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(ASCP) LABORATORY OPERATIONS EXAM
2023-2024 ACTUAL EXAM 230 REAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT DETAILED
ANSWERS
The laboratory manager receives a complaint from the ICU about turnaround times for coagulation tests. The first step in problem solving should be - ANSWER>>Gather data on current times by shift
Which action by the phlebotomist will comply with the CAP patient safety goal "to improve patient and sample identification at the time of specimen collection" and The Joint Commission Patient Safety Goal to "improve the accuracy of patient identification"? - ANSWER>>Match the name and medical record number on the patient's ID bracelet to the nae and medical record number on the preprinted collection label
If the information on a swab collected in the micro department is different from the information on the requisition form, what do you do - ANSWER>>Document error and communicate to the lab supervisor so that the risk manager conducts a root cause analysis
Preanalytical variables in laboratory testing includes - ANSWER>>specimen acceptability
The first procedure to be followed if the blood gas instrument is out-of-control for all parameters is: - ANSWER>>recalibrate, then repeat control
A graph shows a positive correlation with points fairly close to the line. The new method can be described as - ANSWER>>good correlation with constant bias
A graph has 4 lines. A being the steepest and D being the least-steep. The line that demonstrates a proportional error relationship is - ANSWER>>Line D
Shown above is a levy-jenningsQC chart, which represents control values for 13 consecutive analyses for a particular serum constituent. If the 14th value is below the -2SD limit, Which of the following should be done (points 7-14 will be descreasing) - ANSWER>>Analysis system should be checked for a deteriorating component
The precision of an instrument is validated by - ANSWER>>running the same sample multiple times
The mean value of a series of HGB controls was found to be 15.2 g/dL, and the standard deviation was calculated at 0.20. Acceptable control range for the laboratory is +/- 2 SD. Which of the following represents the allowable limits for the control? - ANSWER>>14.8-15.6 g/dL
In QC, +/- 2 SD from the mean includes what % of the sample population - ANSWER>>95%
Upon completion of a run of cholesterol tests, the technician recognizes that the controls are not within the 2 SD confidence range. What s the appropriate course of action - ANSWER>>Run a new set of controls and repeat specimens
The following data were calculated on a series of 30 determination of serum uric acid control: mean=5.8mg/dL 1SD =0.15 mg/dL If the confidence limits are set at 2SD, what is the allowable range - ANSWER>>5.50-6.10 mg/dL
An index of precision is statistically known as - ANSWER>>Coefficient of variation (CV) the lower CV= better precision
The term used to describe reproducibility is - ANSWER>>precision
The ability of a procedure to measure only the component(s) it claims to measure is called - ANSWER>>specificity
The extent to which measurements agree with the true value of the quality being measured is known as - ANSWER>>accuracy
Diagnostic specificity is defined as the percentage of individual - ANSWER>>without a given disease who have a negative result by a given test
If the correlation coefficient (r) of two variables is 0: - ANSWER>>There is an absence of correlation
Employees are guaranteed the right to engage in self-organization and collective bargaining through representatives of their choice, or to refrain from these activities by which of the following - ANSWER>>National Labor Relations Act
Which of the following organizations was formed to encourage the voluntary attainment of uniformly high standards in institutional medical care - ANSWER>>JCAHO
The process by which an agency or organization uses predetermined standards to evaluate and recognize a program of study in an institution is called - ANSWER>>accreditation
CLIA was established to provide oversight to - ANSWER>>any lab performing patient testing
Which statement about proficiency testing is true - ANSWER>>It is necessary to assess results even if a PT challenge is ungraded
The HMIS or NFPA 704hazardous material identification system rating for a slightly toxic chemical would be - ANSWER>>1 in the blue quadrant
A chemical that causes immediate visible destruction or irreversible alterations of human tissue at the contact site is best classified as a(n) - ANSWER>>corrosive
Labels on shipped chemicals from manufacturers, importers or distributors are required to include information on - ANSWER>>appropriate hazard warnings
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: - ANSWER>>does not require labeling
Which hazardous chemical combinations are incompatible and should not be stored together - ANSWER>>chlorine and ammonia
A technologist spilled 10 gallons of formaldehyde on the floor. After determining the chemical poses a significant health hazard, the first action step would be to - ANSWER>>evacuate the area
A gallon of xylene waste should be - ANSWER>>disposed of as an EPA hazardous waste through a licensed waste hauler
A technologist, who has been routinely working with hazardous chemicals, begins to notice symptoms of persistent headaches after exposure to these chemicals. What is the first action the technologist should take - ANSWER>>report situation to supervisor
When an employee reports signs and symptoms of a chemical exposure, the employer should suggests medical consultation and evaluation, which is paid by the - ANSWER>>employer on work time without loss of pay
When initial or baseline chemical exposure monitoring required by OSHA for substances like formaldehyde or xylene is performed and the results are within permissible exposure limits, repeat monitoring should be performed - ANSWER>>when procedures or equipment surrounding use of the specific chemical change
An example of PPE for handling hazardous chemicals is - ANSWER>>nitrile gloves
One of the elements of a written lab chemical hygiene plan is to - ANSWER>>designate a lab chemical hygiene officer
The purpose of the 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 - ANSWER>>hazardous chemicals
A flame indicates - ANSWER>>flammable
When working with sharp equipment and objects, use a - ANSWER>>mechanical device
For safe operation of a centrifuge: - ANSWER>>ensure proper balance is maintained
For safe use and handling of liquid nitrogen - ANSWER>>shield all skin and use a face shield
Incident reports for occupational injury or illness should - ANSWER>>be filed for all incidents including near miss incidents
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 - ANSWER>>red, black, and white "danger" sign
All laboratory instruments should - ANSWER>>be grounded or double insulated
If areas of the lab are designated as "clean" or "contaminated", is it appropriate for a technologist to - ANSWER>>Touch a "contaminated" area phone with un-gloved hands if hands are washed afterward
For fire safety and prevention - ANSWER>>hallways and corridors should be clear and free of obstruction at all times
What does the NFPA diamond represent - ANSWER>>chemical hazardous materials
Flammable and combustible liquids in containers >/ 5 gallons should be stored in a(n) - ANSWER>>approved safety can
After receiving appropriate training, the first step in using a fire extinguisher is to - ANSWER>>pull the pin
To help prevent electrical fires in healthcare facilities - ANSWER>>use only UL or other safety- agency-rated electrical equipment
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 - ANSWER>>kneed and hips; lift with legs and buttocks
Precautions for health care workers dealing with patients or patient specimens include - ANSWER>>prompt cleaning of blood spills with a disinfectant solution such as sodium hypochlorite
Infection rate is highest for laboratory professionals exposed to blood and body fluids containing: - ANSWER>>Hepatitis B
Which of the following forms of exposure places a technologist at the highest risk for infection with HIV - ANSWER>>needle stick
Which disinfectant inactivates HIV and HBV - ANSWER>>sodium hypochlorite
Filters generally used in biological safety cabinets to protect the laboratory worker from particulates and aerosols generated by microbiology manipulations are - ANSWER>>HEPA
What is the single most effective method to prevent nosocomial spread of infection - ANSWER>>perform frequent and appropriate hand hygiene
Contaminated needles and syringes without safety self-sheathing devices should be - ANSWER>>discarded directly into an appropriate sharps container
Use of "standard" precautions minimizes exposure to - ANSWER>>bloodborne pathogens
After an accidental needle stick with a contaminated needle, the first action should be to: - ANSWER>>thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water
What is the most likely mode of transmission for bloodborne pathogens in laboratory-acquired infections? - ANSWER>>parenteral inoculation of blood
Which infectious agent is considered to be the primary occupations health hazard regarding transmission of bloodborne pathogens - ANSWER>>Hepatitis B
When processing specimens for mycobacterial testing, what specific engineering control must be used - ANSWER>>biological safety cabinet
Hepatitis B vaccine is - ANSWER>>must be provided by the employer free of charge
When cleaning up a small (5mL) blood spill on the counter-top, the first step after donning appropriate PPE is to: - ANSWER>>absorb the spill with disposable absorbent material
The most effective disinfectant recommended for bloodborne pathogens is: - ANSWER>>sodium hypochlorite
Which of the following microbial agents do not respond to the general rules regarding microbial inactivation and decontamination - ANSWER>>transmissible spongiform encephalophathy agents (prions)
When processing patient blood specimens and handling other potentially infectious material, the best choice of gloves is - ANSWER>>single use and disposable gloves
While processing patient specimens, a technologist splashed a few small drops of a bronchial wash specimen on his/her gloves. The first action should be to: - ANSWER>>change gloves and wash hands with antiseptic/soap and water
The symbol with "three circles" represents - ANSWER>>biohazard
Regulated medical waste refers to - ANSWER>>infectious waste
A technologist repeatedly misses tubercle bacilli when examining stained smears for acid-fast bacilli. What plan of action should the supervisor FIRST take to correct this problem - ANSWER>>review the diagnostic criteria with the employee and monitor progress
Which of the following is considered to be a variable cost in a clinical laboratory - ANSWER>>overtime pay
Direct, indirect and overhead costs incurred during the production of tests per unit time are classified as: - ANSWER>>actual costs
An advantage of reagent lease/rental agreement is - ANSWER>>increased flexibility to adjust to changes in workload
The number of hours used to calculate the annual salary of a full-time employee is - ANSWER>>2, 8 hrs a day * 5 days a week * 52 weeks a year
The overtime budget for the lab is 38,773 but 50,419 has already been spent. What percent over budget does this represent - ANSWER>>30% 50,149/38,773*100=130% 130-100=30%
Matching the content and requirements of the task with the skills, abilities and needs of the worker is a function of: - ANSWER>>job design
The most important part of any effective behavior modification system is: - ANSWER>>feedback to employees
ABN is required when - ANSWER>>a test may not be covered by insurance
Data for a new procedure is as follows Procedures per year 10, Equipment cost 97, Expected useful life 7 years Reagent cost 20,000 per year CAP units per procedure 30. Average wage 10.75 per hour
The cost per procedure is - ANSWER>>$8.
A new clinic in the area is sending a very large number of additional chemistry tests to the laboratory. The existing chemistry instrument is only 2 years old and works well; however, there is a need to acquire a high throughput instrument. Which one of the following is the appropriate "justification category"? - ANSWER>>volume increase
A general term for the formal recognition of professional or technical competence is - ANSWER>>credentialing
Evaluating the performance of employees should be done - ANSWER>>in the form of immediate feedback and at regular intervals
An automated CK assay gives a reading that is above the limits of linearity. A dilution of the serum sample is made by adding 1 mL of serum to 9 mL of water. The instrument now reads 350 U/L. The correct report on the undiluted serum should be - ANSWER>>3500 U/L Multiply the ANSWER of the diluted value by the reciprocal of the dilution made (10)
The unit measure for a standard solution is - ANSWER>>mg/mL
A glucose determination was read on a spectrophotometer. The absorbance reading of the standard was 0.30. The absorbance reading of the unknown was 0.20. The value of the unknown is - ANSWER>>2/3 of the standard
A technician is asked by the supervisor to prepare a standard solution from the stock standard. What is the glassware of choice for this solution? - ANSWER>>volumetric flask
How many mLof RBC are to be used to make 25 mL of a 4% red cell suspension - ANSWER>>1mL
The volume of 25% stock sulfosalicylic acid needed to prepare 100 mL of 5% working solution is
To prepare 25 mL of 3% acetic acid, how much glacial acetic acid is needed - ANSWER>>0.75 mL
3% is 3mL per 100mL C1V1=C2V
How many grams of sodium chloride are needed to prepare 1L of 0.9% normal saline - ANSWER>>9.
To prepare 40mL of a 3% working solution, a technician would use what volume of stock solution - ANSWER>>1.2 mL
A technician is preparing a 75% solution. what volume of stock solution should be used to prepare 8 mL - ANSWER>>6.0 mL
A new method is being evaluated. A recovery experiment is performed with the following results: 0.9 mL serum sample + 0.1 mL H2O (89mEq/L) 0.9 mL serum sample + 0.1 mL analyte standard at 800 mEq/L (161 mEq/L) The percent recovery of the added analyte standard is - ANSWER>>90% (800) x (0.1) = (x) x (1)
Which of the following is the formula for standard deviation - ANSWER>>square root of (sum of squared differences)/(N-1)
The acceptable limit of error in the chemistry laboratory is 2 SD. If you run the normal control 100 times, how many of the values would be out of the control range due to random error - ANSWER>>
A mean value of 100 and a standard deviation of 1.8mg/dL were obtained from a set of glucose measurements on a control solution. The 95% confidence interval in mg/dL would be - ANSWER>>98.2-101.
When 0.25 mL is diluted to 20mL, the resulting dilution is - ANSWER>>1:
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 - ANSWER>>standard
A serum glucose sample was too high to read, so a 1:5 dilution using saline (dilution A) was made. Dilution A was tested and again too high to read. A further 1:2 dilution was made using saline (dilution B). To calculate the result, the dilution B value must be multiplied by: - ANSWER>> multiple the value by the reciprocal (2 x 5)
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 - ANSWER>>multiplied by 4
30 is for 1000mL which is 1L
How many mL of a 3% solution can be made if 6 grams of solute are available - ANSWER>> mL
3/100 * 6/x
The following results were obtained from a set of automated white blood cell counts performed on 40 samples
SD 153. mean value 12, the CV is - ANSWER>>1.2%
The following 5 sodium control values in unit were obtained 140, 135, 138, 140, 142 calculate the CV - ANSWER>>1.9%
The statistical term for the average value is the - ANSWER>>mean
The most frequent value in a collection of data is statistically known - ANSWER>>mode
The middle value of a data set is statistically known as - ANSWER>>median
Which of the following is the formula for arithmetic mean - ANSWER>>sum of values/number of values
What is the mean 100, 120, 150, 140, 130 - ANSWER>>
Which of the following is the formula for CV - ANSWER>>SD/mean x 100
A cholesterol QC chart has the following data for the normal control
mean is data is 137 #x 2SD 6 N 14 What is the CV for this control - ANSWER>>2.19%
The sodium content in 100 grams of NaCl is approximately: (atomic weight: Na 23, Cl 35.5) - ANSWER>>
100/58.5=1.
23(sodium) x 1.709=
Given the following results, calculate the molar absorptivity absorbance. light path 1.0 cm concentration 0.2 - ANSWER>>2.
.500 x 1 x 0.
Absorbance (A) of a solution may be converted to percent transmittance using the formula: - ANSWER>>2-log %T
Which of the following is the formula for calculating the unknown concentration based on beer's law? - ANSWER>>(A unknown/A standard) x C standard
A is absorbance C is concentration
Which of the following is the formula for calculating the gram equivalent weight of a chemical - ANSWER>>MW/oxidation number
80 grams of NaOH (MW40) are how many holes - ANSWER>>
A serum potassium (MW 39) is 19.5mg/100mL. This value is equal to how many mEq/L - ANSWER>>5. Electrolyte equivalents can be calculated from the equation mg/dL x 10 = 10mg/L
Which of the following is the formula for calculating the number of moles of a chemical - ANSWER>>g/GMW
A 1 molal solution is equivalent to - ANSWER>>a solution containing 1 mole of solute per kg of solvent
Which of the following is the formula for calculating the molarity of a solution - ANSWER>>number of moles of solute/L of solution
What is the molarity of a solution that contains 18.7 g of KCl (MW 74.5) in 500 mL of water - ANSWER>>0.
25 grams of NaOH (MW 40) are added to 0.5L of water. What is the molarity of this solution if an additional 0.25 L of water are added - ANSWER>>0.83 M
What is the normality of a solution that contains 280 grams of NaOH (MW 40) in 2,000mL of a solution - ANSWER>>3.5M
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 - ANSWER>>atomic absorption spectrophotometry
Which of the following wavelengths is within ultraviolet range - ANSWER>>340 nm
One means of checking a spectrophotometer wavelength calibration in the visible range is by using a - ANSWER>>didymium filter
In spectrophotometry, the device that allows for a narrow band of wavelength is the - ANSWER>>monochromator
What is the first step in preparing a spectrophotometer for an assay - ANSWER>>adjust wavelength selector
The nanometer is a measurement of - ANSWER>>wavelength of radient energy
In a double-beam photometer, the additional beam is used to - ANSWER>>Correct for variations in light source intensity
The source of radient energy in atomic absorption spectrophotometry is - ANSWER>>hollow cathode lamp
A spectrophotometer is being considered for purchase by a small laboratory. Which of the following specifications reflects the spectral purity of the instrument - ANSWER>>band width
A chemistry assay utilizes a bichromatic analysis. This means that absorbance readings are taken at - ANSWER>>2 wavelengths to correct for spectral interference from another compound
Nephelometeters measure light: - ANSWER>>scattered at a right angle to the light path
A technologist is asked to write a procedure to measure the Evan blue concentration on a spectrophotometer. The technologist is given 4 standard solutions of Evan blue
Std A 0. Std B 1. Std C 2. Std D 4.
The first step is: - ANSWER>>to find the wavelength of the greatest absorbance for Evan blue
Which of the following is used to verify wavelength settings for narrow bandwidth spectrophotometers - ANSWER>>holmium oxide glass
Which of the following statements about fluorometry is true - ANSWER>>A compound fluoresces when it absorbs light at 1 wavelength and emits light at a second wavelength
The measurement of light scattered by particles in the sample is the principle of - ANSWER>>nephelometry
In a spectrophotometer, light of a specific wavelength is isolated from the light source by the - ANSWER>>monochromator
A mass spectrometer detects which property of ionized molecules - ANSWER>>mass to charge ratio
Chromatography is based on the principle of - ANSWER>>differential solubility
Gel filtration chromatography is used to separate - ANSWER>>compounds on the basis of molecular weight and size
An Rf value of 0.5 in thin-layer chromatography means: - ANSWER>>solute moves half the distance of solvent front
An HPLC operator notes that the column pressure is too high, is rising too rapidly, and the recorder output is not producing normal peaks. The most probable cause of the problem is - ANSWER>>effluent line obstructed
To be analyzed by gas liquid chromatography a compound must - ANSWER>>be volatile or made volatile
A true statement about column chromatography methods, including high-performance liquid and gas chromatography is that it: - ANSWER>>can be used for adsorption, partition, ion- exchange and steric-exclusion chromatography
In thin layer chromatography, the Rf value for the compound is the - ANSWER>>Ratio of distance moved by compound
In electrophoretic analysis, buffers - ANSWER>>act as a carrier for ions
On electrophoresis, distorted zones of protein separation are usually due to - ANSWER>>overloading of serum sample
An ion-selective electrode (ISE) measures the - ANSWER>>activity of one ion much more than other ions present
Several complaints have been received from parents of children in the pediatric wing about the anxiety that venipuncture causes their children. An informal staff meeting with the phlebotomist reveals that they feel both parents and pediatric nurses are less than supportive and frequently make the task of venipuncture in children worse with their own anxiety. The best course of action would be to: - ANSWER>>prepare written pamphlets for parents and in- service education for nursing personnel
A major laboratory policy change that will affect a significant portion of the laboratory personnel is going to take place. In order to minimize the staff's resistance to this change, the supervisor should: - ANSWER>>discuss the policy change in detail with all personnel concerned, well in advance of implementation
When employees are going to be responsible for implementing a change in procedure or policy, the manager should - ANSWER>>involve the employees in the decision-making process from the very beginning
The best way to motivate an ineffective employee would be to: - ANSWER>>set short term goals for the employee
A technologist has an idea that would possibly decrease the laboratory turnaround time for reporting results. In order to begin implementation of this idea, they should: - ANSWER>>discuss it with their immediate supervisor
The most important aspect of supervision is: - ANSWER>>dealing with people
A course of instruction is being planned to teach laboratory employees to recognize, troubleshoot and correct simple malfunctions in selected laboratory instruments. In writing the objectives for this course, which one of the following would be most appropriate - ANSWER>>recognize, detect and correct 9 of 10 simple instrument malfunctions
The ability to make good decisions often depends on the use of a logical sequence of steps that include - ANSWER>>defining problem, obtaining facts, considering options
In planning an instructional unit, the term "goal" has been defined as a - ANSWER>>major purpose or final desired result
Delegation is a process in which - ANSWER>>responsibility for specific tasks is given to others
Which action should be taken when dealing with a long-term problem - ANSWER>>seek more information
A major laboratory policy change that will affect a significant portion of the laboratory employees is going to take place. In order to minimize the resistance to change the supervisor should - ANSWER>>discuss the change in detail with all concerned, well in advance
Which of the following actions will facilitate group interactions at staff meetings - ANSWER>>encouraging input from all staff
As information is reported upward through an organization, the amount of detail communicated will generally: - ANSWER>>decrease to facilitate the flow of information
To sustain the highly motivated employee the evaluation should include - ANSWER>>performance feedback
Communication is enhanced by: - ANSWER>>A planned strategy that includes listening skills and ensuring an understanding with questions
In its guidelines, CAP stresses that communication must be effective and efficient. An effective component to enhance a multifaceted communication plan in the clinical laboratory is - ANSWER>>daily meetings with a question to foster conversation and focus the discussion
Identify the first step a laboratory manager must take in the selection of a laboratory information system - ANSWER>>select an LIS system
Laboratory results can be sent to a hospital's electronic medical record by: - ANSWER>>HL- interface
The use of security systems such as firewalls and data encryption for electronic transmission of patient data from a laboratory information system to a remote location are required for - ANSWER>>HIPAA
Code 128, ISBT 128, Code 39 and Interleaved 2 of 5 symbologies are used by laboratory information systems to create which of the following - ANSWER>>LOINC
A standard electronic file format recommended for transmitting data from the laboratory information system to an electronic medical record is - ANSWER>>Health Level 7
Auto-verification of test results requires all of the following to be established by the laboratory
- ANSWER>>patient results entered into the LIS system via instrument interface patient results evaluated based on validated rules defined in the LIS successful QC testing obtained prior to releasing patient results
Validation of calculated test results performed by a laboratory information system must be performed - ANSWER>>biannually
