Master Specimen Labeling and Transport for Accurate Lab Results

Question 1

When labeling a blood specimen, what type of ink should you use?

Accepted Answer

Permanent, waterproof ink

Answer

Pencil

Answer

Erasable ink

Answer

Water-soluble ink

Question 2

Which of the following is an appropriate method to transport a urine specimen?

Accepted Answer

In a sealed plastic bag with an absorbent pad

Answer

Uncapped and kept at room temperature

Answer

Refrigerated and transported in an upright position

Answer

Frozen and transported in a dry ice container

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of using a biohazard label on a specimen container?

Accepted Answer

To indicate that the specimen may contain potentially infectious material

Answer

To identify the type of specimen

Answer

To ensure proper disposal of the specimen

Answer

To protect the laboratory personnel

Question 4

What is the recommended temperature range for transporting blood specimens?

Accepted Answer

2-8°C (36-46°F)

Answer

15-25°C (59-77°F)

Answer

Room temperature

Answer

-20°C (-4°F) or below

Question 5

What is the significance of using a requisition form when submitting a specimen?

Accepted Answer

Both (a) and (c)

Answer

To provide the laboratory with essential patient information and test details

Answer

To ensure proper billing and tracking

Answer

To track the specimen throughout its journey

Question 6

To maintain the integrity of a blood culture specimen during transportation, which of the following conditions is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Refrigeration at 2-8 degrees Celsius

Answer

Room temperature

Answer

Incubation at 37 degrees Celsius

Answer

Exposure to direct sunlight

Question 7

For collecting sputum specimens, which type of container is generally used?

Accepted Answer

Sterile cup with lid

Answer

Petri dish

Answer

Blood collection tube

Answer

Urine collection container

Question 8

When transporting specimens to the laboratory, which type of packaging is typically used?

Accepted Answer

Biohazard bag

Answer

Plastic bag

Answer

Paper envelope

Answer

Styrofoam box

Question 9

Which of these is NOT a safe practice for transporting medical specimens?

Accepted Answer

Transporting in reusable containers without proper cleaning.

Answer

Using standardized labels and forms.

Answer

Including complete patient information.

Answer

Maintaining proper storage temperatures.

Question 10

For a urine specimen designated for microscopic analysis, which information should be included on its label?

Accepted Answer

Patient's full name, date and time of collection, specimen type, and collection source

Answer

Patient's name, date of birth, and test reason

Answer

Specimen volume, preservative used, and collection method

Answer

Referring physician's name and contact information

Question 11

During the handling and transportation of blood specimens, which practice is crucial to minimize the risk of hemolysis?

Accepted Answer

Gently inverting the collection tube to mix the anticoagulant

Answer

Using a sturdy vacuum tube holder

Answer

Centrifuging the specimen prior to transport

Answer

Transporting the specimen at room temperature

Question 12

What is the recommended temperature range for transporting most blood specimens?

Accepted Answer

0-4°C

Answer

15-25°C

Answer

25-35°C

Answer

35-45°C

Question 13

How can improper handling of a blood specimen during transportation affect the accuracy and reliability of laboratory test results?

Accepted Answer

It can alter the specimen's composition, compromising test results.

Accepted Answer

It can affect the specimen's viability due to delays, potentially compromising test results.

Answer

It has no significant impact on the accuracy and reliability of laboratory test results.

Question 14

To ensure the accuracy of lab results, which quality control measure is essential during specimen handling and transport?

Accepted Answer

Using standardized, temperature-controlled containers

Answer

Allowing patients to label their own specimens

Answer

Combining all specimens in one container for transport

Answer

Ignoring established hold times for specimens

Question 15

When labeling a specimen, it is essential to:

Accepted Answer

Write clearly and legibly using the required ink color.

Answer

Use shorthand, abbreviations, or symbols

Answer

Label only after the specimen has been transported to the laboratory

Answer

Leave blank spaces for information to be added later

Question 16

When transporting specimens, it is necessary to:

Accepted Answer

Use a leak-proof container lined with absorbent material.

Answer

Label the outside of the container with the patient's information but not the specimens

Answer

Transport specimens at room temperature outside the container.

Question 17

Which of the following anticoagulants is used to prevent blood clotting in EDTA tubes?

Accepted Answer

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)

Answer

Potassium oxalate

Answer

Sodium fluoride

Answer

Sodium citrate

Question 18

Which of the following is a potential consequence of improper specimen labeling?

Accepted Answer

Incorrect or delayed diagnosis

Answer

Reduced insurance reimbursement

Answer

Patient satisfaction

Answer

Laboratory efficiency

Question 19

What is the primary purpose of labeling specimen tubes?

Accepted Answer

Accurate identification and tracking of samples

Answer

Prevention of contamination

Answer

Fulfillment of regulatory requirements

Question 20

For labeling specimen tubes, which writing instrument is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Permanent marker with black ink

Answer

Gel pen

Answer

Pencil

Answer

Ballpoint pen

Question 21

When handling specimens potentially containing bloodborne pathogens, which safety precaution should be taken?

Accepted Answer

Wear gloves and avoid splashing or spilling

Answer

Open tubes outside of a biohazard hood

Answer

Discard specimens without special precautions

Answer

Tilt tubes to prevent spillage

Question 22

For transporting urine specimens, what type of container is suitable?

Accepted Answer

Leak-proof container with a screw cap

Answer

Paper bag

Answer

Open-top beaker

Question 23

Why is it important to maintain the temperature of certain specimens during transport?

Accepted Answer

To preserve sample integrity and prevent deterioration

Answer

To facilitate identification

Answer

To prevent contamination

Question 24

Which factors can compromise the accuracy of laboratory results?

Accepted Answer

Incorrect specimen collection, labeling errors, improper transportation

Answer

Patient's age

Answer

Doctor's experience

Question 25

When labeling multiple specimen tubes from a single patient, which information should be consistent across all tubes?

Accepted Answer

Patient's name and date of birth

Answer

Reason for testing

Answer

Type of specimen

Answer

Time of collection

Question 26

What is the recommended time frame for delivering specimens to the laboratory after collection?

Accepted Answer

As soon as possible, within the specified time frame provided by the laboratory

Answer

Within 1 week

Answer

Within 24 hours

Question 27

In the event of a damaged or lost specimen during transport, what should you do?

Accepted Answer

Notify the laboratory promptly and follow their instructions

Answer

Collect a replacement specimen

Answer

Discard the damaged specimen