
True
- B
False
09
Fill in the blank
1 point
For an unlabeled specimen, do not use memory or treat verbal identification as an automatic substitute for required .
10
Choose all
1 point
A requester asks the laboratory to accept an unlabeled specimen from a procedure because it is difficult to replace. If written policy permits an exception, select all actions required for controlled handling.
- A
Obtain the authorization required by policy.
- B
Document the circumstances.
- C
Communicate the limitations.
- D
Treat the requester’s verbal assurance as sufficient in every case.
- E
Label the specimen from memory to avoid delaying testing.
11
Choose one
1 point
A time-sensitive specimen arrives without a temperature record, so the laboratory cannot determine whether it stayed within the required range. What is the best next step?
- A
Assume the specimen remained suitable because it arrived intact.
- B
Apply the same temperature limit used for all other specimens.
- C
Check the test-specific limits and available evidence, document the uncertainty, and escalate under policy.
- D
Discard the specimen immediately without checking its requirements or notifying anyone.
12
Open ended
1 point
A specimen arrives in a container that does not match the test instructions and is below the stated minimum volume. Describe how the laboratory should decide what to do and what actions it should take.
13
Choose one
1 point
A delayed specimen was refrigerated, but the test instructions call for a different storage condition. Which action best follows the laboratory’s approach to this deviation?
- A
Proceed because refrigeration is generally protective.
- B
Compare the storage history with the test requirements, document the deviation, and consult the responsible laboratory professional.
- C
Warm the specimen to room temperature and assume the deviation has been corrected.
- D
Use the storage condition from a different test with a similar specimen type.
14
Choose one
1 point
A blood tube's name and date of birth do not match the requisition. What is the appropriate response?
- A
Choose the spelling on the tube and correct the requisition.
- B
Quarantine or reject the specimen according to policy, contact the authorized collector or requester, and document the discrepancy.
- C
Relabel the tube using the name that seems most likely.
- D
Process the specimen because at least one identifier matches.
15
Choose one
1 point
A centrifuge run has already occurred with an improperly balanced load. What should the operator do before using the specimen?
- A
Use the specimen if it appears normal, without further checks.
- B
Repeat the run using the same setup to confirm the result.
- C
Assess the specimen and equipment under the applicable procedure before using the specimen.
- D
Discard the specimen automatically, regardless of the procedure or test.
16
Choose one
1 point
A serum tube was centrifuged before its required clotting time was complete. What is the best next step?
- A
Assume the specimen is acceptable if it looks normal.
- B
Check the resulting specimen for fibrin or other problems and apply the test-specific acceptance rules.
- C
Discard every specimen that was centrifuged before clotting was complete, regardless of the test rules.
- D
Wait until the clotting time has elapsed, then treat the earlier centrifugation as if it had not occurred.
17
Choose one
1 point
A time-sensitive specimen arrives without a temperature record, and the laboratory cannot determine whether it remained within the required range. What should the laboratory do?
- A
Assume the specimen stayed within the required range if it looks normal.
- B
Apply one universal temperature limit to all tests and proceed if it meets that limit.
- C
Check the specific test's transport limits and available evidence, document the uncertainty, and escalate it under laboratory policy.
- D
Reject the specimen automatically without checking the test requirements or policy.
18
True or false
1 point
A specimen that is unsuitable for one test may still be usable for another test.
- A
True
- B
False
19
Written response
1 point
A specimen’s identifiers do not match the order. Whom should the laboratory contact to help resolve the discrepancy?
20
Written response
1 point
If written policy allows an exception for an irreplaceable unlabeled specimen, what must be obtained before handling it as an exception?