NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the NHA Phlebotomy Certification Exam. Learn with study guides and multiple choice questions. Each question offers detailed explanations. Achieve success on your certification test.

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What is the proper procedure after collecting an ammonia specimen?

Protect from light
Keep specimen warm
Place specimen in icewater slurry
Keep specimen at body temp

The correct answer is: Place specimen in icewater slurry

The correct procedure after collecting an ammonia specimen is to place the specimen in an ice water slurry. This is essential because ammonia levels can fluctuate significantly if the specimen is not properly cooled. The rapid decrease in temperature helps stabilize the ammonia concentration in the blood sample, preventing metabolic changes that could lead to falsely elevated levels of ammonia. By using an ice water slurry, you ensure that the sample remains within the required temperature range until it is processed, maintaining the integrity of the specimen for accurate testing. This is crucial for reliable diagnostic results, particularly because ammonia is a volatile substance that can degrade quickly if not cooled properly.