Maryland Clinical Laboratory Technician
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
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1. A clinical laboratory technician receives a blood specimen labeled with
two patient identifiers, but the requisition form lists a different date of
birth. What is the MOST appropriate action?
A. Process the specimen because the patient name matches
B. Correct the requisition form without notifying anyone
C. Reject the specimen and request clarification before testing
D. Perform testing and note the discrepancy later
Rationale: The specimen must be rejected or clarified before testing
because mismatched patient identifiers create a serious risk of reporting
results on the wrong patient. Proper patient identification is essential for
laboratory quality assurance and patient safety.
2. Which anticoagulant tube is MOST commonly used for complete blood
count (CBC) testing?
A. Sodium citrate
B. EDTA
, C. Heparin
D. Fluoride oxalate
Rationale: EDTA is the preferred anticoagulant for CBC testing because it
preserves cellular morphology and prevents clotting without significantly
altering blood cells.
3. In microbiology, the primary purpose of a Gram stain is to:
A. Identify viral infections
B. Differentiate bacteria based on cell wall characteristics
C. Measure bacterial motility
D. Detect fungal spores only
Rationale: Gram staining differentiates bacteria into Gram-positive and
Gram-negative groups based on differences in cell wall composition and
staining characteristics.
4. Which laboratory department typically performs prothrombin time
(PT) testing?
A. Hematology
B. Chemistry
C. Coagulation
D. Serology
Rationale: PT testing evaluates the extrinsic clotting pathway and is
performed in the coagulation section of the laboratory.
5. A fasting blood glucose specimen should ideally be collected:
A. Immediately after a meal
B. After at least 8 hours without food intake
C. Following vigorous exercise
D. At bedtime
, Rationale: Fasting glucose specimens require the patient to avoid food
intake for at least 8 hours to obtain accurate baseline glucose
measurements.
6. Which organism is classified as an acid-fast bacillus?
A. Escherichia coli
B. Staphylococcus aureus
C. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
D. Streptococcus pyogenes
Rationale: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is acid-fast due to the high lipid
content in its cell wall, which retains carbol fuchsin stain despite acid-
alcohol decolorization.
7. What is the MOST common cause of hemolysis in a blood specimen?
A. Delayed centrifugation
B. Using a large-bore needle
C. Excessive force during collection or handling
D. Refrigerating the specimen immediately
Rationale: Excessive force during specimen collection or handling damages
red blood cells, causing hemolysis and potentially inaccurate laboratory
results.
8. Which instrument is commonly used to measure hemoglobin
concentration?
A. Spectrophotometer
B. Incubator
C. Autoclave
D. Microscope
Rationale: Hemoglobin concentration is typically measured using
spectrophotometric methods that assess light absorbance at specific
wavelengths.
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationale 2026 Q&A| Instant Download
1. A clinical laboratory technician receives a blood specimen labeled with
two patient identifiers, but the requisition form lists a different date of
birth. What is the MOST appropriate action?
A. Process the specimen because the patient name matches
B. Correct the requisition form without notifying anyone
C. Reject the specimen and request clarification before testing
D. Perform testing and note the discrepancy later
Rationale: The specimen must be rejected or clarified before testing
because mismatched patient identifiers create a serious risk of reporting
results on the wrong patient. Proper patient identification is essential for
laboratory quality assurance and patient safety.
2. Which anticoagulant tube is MOST commonly used for complete blood
count (CBC) testing?
A. Sodium citrate
B. EDTA
, C. Heparin
D. Fluoride oxalate
Rationale: EDTA is the preferred anticoagulant for CBC testing because it
preserves cellular morphology and prevents clotting without significantly
altering blood cells.
3. In microbiology, the primary purpose of a Gram stain is to:
A. Identify viral infections
B. Differentiate bacteria based on cell wall characteristics
C. Measure bacterial motility
D. Detect fungal spores only
Rationale: Gram staining differentiates bacteria into Gram-positive and
Gram-negative groups based on differences in cell wall composition and
staining characteristics.
4. Which laboratory department typically performs prothrombin time
(PT) testing?
A. Hematology
B. Chemistry
C. Coagulation
D. Serology
Rationale: PT testing evaluates the extrinsic clotting pathway and is
performed in the coagulation section of the laboratory.
5. A fasting blood glucose specimen should ideally be collected:
A. Immediately after a meal
B. After at least 8 hours without food intake
C. Following vigorous exercise
D. At bedtime
, Rationale: Fasting glucose specimens require the patient to avoid food
intake for at least 8 hours to obtain accurate baseline glucose
measurements.
6. Which organism is classified as an acid-fast bacillus?
A. Escherichia coli
B. Staphylococcus aureus
C. Mycobacterium tuberculosis
D. Streptococcus pyogenes
Rationale: Mycobacterium tuberculosis is acid-fast due to the high lipid
content in its cell wall, which retains carbol fuchsin stain despite acid-
alcohol decolorization.
7. What is the MOST common cause of hemolysis in a blood specimen?
A. Delayed centrifugation
B. Using a large-bore needle
C. Excessive force during collection or handling
D. Refrigerating the specimen immediately
Rationale: Excessive force during specimen collection or handling damages
red blood cells, causing hemolysis and potentially inaccurate laboratory
results.
8. Which instrument is commonly used to measure hemoglobin
concentration?
A. Spectrophotometer
B. Incubator
C. Autoclave
D. Microscope
Rationale: Hemoglobin concentration is typically measured using
spectrophotometric methods that assess light absorbance at specific
wavelengths.
