MPL 202 midterm review 4

In a diagnostic microbiology laboratory, which activity primarily falls under the clinical service aspect?

A researcher is investigating the effectiveness of a new antiviral drug. Which section of the diagnostic microbiology laboratory would most likely be involved in this research?

A patient is suspected of having a chronic parasitic infection, but initial tests are inconclusive. Which type of sample analysis would be most useful in determining the duration and extent of the patient's immune response?

A microbiology lab is investigating an outbreak of a new fungal infection. To accurately identify the causative agent, which characteristic is MOST critical to analyze?

In optimizing the pre-analytic phase of diagnostic microbiology, what is the MOST critical step to ensure accurate test results?

A technologist notices a delay in reporting test results due to inefficient data entry. Which action would MOST effectively optimize the post-analytical process?

During a lab tour, you observe separate rooms for different types of analyses. Which organizational layout BEST minimizes the risk of cross-contamination?

In a Gram stain procedure, if the alcohol decolorizer is skipped, what would be the likely appearance of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria under the microscope?

Why is culture considered more sensitive than direct detection methods like Gram staining?

In the context of laboratory testing, which of the following best describes the 'pre-analytical' phase?

In MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, what is the primary role of the 'matrix' chemical?

Which step in the MALDI-TOF process directly results in the creation of a unique 'fingerprint' for bacterial identification?

A microbiologist observes a bacterial sample under a microscope after performing a Gram stain. The bacteria appear purple. Which of the following conclusions can be accurately drawn?

A lab technician is tasked with rapidly identifying a fungal infection from a patient sample. Which direct detection method would be most appropriate for this purpose?

Why is the 'Time of Flight' component important in MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry?

Why is electron microscopy particularly useful in virology for direct detection of viruses?

What is a primary disadvantage of using syndromic testing as a rapid diagnostic method?

What characteristic of PCR tests makes them particularly useful for diagnosing C. difficile infections?

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the turnaround time (TAT) and sensitivity of direct detection methods versus culture methods?

In the context of PCR testing, what is the role of primers?

A microbiologist performs a Gram stain on a sample from a patient suspected of having a bacterial infection, but no organisms are seen on the smear. According to protocol, what is the next appropriate step?

In biochemical identification of bacteria, what principle is used to identify the specific type of bacteria?

What is a significant risk associated with performing PCR tests?

How does MALDI-TOF differentiate between different species of bacteria?

What is the significance of using rapid diagnostic methods in clinical settings?

Prior to placing the target plate inside the MALDI-TOF machine, what is the last preparatory step?

A physician orders a third set of blood cultures (total of six bottles) for a patient to rule out bacteremia. Which of the following statements BEST reflects the appropriateness of this order, considering resource utilization and diagnostic yield?

A patient without urinary tract symptoms has a urine dipstick test ordered as part of a routine check-up, prior to a more extensive examination. According to recommendations for avoiding unnecessary resource consumption, what is the MOST appropriate course of action?

A doctor preemptively orders several lab tests, including a complete blood count and metabolic panel, anticipating that their supervising physician would want them. What principle of avoiding unnecessary resource consumption does this violate?

When collecting blood cultures to diagnose a bloodstream infection, what is the MOST critical factor to ensure accurate results?

What is the MOST important instruction to give a patient who needs to provide a sputum sample for laboratory analysis?

Which of the following methods directly identifies the type of bacteria present in a sample using fluorescent markers?

In a laboratory setting, during which phase does specimen collection take place?

If a lab technician receives a poorly collected specimen, which of the following is the most likely consequence based on the principle of 'garbage in, garbage out'?

Resource stewardship in healthcare aims primarily to reduce which of the following?

A doctor is considering ordering an expensive and invasive diagnostic test before exploring less invasive options. According to resource stewardship principles, what should a lab professional do?

How does unnecessary testing impact access to healthcare for other patients?

During which of the following phases of laboratory testing does the interpretation of test results occur?

After analysis of the specimen is complete, in which phase does the lab report become available?

Which action exemplifies resource stewardship by a clinical lab professional?

A lab technician notices an unusual test request that seems inappropriate for the patient's condition. What is the BEST course of action?