Free Specimen Collection & Processing Practice Questions

1. During a drug screen collection with chain of custody, the medical assistant observes that the specimen temperature falls outside the acceptable range (90-100 degrees F) within 4 minutes of collection. The MOST appropriate action is to:

• Document the discrepancy on the COC form and note the specimen as a potential invalid collection
• Discard the specimen and recollect immediately
• Accept the specimen and do not note the temperature discrepancy
• Heat or cool the specimen to bring it into acceptable range

2. A stool specimen for occult blood testing is received. The patient reports eating rare steak and taking vitamin C supplements for the past two days. Which statement is CORRECT regarding specimen validity?

• Red meat may cause a false positive, and high-dose vitamin C may cause a false negative; the test should be repeated after dietary modification
• Both substances cause false positives; the specimen is still valid if the result is negative
• Vitamin C causes false positives while red meat has no effect on guaiac-based tests
• Neither substance affects immunochemical fecal occult blood testing, so the specimen is valid

3. Chain of custody documentation for a drug screen specimen requires:

• A documented record of every person who handled the specimen from collection to testing
• Only the collector's signature and the patient's name
• A physician's order and insurance preauthorization
• Refrigeration at all times during transport

4. A urine specimen collected for routine urinalysis should be tested within what timeframe to ensure accurate results?

• Within 1 hour of collection, or refrigerated and tested within 2 hours
• Within 24 hours regardless of storage conditions
• Within 30 minutes; refrigeration is not acceptable
• Timing does not matter if the specimen is properly sealed

5. While collecting a wound culture using an aerobic swab, the MA notices erythema and warmth extending 3 cm beyond the wound margins with red streaking toward the nearest lymph node. What should the MA do after completing the culture collection?

• Document the findings and immediately notify the provider of signs consistent with spreading cellulitis and possible lymphangitis
• Apply a warm compress to the area to reduce inflammation before the provider examines the patient
• Clean the extended erythematous area with antiseptic and apply a sterile dressing
• Collect an additional culture from the erythematous area beyond the wound margins