Master Specimen Collection and Processing in Pathology: Online Learning Quizzes

Question 1

Which statement accurately reflects a key principle in specimen collection and processing?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy and reliability should be prioritized.

Answer

Minimizing specimen quantity is essential.

Answer

Preservation of specimens is of lesser importance.

Answer

Speed is the primary objective in handling specimens.

Question 2

What is the optimal temperature range for storing and transporting fresh tissue specimens?

Accepted Answer

4-8°C

Answer

Room temperature (15-25°C)

Answer

15-25°C

Answer

-20°C

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of a biopsy needle in a biopsy procedure?

Accepted Answer

To extract a tissue sample for examination.

Answer

To administer local anesthetic.

Answer

To sterilize the biopsy site.

Answer

To control bleeding.

Question 4

Which of the following chemicals is commonly used as a fixative for preserving histological specimens?

Accepted Answer

Formalin

Answer

Ethanol

Answer

Acetone

Answer

Isopropanol

Question 5

Which laboratory professional is primarily responsible for examining cytology specimens and making diagnostic interpretations?

Accepted Answer

Cytotechnologist

Answer

Pathologist

Answer

Histotechnologist

Answer

Medical technologist

Question 6

Preservatives are added to urine specimens primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent bacterial growth

Answer

Adjust pH levels

Answer

Increase specific gravity

Answer

Dissolve crystals

Question 7

Which laboratory equipment plays a vital role in the processing of tissue biopsies?

Accepted Answer

Tissue processor

Answer

Microscope

Answer

Centrifuge

Answer

Autoclave

Question 8

Embedding tissue specimens in paraffin wax serves primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Provide support and firmness for sectioning

Answer

Enhance visualization of tissue structures

Answer

Remove water content from the tissue

Answer

Preserve the specimen indefinitely

Question 9

Fixed tissue specimens should ideally be stored within a temperature range of:

Accepted Answer

4-8 degrees Celsius

Answer

18-22 degrees Celsius

Answer

24-28 degrees Celsius

Answer

36-40 degrees Celsius

Question 10

Which of the following methods is commonly used to decalcify bone specimens?

Accepted Answer

Hydrochloric acid

Answer

Formalin

Answer

Sodium hydroxide

Answer

Ethanol

Question 11

The primary responsibility of a pathology laboratory technician in specimen processing is to:

Accepted Answer

Ensure specimen integrity

Answer

Interpret laboratory results

Answer

Diagnose patient conditions

Answer

Perform surgical procedures

Question 12

The primary objective of a pathology laboratory is to:

Accepted Answer

Diagnose diseases by analyzing tissue, cells, and body fluids

Answer

Monitor the effectiveness of medical treatments

Answer

Develop and test new medical treatments

Answer

Control the quality of pharmaceuticals

Question 13

Which of the following is the primary purpose of using fixatives in specimen preservation?

Accepted Answer

Inhibit autolysis, the natural breakdown of cells

Answer

Prevent bacterial growth

Answer

Harden the specimen to ease handling

Answer

Enhance staining procedures

Question 14

Which of the listed substances is NOT a common type of fixative used in pathology?

Accepted Answer

Glycerol

Answer

Formalin

Answer

Ethanol

Answer

Bouin's solution

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a method of specimen collection commonly used in cytology?

Accepted Answer

Blood smear

Answer

Fine needle aspiration

Answer

Brush biopsy

Answer

Endoscopic biopsy

Question 16

To maintain tissue specimen integrity before processing, the ideal temperature range for storage is:

Accepted Answer

2-8°C

Answer

10-15°C

Answer

18-25°C

Answer

30-35°C

Question 17

In histology, microtomy is primarily used for:

Accepted Answer

Creating thin sections of tissue for examination

Answer

Staining tissue sections for visualization

Answer

Embedding tissue specimens for support

Answer

Fixing tissue specimens for preservation

Question 18

Which staining technique is commonly employed to highlight DNA in tissue sections?

Accepted Answer

Feulgen staining

Answer

Haematoxylin and eosin

Answer

Periodic acid-Schiff

Answer

Alcian blue

Question 19

Tissue embedding in paraffin wax serves the primary purpose of:

Accepted Answer

Facilitating the creation of thin sections for microscopic examination

Answer

Preventing tissue damage during processing

Answer

Preserving tissue morphology

Answer

Staining tissues for specific components

Question 20

When decalcifying bone specimens, the most common method employed is:

Accepted Answer

Acid decalcification

Answer

Microwave irradiation

Answer

Enzymatic digestion

Answer

Mechanical grinding

Question 21

For optimal storage of formalin-fixed tissue specimens, what temperature range is recommended?

Accepted Answer

4-8°C

Answer

15-25°C

Answer

30-37°C

Answer

45-55°C

Question 22

Which of the following accurately describes the primary responsibility of a histotechnologist?

Accepted Answer

Preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination

Answer

Diagnosing diseases based on laboratory tests

Answer

Performing surgical procedures on patients

Answer

Interpreting medical imaging results

Question 23

Fine needle aspiration is the most appropriate method for obtaining a specimen of:

Accepted Answer

Bone marrow

Answer

Skin tissue

Answer

Urine

Answer

Stool

Question 24

Embedding tissue specimens in paraffin serves the primary purpose of:

Accepted Answer

Preserving tissue structure and preventing decomposition

Answer

Making tissues transparent for microscopic examination

Answer

Enhancing tissue staining

Answer

Preventing contamination

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT a type of microtome used in histopathology?

Accepted Answer

Electron microscope

Answer

Rotary microtome

Answer

Cryostat microtome

Answer

Ultramicrotome

Question 26

Microscopy is not considered a method of specimen collection because it:

Accepted Answer

Does not involve obtaining a physical sample

Answer

Is used for examining specimens

Answer

Requires specialized equipment

Answer

Is invasive

Question 27

The primary role of a fixative in specimen processing is to:

Accepted Answer

Preserve tissue structure

Answer

Prevent microbial growth

Answer

Enhance staining properties

Answer

Accelerate specimen drying

Question 28

What is the primary purpose of embedding tissue specimens in paraffin wax?

Accepted Answer

To provide support for thin sectioning

Answer

To enhance tissue contrast

Answer

To prevent tissue degradation

Answer

To remove excess water

Question 29

When selecting a specimen container, which of the following is NOT a relevant factor?

Accepted Answer

Patient comfort

Answer

Specimen type

Answer

Volume of specimen required

Answer

Cost

Question 30

What is the recommended temperature for storing blood specimens intended for biochemical analysis?

Accepted Answer

4°C

Answer

-20°C

Answer

37°C

Answer

Room temperature

Question 31

Which type of specimen container is typically used for collecting and measuring 24-hour urine samples?

Accepted Answer

Graduated container

Answer

Acid-washed container

Answer

Sterile container

Answer

Vacuum-sealed container

Question 32

What is the primary function of formalin in tissue processing?

Accepted Answer

Preserves tissue structure by cross-linking proteins

Answer

Clarifies the specimen

Answer

Prevents bacterial and fungal growth

Answer

Enhances staining of tissue sections

Question 33

What is the optimal temperature range for storing urine samples for routine analysis?

Accepted Answer

2-8°C (35.6-46.4°F)

Answer

Room temperature

Answer

-20°C (-4°F)

Answer

10-15°C (50-59°F)

Question 34

Which of the following is a fundamental principle guiding specimen collection and processing?

Accepted Answer

Minimize contamination and preserve specimen integrity

Answer

Maximize specimen volume

Answer

Use the most expensive equipment

Question 35

What is the preferred method for collecting sputum samples for microbiological analysis?

Accepted Answer

Induced cough

Answer

Oropharyngeal swab

Answer

Nasopharyngeal swab

Question 36

What is the primary purpose of using a tourniquet during venipuncture?

Accepted Answer

To distend the vein and facilitate blood draw

Answer

To prevent blood loss

Answer

To sterilize the puncture site

Answer

To reduce discomfort

Question 37

Which of the following is a type of biopsy procedure that involves extracting a sample of tissue using a needle?

Accepted Answer

Needle biopsy

Answer

Blood smear

Answer

Urine culture

Answer

Fecal occult blood test

Question 38

A patient is scheduled for a biopsy of a suspicious skin lesion. Which container is most suitable for collecting this specimen?

Accepted Answer

Formalin-filled container

Answer

Blood culture bottle

Answer

Sterile universal container

Answer

Cytology transport medium

Question 39

A blood sample is collected for a complete blood count (CBC). What is the most crucial step to ensure accurate test results?

Accepted Answer

Thoroughly mixing the blood with the anticoagulant

Answer

Applying a tourniquet for a minimum of 5 minutes

Answer

Storing the sample at room temperature before analysis

Answer

Using a large-gauge needle for blood collection

Question 40

A urine sample is collected for a culture and sensitivity test. Which factor can significantly compromise the test results?

Accepted Answer

Contamination with bacteria from the skin

Answer

The patient's gender

Answer

The color of the urine

Answer

The time of day the sample was collected

Question 41

A surgical specimen arrives at the laboratory. What is the first step in processing it?

Accepted Answer

Gross examination and description

Answer

Immunohistochemistry staining

Answer

Microscopic examination

Answer

Molecular analysis

Question 42

A tissue sample requires fixation for long-term preservation. Which fixative is most commonly used?

Accepted Answer

Formalin

Answer

Acetone

Answer

Glycerin

Answer

Ethanol

Question 43

A patient is suspected of having a bacterial infection. What is the preferred technique for collecting a throat swab?

Accepted Answer

Using a sterile swab to collect material from the tonsillar area and posterior pharynx

Answer

Swabbing the surface of the tongue

Answer

Collecting saliva from the mouth

Question 44

A urine sample is collected for a pregnancy test. What is the most important consideration when collecting the sample?

Accepted Answer

Collecting the first morning urine

Answer

Using a sterile container

Answer

Collecting a large volume of urine

Answer

Avoiding contamination with menstrual blood

Question 45

A biopsy specimen arrives in the laboratory with incomplete patient information. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Contact the referring physician for clarification

Answer

Discard the specimen

Answer

Process the specimen without further information

Answer

Label the specimen with a generic identifier

Question 46

A blood sample is collected for a glucose tolerance test. What is the most important step to ensure accurate test results?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining precise time intervals between blood draws

Answer

Using a large-gauge needle for blood collection

Answer

Applying a tourniquet for a minimum of 5 minutes