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MLPAO MLA/T Certification Exam: Practice Test 1

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MLPAO MLA/T Certification Exam: Practice Test 1

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500
Format
Multiple choice
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About these practice questions

These practice questions will help you prepare for the MLPAO MLA/T exam.

This practice test contains 500 practice questions covering the thirteen sections of the MLPAO MLA/T exam:

  1. Standards of Practice
  2. Medical Terminology
  3. Basic Biology, Anatomy and Physiology
  4. Laboratory Mathematics and Quality Management
  5. Specimen Procurement, Processing and Data Collection
  6. Laboratory Safety
  7. Laboratory Equipment
  8. Histology and Cytology
  9. Clinical Microbiology
  10. Clinical Chemistry
  11. Clinical Hematology
  12. Transfusion Medicine
  13. Electrocardiograms

All questions have been carefully designed to reflect the questions on the real exam, to help you prepare and get a passing grade.

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Section 1: Standards of Practice

1) Which of these status designations has the same priority as stat?
  1. ASAP
  2. Med Emerg
    Med Emerg means "medical emergency". It has the same priority as stat. Samples required stat or for Med Emerg must be taken before any other samples.
  3. Postop
  4. Preop
  5. Timed
2) You must collect specimens from three patients: a fasting specimen, a pre-op specimen, and a routine specimen. What is the correct order of priority for collecting these specimens?
  1. Fasting, Pre-op, Routine
  2. Fasting, Routine, Pre-op
  3. Pre-op, Fasting, Routine
    Pre-operative (pre-op) tests are done before surgery. Therefore, they have the highest urgency, because delays to these tests will delay surgery. Fasting tests are next because patients cannot eat until the specimens have been taken. Routine specimens are last as they have no urgency.
  4. Pre-op, Routine, Fasting
  5. Routine, Fasting, Pre-op
3) A phlebotomist is scheduled to collect a peak antibiotic level at 8 AM, but the patient has not yet received the dose. What should the phlebotomist do?
  1. Administer the antibiotic dose
  2. Ask the nurse when the dose will be given
    Peak levels measure the highest concentration of a drug in the patient's bloodstream and need to be drawn after a dose is given. If the dose hasn't yet been given, the phlebotomist should ask the nurse when the dose will be given.
  3. Draw a trough level
  4. Draw the peak level immediately
  5. Wait 30 minutes before drawing the peak level
4) A phlebotomist has several collections scheduled at the same time. How should the phlebotomist determine the order in which to collect the specimens?
  1. By easiest patient first
  2. By patient number
  3. By patient surname, in alphabetical order
  4. By priority status
    When prioritizing collections, the priority status (STAT, routine, etc.) matters most:
    • STAT tests must be drawn immediately and take priority over all other tests
    • Timed tests must be drawn at an exact time to be accurate, and therefore have the next highest priority
    • ASAP has the next highest priority as the doctor needs the results quickly
    • Fasting is prioritized next because the patient will be hungry/thirsty
    • Routine tests have the lowest priority
  5. By room number order
5) A phlebotomist is drawing blood for a routine collection when a nurse calls with an urgent request. What should the phlebotomist do?
  1. Finish the current procedure first
    Stopping a draw mid-procedure is unsafe. You should complete the venipuncture properly, label the specimen, ensure the patient is okay, and then go to the urgent request.
  2. Postpone the urgent request by 30 minutes
  3. Proceed immediately to the urgent request
  4. Restart the current procedure from the beginning
  5. Tell the nurse to collect it herself
6) Which of these actions demonstrates professionalism in clinical laboratories?
  1. Accepting gifts from patients
    Accepting gifts from patients is a gray moral area and doesn't necessarily demonstrate professionalism.
  2. Calling patients by their first name
    Calling patients by their first name may be friendly, but it doesn't demonstrate professionalism.
  3. Discussing a patient's results with a colleague in a public area
  4. Following standard operating procedures
    Professionalism is a set of standards that workers should adhere to. Following the standard operating procedures is an example of professionalism because these procedures promote quality, consistency, and safety.
  5. Offering a patient advice based on their preliminary lab results
7) Which of these laws primarily concerns data privacy?
  1. Canada Health Act
  2. HCCA
  3. Ontario Regulation 107/96 Controlled Act
  4. PIPEDA
    PIPEDA (the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) is a Canadian federal law for data privacy. It governs how private sector organizations collect, use and disclose personal information in the course of business.
  5. RHPA
8) What is the term for mechanisms and processes protecting health information from unauthorized access?
  1. Accountability
  2. Confidentiality
  3. Privacy
  4. Secrecy
  5. Security
    Data security is the protection of information from unauthorized access.
9) A lab assistant notices that an unauthorized staff member has been accessing patient records. What should she do?
  1. Contact the patients involved
  2. Delete the records immediately
  3. Log out of your terminal
  4. Monitor the staff member's activity for a week to gather evidence
  5. Report it to a supervisor
    The lab assistant should report the situation to a supervisor (or the data compliance officer) so it can be investigated and appropriate actions can be taken.
10) What is the term for the obligation to keep health information private?
  1. Accountability
  2. Confidentiality
    Patient confidentiality means healthcare professionals must keep medical information private, unless the patient gives permission or the law requires it to be shared.
  3. Privacy
  4. Secrecy
  5. Security
11) A lab assistant talks about a patient’s biopsy result in the hospital cafeteria. Which professional expectation is not being met?
  1. Adaptability
  2. Confidentiality
    Health professionals have a duty to keep patient information confidential (private). They should not discuss patient information in public places, such as a hospital cafeteria, because other people could overhear it.
  3. Continuing education
  4. Cultural humility
  5. Time management
12) A patient asks a lab assistant for test results. What should the lab assistant do?
  1. Arrange to call the patient at home
  2. Give a general idea if the results are good or bad
  3. Give the results to the patient
  4. Let the patient check their results on the computer
  5. Refer the request to the supervisor
    The lab assistant should follow laboratory policy for releasing results. This generally means referring the patient's request to a supervisor instead.
13) Which of these is an example of constructive feedback?
  1. "I enjoy working with you."
    "I enjoy working with you." is a general compliment. It is not constructive.
  2. "Please remember to mix the tubes after collection."
    Constructive feedback gives clear, helpful advice to improve future work while staying respectful. “Please remember to mix the tubes after collection” is constructive because it gives a specific action (“mix the tubes”) and says it politely.
  3. "Thanks for all your help."
    "Thanks for all your help." is a statement of appreciation. It is not constructive.
  4. "Why can't you do your job properly?"
    "You have no idea what you're doing." is an example of destructive feedback. It is vague, judgmental, and focuses on the person instead of the behaviour.
  5. “You need to do better.”
14) What should you do first when entering a patient’s room?
  1. Ask the patient if they know why you’re there
  2. Ask the patient's name
  3. Close the curtains and dim the lights
  4. Introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the visit
    Introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of the visit is the first step of a patient visit. It helps build trust and reduces patient anxiety.
  5. Prepare the equipment
15) A patient asks a lab assistant why a test has been ordered. What should the lab assistant do?
  1. Give a simple explanation
    Giving an explanation is outside the scope of practice for most healthcare support roles, like phlebotomists or lab assistants.
  2. Give a thorough explanation
  3. Guess based on the most likely diagnosis
  4. Refer them to their physician
    Referring them to their physician is the most professional answer. The physician is the most appropriate person to explain why the test was ordered.
  5. Refuse to speak to the patient
16) A colleague is wearing sandals in the laboratory. What action should you take?
  1. Ask your colleague to leave the laboratory immediately
  2. Ignore it
  3. Inform your colleague that they should be wearing closed-toe shoes
    In this situation, it's best to politely and discreetly inform your colleague about the laboratory safety dress code, as they may not be aware of the rules.
  4. Make a complaint to the supervisor
  5. Recommend that your colleague receives a continuous learning plan
17) What is the best way to confirm a patient has understood your instructions?
  1. Ask the patient to repeat the instructions back to you
    The best way to ensure understanding is by asking the patient to explain the instructions back to you in their own words. This is called the teach-back method. It confirms whether the patient can successfully remember the information, revealing any misunderstandings or gaps.
  2. Ask the patient's family member if the patient understood the instructions
  3. Ask, "Did you understand the instructions?"
    Asking "Did you understand the instructions?" doesn't confirm whether the patient actually understood the instructions. They may say "Yes" just to be polite.
  4. Ask, "Do you have any questions?"
    Asking "Do you have any questions?" will often result in a simple, noncommittal "No."
  5. Have the patient sign a form stating they understood the instructions
    Having the patient sign a form confirms the patient's agreement to the process or treatment plan, but does not check whether the patient actually understood the instructions.
18) A patient says she is afraid of needles and that she is scared the needle will hurt. What should the phlebotomist reply?
  1. "It's easy. Even children can do it."
  2. "There is no reason to be afraid."
  3. “Don’t worry, it won’t hurt at all.”
    Saying “Don’t worry, it won’t hurt at all” is incorrect because needles usually do hurt. If the phlebotomist promises no pain, then the patient's trust will be broken when they do feel pain.
  4. “I’ll explain what I’m doing, and we’ll go slowly, okay?”
    The best response is “I’ll explain what I’m doing, and we’ll go slowly, okay?” This response shows empathy while offering control and information.
  5. “You need to calm down so I can draw your blood.”
19) A patient wants a same-gender staff member to draw their blood. What is the best response?
  1. Ask the patient to sign a release of liability
  2. Inform the patient that staff are not assigned by gender
  3. Inform the patient that their request is discriminatory
  4. Refer the patient to the manager
  5. Try to accommodate the request
    While it may not always be possible to provide a same-gender staff member, clinics should make an effort to accommodate the request. This aligns with the principles of patient-centred care and cultural competency.
20) A lab assistant overhears two nurses making inappropriate sexual remarks about an unconscious patient. What should the lab assistant do?
  1. Discuss the incident with the patient's family members
  2. Do nothing since the patient is unconscious and unaware of what is being said
  3. Report the nurses' behaviour to the manager
    In this scenario, the best action is to inform the manager. Inappropriate remarks about patients – even unconscious patients – are a serious concern and need to be addressed by a manager.
  4. Share the incident on social media
    Sharing information about colleagues on social media is unprofessional and breaches their privacy.
  5. Tell the nurses that their behaviour is inappropriate

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About the MLPAO MLA/T exam

What is the MLPAO MLA/T exam?

The MLPAO MLA/T Certification Exam, or simply the MLPAO MLA/T exam, is an exam for medical laboratory assistants/technicians (MLA/Ts) in Ontario, Canada. It tests the basic knowledge and skills needed to work as a lab assistant or lab technician.

If you pass the exam, you become certified by the MLPAO. This can help show employers that you have the knowledge to work as an MLA or MLT. The exam is not required by law, but many employers in Ontario may ask for it or prefer it.

The exam is administered by the Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO).

Who can take the MLPAO MLA/T exam?

You can register for the MLPAO MLA/T exam if you meet one of these criteria:

  • You graduated from an MLA/T program at an MLPAO-approved school in Ontario in the last five years.
  • You are enrolled in an MLA/T program at an MLPAO-approved school in Ontario, and you will graduate before the exam date.

What schools are MLPAO-approved?

The following schools offer MLPAO-approved MLA/T programs:

  • Algonquin Careers Academy (Ottawa)
  • Anderson College of Business, Health and Technology (Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Mississauga, North York, Toronto)
  • Centennial College (Scarborough)
  • Confederation College (Thunder Bay)
  • CTS Canadian Career College (Barrie, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury)
  • Georgian College (Barrie)
  • Hart College of Cardiac Sonography & Health Care (Toronto)
  • Health and Beauty Canadian College (Thornhill)
  • Humber Polytechnic (Toronto)
  • Medix College of Healthcare (Brampton, Scarborough, Toronto)
  • Mohawk College (Hamilton)
  • Northern College of Applied Arts and Technology (Timmins)
  • Oxford College of Arts, Business & Technology (Barrie, Burlington, Mississauga, Peterborough, Scarborough Accredited, Toronto)
  • Pharma-Medical Science College of Canada (North York)
  • Trillium College (Oshawa, Kingston, St. Catharines, Sudbury)

What if I don't meet the eligibility criteria for the MLPAO MLA/T exam?

If you don't meet the eligibility criteria for the MLPAO MLA/T exam (for example, you took an MLA/T program outside of Ontario), you may still be able to take the exam through the Special Consideration process. You'll need to email documents proving your relevant education or work experience (such as a resume, a letter from an employer, diplomas, and degrees) to exam@mlpao.org. The MLPAO will decide if you have enough academic and clinical experience to take the exam.

When is the MLPAO MLA/T exam?

The MLPAO MLA/T exam is held four times per year: in March, June, September, and November. Registration opens 4–5 months before the exam and closes around two months before the exam.

For the latest exam dates, visit www.mlpao.org/mla-t-certification-exam.

How do I apply for the MLPAO MLA/T exam?

To register for the MLPAO MLA/T exam:

  1. Go to mlpao.org/mla-t-certification-exam, scroll down, and click the REGISTER button below "Registration Fees".
  2. Enter your contact information.
  3. Choose the applicable exam fee.
  4. Choose whether you want to take the exam at home or at a testing centre.
  5. Pay the exam fee by credit or debit card.
  6. Email your supporting documents to exam@mlpao.org. In most cases, this is your MLA/T diploma. The MLPAO will also accept a letter from your school confirming your completion date.

How much is the MLPAO MLA/T exam?

The following table shows the exam fees. The fee varies based on whether:

  • you're a member of the MLPAO
  • you're taking the exam at home or at a testing centre
  • you're a student or graduate
  • you register for the exam early

For more information on the exam fees, visit www.mlpao.org/mla-t-certification-exam.

Registration fees for the MLPAO MLA/T exam
Category Home Testing centre
Students (MLPAO members) $310 +HST $330 +HST
Students (non-members) and graduates $475 +HST $515 +HST
Re-writes $275 +HST $315 +HST
Apply for the exam early (3–5 months before the exam date) for an early registration discount of $100. If you are a student in an MLPAO-approved program, join the MLPAO to reduce the exam fee by $165. Student membership to the MLPAO costs just $24. To join the MLPAO, visit mlpao.org/membership. The discount only applies to students.

How can I take the MLPAO MLA/T exam?

There are two ways to take the MLPAO exam:

  1. At home
  2. At a testing centre in Ontario

The advantage of taking the exam at home is that you don't need to travel anywhere, and the exam fee is lower. The advantage of taking the exam at a testing centre is that testing centres have reliable equipment and internet, so there’s less chance of technical problems. Plus, you don’t have to worry about setting up your room for the exam. You simply show up and sit down at a computer.

Taking the MLPAO MLA/T exam at a testing centre

There are testing centres across Ontario. The locations are in Ajax, Barrie, Belleville, Brampton, Brantford, Etobicoke, Hamilton, Kingston, London, Mississauga, North Bay, North York, Oshawa, Ottawa, Owen Sound, Peterborough, Scarborough, St. Catharines, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Vaughan, Whitby, and Windsor. The testing centres have limited availability, so book the exam early to guarantee your preferred location.

Two weeks before the exam, the MLPAO will send you your testing centre and start time by email.

On exam day, ensure you have:

  • your government-issued photo ID
  • your unique MLPAO exam ID

The following items are not allowed during the exam:

  • Calculators (you will have access to a virtual calculator during the exam)
  • Paper
  • Pens or pencils
  • Notes
  • Phones
  • Smart watches

Drinks are allowed, but food is generally not permitted.

Taking the MLPAO MLA/T exam at home

If you decide to take the exam at home, the MLPAO will email you instructions on how to book your exam around three weeks before the exam date. This email will also contain your exam login information.

Before your exam day, you should make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements. You will need:

  • a computer or laptop (not a tablet, smartphone, or Chromebook) with a microphone, speakers, and webcam
  • a reliable internet connection
  • Windows 8 or higher or macOS 10.13 or higher (Linux is not supported)
  • the Guardian Secure Proctoring Browser (which you can download from guardian.meazurelearning.com)

On exam day, you’ll need to be in a private, well-lit room with a clear workspace. Make sure to close all programs on your computer except for your web browser. You’ll then be assigned an online proctor who will verify your room setup via webcam. Once everything is set, your proctor will unlock the exam, and you’ll be ready to begin. The proctor will monitor you throughout the exam.

What score do I need to pass the MLPAO MLA/T exam?

The MLPAO MLA/T exam has 200 multiple-choice questions. You will need to correctly answer at least 60% of the questions to pass.

What if I fail the MLPAO MLA/T exam?

If you fail the MLPAO MLA/T exam on your first attempt, you can retake it within 1 year.

If you fail the exam on your second attempt, the MLPAO will send you instructions on how to become eligible to retake the exam. This will include doing refresher coursework.

You can attempt the exam a maximum of three times.

How do I cancel my MLPAO MLA/T exam?

If you need to cancel your exam, email mlpao@mlpao.org to get a refund of the exam fee, minus the application fee and a $50 administrative fee.

Make sure you cancel at least 30 days before the exam date. Otherwise, you won't get a refund.