Specimen Management in Clinical Bacteriology

Clinical Bacteriology

A comprehensive guide on the preanalytical phase of microbiology, covering specimen collection, handling, transport, and laboratory rejection criteria.

Microbiology Laboratory Science Specimen Management

10 Questions Medium Ages 18+ Sep 1, 2026

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About this Study Set

This study set covers Clinical Bacteriology through 10 practice questions. A comprehensive guide on the preanalytical phase of microbiology, covering specimen collection, handling, transport, and laboratory rejection criteria. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.

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Browse all 10 questions from the Specimen Management in Clinical Bacteriology study set below. Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.

1 What percentage of laboratory errors typically occur in the preanalytical phase?

A 10%
B 30%
C 50%
D 70%

2 Which material is strictly prohibited for use as a swab in microbiology?

A Dacron
B Rayon
C Cotton
D Calcium Alginate

3 What is the gold standard anticoagulant for blood cultures?

A Heparin
B EDTA
C Citrate
D SPS

4 What is the ideal transport time for most clinical specimens to the laboratory?

A Within 30 minutes to 2 hours
B Within 4 to 6 hours
C Within 12 hours
D Within 24 hours

5 Which specimen is generally considered not acceptable for diagnostic culture?

A Clean-catch urine
B Suprapubic aspirate
C Foley catheter tip
D Straight-catheterized urine

6 What is the minimum requirement for a purulent sputum specimen to be acceptable for culture?

A >25 PMNs/LPF and <10 SECs/LPF
B <10 PMNs/LPF and >25 SECs/LPF
C Equal amounts of PMNs and SECs
D No PMNs present

7 At what temperature should specimens suspected of containing anaerobic bacteria be stored?

A 4°C
B Room temperature (22-25°C)
C 37°C
D -20°C

8 Which preservative is used for stool specimens to maintain trophozoite and cyst morphology?

A Boric acid
B Cary-Blair
C Buffered formalin & PVA
D Sodium polyanethol sulfonate

9 What is the maximum transport time for Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) samples?

A 10 minutes
B 15 minutes
C 30 minutes
D 60 minutes

10 What is the recommended concentration of SPS for blood cultures?

A 0.01%
B 0.025%
C 0.05%
D 0.1%

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