A PCT Certification Exam Quiz

The waves that can be seen on the EKG reflect both depolarization and repolarization. Depolarization refers to the electrical activation of the heart muscle, while repolarization refers to the recovery of the heart muscle after depolarization. These processes generate electrical signals that can be detected and recorded by the EKG, resulting in the characteristic waves observed on the EKG tracing. Therefore, both depolarization and repolarization contribute to the waves seen on the EKG.

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a test that must be performed on whole blood. This test provides information about the different components of blood such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It helps in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions like anemia, infections, and blood disorders. Other tests mentioned, such as BUN, CPK, and Protime, do not require whole blood for analysis.

Immunohematology is another name for a blood bank because it refers to the study and management of blood transfusion and blood banking. It focuses on the compatibility of blood types for safe transfusions, the detection and prevention of adverse reactions, and the processing and storage of blood components. Immunohematology combines principles of immunology and hematology to ensure the safety and effectiveness of blood transfusions. This term accurately describes the specialized field of medicine that deals with blood banking and is therefore an appropriate alternative name for a blood bank.

The color top tube that an ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is drawn in is lavender. This is because lavender top tubes are typically used for collecting blood samples for ESR testing. The lavender color indicates the presence of an anticoagulant called EDTA, which helps prevent the blood from clotting during the testing process.

Heparin prevents blood from clotting by inhibiting thrombin. Thrombin is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the clotting process by converting fibrinogen into fibrin, which forms the meshwork of a blood clot. By inhibiting thrombin, heparin effectively prevents the formation of blood clots.

The radial artery is the artery of choice for ABG (arterial blood gas) collection because it is easily accessible and superficial, making it relatively straightforward to locate and puncture. Additionally, the radial artery is less prone to complications such as bleeding or hematoma formation compared to other arteries. It is also more comfortable for the patient as it is located in the wrist, allowing for easier movement and positioning during the procedure.

The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin and is avascular, meaning it does not contain blood vessels. It acts as a protective barrier against external factors such as bacteria and UV radiation. The dermis, on the other hand, is the layer beneath the epidermis and contains blood vessels, nerves, and other structures. The subcutaneous layer, also known as the hypodermis, is the deepest layer of the skin and is composed of fat and connective tissue. None of the options provided are correct except for the epidermis.

The correct answer is "Overseen by the hospital administrator through periodic reports." This is because the path of workflow in a clinical laboratory is not typically overseen by the hospital administrator through periodic reports. The path of workflow refers to the steps necessary to deliver a product or service in the laboratory, which includes the preanalytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes. It is monitored throughout the process by quality indicators to ensure accuracy and quality. However, the oversight and management of the workflow are usually the responsibility of laboratory supervisors or managers, not the hospital administrator.

Hemostasis refers to the condition of clotting. It is the process by which the body stops bleeding by forming a clot to seal off a damaged blood vessel. This word specifically describes the physiological mechanism that prevents excessive bleeding and maintains the integrity of the circulatory system.

The given statement is false. The peripheral nervous system is not composed of the brain and spinal cord. Instead, it is a network of nerves and ganglia that extend from the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, to the rest of the body. The peripheral nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals between the central nervous system and the various organs, muscles, and tissues in the body.

Gametes are reproductive cells that are found in sexually reproducing organisms. They are responsible for the transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. While centrioles, Golgi apparatus, and nucleus are all basic structural components found inside the cell, gametes are not typically considered as such. Gametes are specialized cells that are produced by the cell division process of meiosis and have a specific function in sexual reproduction.

A medical technologist is referred to as a clinical laboratory scientist because they are trained professionals who perform complex laboratory tests and analyze the results. They are responsible for conducting various tests on patient samples, such as blood, urine, and tissue, to help diagnose and treat diseases. Medical technologists also play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results, as well as in the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment. Therefore, they are considered to be clinical laboratory scientists due to their extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of laboratory medicine.

Citrate does not directly inhibit thrombin. Instead, it prevents clotting by binding to calcium ions, which are necessary for the clotting process to occur. By chelating calcium, citrate prevents the formation of blood clots. Therefore, the statement that citrate prevents clotting by inhibiting thrombin is false.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations in a computer system. It carries out user-requested operations by following instructions provided by software programs. It manages the processing and completion of user-required tasks by coordinating the activities of other hardware components. It also performs logical comparisons of data to make decisions based on the given conditions. However, displaying the processed information on a screen is not a function of the CPU. This task is typically handled by the graphics processing unit (GPU) or other display hardware.

In blood collection, the color of the stopper on the tube typically indicates the type of additive or anticoagulant present. A green stopper on a blood collection tube usually signifies that the tube contains heparin, which is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood from clotting. EDTA is commonly found in tubes with a lavender or purple stopper, sodium citrate in tubes with a light blue stopper, and thrombin is not commonly associated with a specific tube color in routine blood collection.

Arteriospasm is the most common arterial puncture complication even when proper technique is used. Arteriospasm refers to the sudden constriction of the artery, which can occur as a natural response of the body to the injury caused by the puncture. This constriction can lead to decreased blood flow and make it difficult to obtain a blood sample or perform procedures. Despite using proper technique, arteriospasm can still occur due to individual variations in vascular response. Hematoma, infection, and thrombus formation are also potential complications, but arteriospasm is the most common.

AV dissociation occurs most often with third-degree AV block, where there is a complete blockage of electrical signals between the atria and ventricles. However, left anterior hemiblock can also cause AV dissociation, although it is less common. Left anterior hemiblock is a conduction abnormality in the left bundle branch of the heart's electrical system, which can disrupt the normal coordination between the atria and ventricles, leading to AV dissociation.

STAT electrolytes are run off of serum. Serum is the clear, yellowish fluid that is obtained when blood is allowed to clot. It does not contain any clotting factors or blood cells, making it ideal for running electrolyte tests. Whole blood contains red and white blood cells, plasma is the liquid component of blood that contains clotting factors, and WBC refers to white blood cells, none of which are suitable for running electrolyte tests.

A bilirubin specimen is icteric refers to the presence of a yellowish discoloration in the specimen, which is a common characteristic of bilirubin. This condition would not cause the specimen to be rejected for analysis because it is expected in a bilirubin specimen. On the other hand, the presence of clots in a CBC specimen, lipemia in a fasting glucose specimen, and hemolysis in an electrolyte specimen are all abnormal conditions that would likely lead to the rejection of the specimen for analysis.

A potassium specimen that is stored on ice would cause the specimen to be rejected for testing. This is because storing the specimen on ice may alter the potassium levels, leading to inaccurate test results. Therefore, it is important to follow proper storage and handling procedures to ensure the integrity of the specimen and accurate test results.