Free ASCP ASCP-MLT Exam Questions

The clue to the identification of the colony seen in the upper frame is the gram stain in the lower frame, in which are seen short, rounded, gram positive bacilli, many of which possess distinct spores. As the colonies grew aerobically, the presence of spores indicates Bacillus species. The colonies are spreading, smooth, yellow-white and non-hemolytic. The lack of hemolysis and the small size of the bacterial cells suggests a species other than Bacillus cereus, the species causing most human infections. The isolate was identified as Bacillus circulans, which is consistent with the gram stain morphology. Clostridium septicum also produces spores; however, this species is an anaerobe and would grow poorly if at all and not produce spores aerobically. Listeria monocytogenes and Lactobacillus species are gram positive bacilli; however, neither of these produce spores. The colonies seen in the upper frame, grown after 48 hours incubation aerobically at 35°C, and the accompanying gram stain in the lower frame are uncommonly associated with human disease, but have been associated with septicemia, bronchopneumonia, osteomyelitis and other infections, particularly in intravenous drug users. The most likely identification is:

The indole (modified Kovacs' reagent) is used to assess the ability of certain bacteria to produce indole by the deamination of tryptophan. Indole reacts with aldehyde in the Kovac's reagent to produce a red color. An alcoholic layer holds the red color as a ring at the top of the tube used for the idole test. If a bacteria produces the enzyme tryptophanase to break down the amino acid tryptophan, which of the following tests will be positive with Kovac's reagent?

The DAT is most likely to be negative in ABO HDFN. It's possible that the washing done as part of the DAT may break the bonds between anti-A (or anti-B) and the newborn's poorly developed A (or B) antigens. For which of the following antibodies is the DAT most likely to be negative when testing a newborn for possible HDFN?

Iron deficiency anemia, or IDA, is associated with an increased TIBC as there is less iron to bind to transferrin. Microcytic, hypochromic red cell morphology, a decreased serum iron level, a decreased serum ferritin level, and a decreased hemoglobin level are all characteristics associated with IDA. All of the following are characteristic findings in patients with iron deficiency anemia EXCEPT: