Question 1

Failure to wipe away the first drop of blood when collecting a newborn filter paper screening test could:

Accepted Answer

Failing to wipe away the first drop of blood can dilute the sample with interstitial fluid, which can lead to a false-negative result. This is because the interstitial fluid may not have the same concentration of substances being tested for as the blood, which could result in a failure to detect a disorder or disease. Cleaning the site with an alcohol swab first also helps prevent bacterial growth.

Question 2

Which of the following statements about newborn filter paper screening tests is true?

Accepted Answer

A) One large drop of blood is used to fill a circle
B) Stacking of samples will cause cross-contamination
C) Samples are dried in a suspended, horizontal position. 
All of the above statements are true about newborn filter paper screening tests.

Question 3

Microhematocrit capillary tubes are held horizontally while being filled.

Accepted Answer

Microhematocrit capillary tubes must be held horizontally while filling to ensure an accurate measurement of the packed cell volume (PCV). Holding the tube at an angle may result in uneven packing and inaccurate PCV measurement.

Question 4

Scraping a microcollection tube across the puncture site is acceptable if the first drop of blood has been wiped away.

Accepted Answer

Scraping a microcollection tube across the puncture site can cause hemolysis and contamination of the blood sample. The first drop of blood should be wiped away to avoid any tissue fluid, which may skew the results, but a scraping motion is not recommended. Instead, a gentle pressure should be applied to the puncture site to allow blood to flow freely into the microcollection tube.

Question 5

The width of the dermal puncture is more important than the depth to produce adequate blood flow.

Accepted Answer

The width of the dermal puncture is more important than the depth to produce adequate blood flow because a wider puncture increases the surface area for blood to flow out, while increasing the depth of the puncture can damage tissue and cause excessive bleeding.

Question 6

Failure to completely fill the filter paper circle for a newborn screening test:

Accepted Answer

Failure to completely fill the filter paper circle for a newborn screening test can cause a false-negative result, meaning a baby with a condition will be missed and not receive prompt treatment. This can occur for any condition being screened for, not just PKU, and is why it is important to ensure the circle is completely filled.

Question 7

Microcollection tubes are color-coded in the same way as evacuated tubes.

Accepted Answer

Microcollection tubes are color-coded in the same way as evacuated tubes. The color coding indicates the additive present in the tube and helps in identifying the appropriate tube for a specific test.

Question 8

Which is the right way to handle samples for filter paper newborn screening tests?

Accepted Answer

Suspend samples horizontally to air-dry is the correct method of handling samples for filter paper newborn screening tests. This is done to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results. Stacking samples while they are drying or drying them in sunlight can both lead to contamination and inaccurate results.

Question 9

Puncturing through a previous puncture site may cause an infection.

Accepted Answer

Puncturing through a previous puncture site may introduce additional bacteria into the wound, increasing the risk of infection. It is important to avoid puncturing or reopening a healed puncture site.

Question 10

All U.S.states require testing of newborns for:

Accepted Answer

All U.S. states require testing of newborns for phenylketonuria (PKU), a metabolic disorder that can cause severe intellectual disability if left untreated. Testing for sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis is not mandatory in all states, but may be done in some states or recommended by medical organizations. Down syndrome is typically diagnosed prenatally or shortly after birth through physical examination and genetic testing, but is not routinely included in newborn screening tests.

Question 11

The patient identification number is not required on microcollection tube labels.

Accepted Answer

The patient identification number is a critical component of labeling any specimen or sample. It helps to ensure that the correct results are reported back to the correct patient. Therefore, it is required on microcollection tube labels, as well as any other type of specimen or sample label.

Question 12

A microhematocrit tube with a red band contains the same additive as a red stopper Microtainer.

Accepted Answer

A microhematocrit tube with a red band is typically used for capillary blood collection and does not contain any additives, whereas a red stopper Microtainer usually contains a clot activator for serum separation.

Question 13

Microcollection tubes containing separation gel are available.

Accepted Answer

Microcollection tubes with separation gel are commonly used in medical facilities to separate blood components for analysis. The gel helps to isolate the serum or plasma from the cellular components of the blood, allowing for more accurate results.

Question 14

When collecting newborn filter paper screening tests,blood should be visible on both sides of the filter paper.

Accepted Answer

Blood should be visible on both sides of the filter paper to ensure enough blood is collected for accurate testing.

Question 15

Samples for newborn filter paper tests are collected from the:

Accepted Answer

The correct site for newborn filter paper tests is the plantar area or bottom of the heel. This site provides a good blood supply and is less sensitive than other areas such as the back of the heel.

Question 16

Bandages are not recommended for newborns following heel puncture.

Accepted Answer

Bandages are not recommended for newborns following heel puncture because their skin is delicate and bandages can cause irritation or damage to the skin. Instead, a small piece of gauze or a cotton ball can be placed over the puncture site and gently secured with medical tape if needed.

Question 17

Puncture devices should be firmly placed on the skin before activation.

Accepted Answer

Puncture devices should be firmly placed on the skin before activation to ensure proper penetration and minimize discomfort or injury.

Question 18

The acceptable amount of blood used to fill a filter paper circle for newborn screening tests is:

Accepted Answer

The acceptable amount of blood used to fill a filter paper circle for newborn screening tests is typically one drop, which is approximately 50 microliters. This is a small and accurate amount of blood that is sufficient for testing purposes. Using more than one drop of blood can cause errors in test results and also increase the risk of hemolysis or clotting of the sample.

Quiz 6: Dermal Puncture