American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Technologist in Cytogenetics certification (ASCP CG) Practice Test

What should a technologist do if a bone marrow sample collected in transport medium is leaking into its sealed plastic bag?

1. Dispose of the entire sample

2. Clean up the tube while wearing gloves

3. Seal the bag and notify the supervisor

4. Send the sample for testing as is

The correct answer is: Clean up the tube while wearing gloves

In the scenario where a bone marrow sample collected in transport medium is leaking into its sealed plastic bag, cleaning up the tube while wearing gloves is the appropriate action. This ensures the safety of the technologist and prevents contamination of the sample or the work environment. Wearing gloves provides a necessary barrier, protecting against potential biohazards that may be present in the sample. Additionally, cleaning the tube and removing any external contamination helps to ensure that the sample itself remains viable for testing. If the sample remains intact after cleaning and the integrity of the specimen can still be maintained, it may be suitable to proceed with further processing or testing. While other actions can be considered depending on laboratory protocols, cleaning the tube is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment and ensuring that any potential contaminants are managed appropriately. If further concerns about the sample's integrity arise, the technologist would then follow institutional protocols regarding sample handling and inform a supervisor as needed.