American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam

What is indicated when no report is added to the requisition after a blood glucose collection?

1. Specimen was collected incorrectly

2. Test results are invalid

3. Patient did not follow preparation guidelines

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

When no report is added to the requisition after a blood glucose collection, it indicates that there may be multiple underlying issues with the process. Each of the provided circumstances signifies potential problems that could have led to the absence of test results. The scenario where the specimen was collected incorrectly suggests that the collection technique may not have followed established protocols, leading to an unusable sample. This might include issues such as contamination, improper handling, or incorrect timing of the collection relative to food intake. The notion that test results are invalid also points to a failure in the testing process. This could stem from equipment malfunction, sample mismanagement, or other factors that invalidate the test results even if the sample was collected correctly. Similarly, if the patient did not follow preparation guidelines, such as fasting requirements or avoiding certain foods and medications prior to the test, this could result in unreliable or non-reportable glucose levels. Non-compliance with these guidelines can skew the test outcome, making it impossible to provide a valid report. In summary, the lack of a report can reflect a combination of these factors, and thus, selecting all the possible explanations is the most comprehensive way to interpret the absence of results.