Quality Control & Lab Safety
What is the main purpose of quality control in the laboratory?
Ensure test results are accurate and reliable
What is the primary function of hemoglobin?
Transport oxygen
What is the role of LDL cholesterol?
Carries cholesterol to cells
What substance binds to an antigen?
Antibody
Where should hematocrit results be read?
Top of the red blood cell column
A control result is outside the expected range. What is your next step?
Stop testing and troubleshoot before running patient samples
Which condition is most associated with low hemoglobin levels?
Anemia
What is a major purpose of a lipid panel?
Assess risk for coronary artery disease
What is a common transmission route for mononucleosis?
Saliva
Why should the first drop of blood be wiped away during capillary collection?
Prevent contamination with tissue fluid
Why is documenting invalid results important even if testing is repeated?
Maintains lab accuracy and traceability of errors
What part of the centrifuged blood contains WBCs and platelets?
Buffy coat
Why must patients fast before certain lab tests like lipid panels?
Food affects glucose and lipid levels
What test is commonly used to screen for syphilis?
RPR or VDRL
What happens if a capillary tube is pressed too firmly against the finger?
Blood will not flow into the tube
A test result is inconsistent with patient symptoms. What should you suspect first?
Possible lab error or QC issue
A patient has a WBC count of 14,500. What does this indicate?
Leukocytosis
A patient has very low HDL. Why is this concerning?
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Why is a blood specimen used for mono testing instead of saliva?
Detects antibodies in blood
Why must PT/INR tubes be filled completely?
Prevent inaccurate results
A clinic continues testing despite failed controls. What is the biggest risk?
Reporting inaccurate patient results leading to incorrect treatment
A patient undergoing chemotherapy develops a low WBC count. What is this called and why is it dangerous?
Leukopenia; increased infection risk
Why is nonfasting lipid testing now often acceptable in clinical practice?
Most values (especially total cholesterol & HDL) are minimally affected by food
A patient tests positive for mono. How would you explain transmission in professional terms?
Spread through direct contact with infected saliva
A patient on warfarin has an INR of 3.5. What does this indicate?
Blood is too thin → increased bleeding risk