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

Acid washed syringes are commonly used to collect specimens for the analysis of which of the following?

1. Glucose

2. Trace elements

3. Coagulation studies

4. Blood gases

The correct answer is: Trace elements

Acid-washed syringes are primarily used for the collection of specimens for trace element analysis because they help reduce contamination from metals that could skew the results. Trace elements, which include metals such as lead, mercury, and zinc, are present in very low concentrations, making it crucial to avoid any external contamination that could come from standard collection equipment. The acid wash process cleans the syringes, eliminating any surface contamination that might interfere with the precise measurements required in trace element analysis. In contrast, the other choices involve different types of analyses that do not have the same stringent requirements for contamination control as trace elements. For example, glucose analysis does not require such specialized collection devices because glucose levels are typically higher, and its measurement is less sensitive to the presence of trace contaminants. Similarly, coagulation studies and blood gas analyses have their collection and handling protocols but do not necessitate the use of acid-washed syringes to the same extent as trace element analysis.