OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

Which action should be taken when a stool sample is received without a requisition?

1. Set up a culture

2. Send it to parasitology for processing

3. Set it aside for troubleshooting ASAP

4. Discard the sample immediately

The correct answer is: Set it aside for troubleshooting ASAP

The correct action to take when a stool sample is received without a requisition is to set it aside for troubleshooting. A requisition provides essential information about the sample, including the patient's details, the requested tests, and any relevant clinical history. Without this information, it becomes challenging to determine the appropriate handling and testing for the sample. Setting the sample aside for troubleshooting allows the laboratory staff to investigate the situation further. This could involve checking with the laboratory records to see if any corresponding requisition forms were submitted separately or contacting the individual or institution that sent the sample to obtain the necessary information. In contrast, proceeding with testing without the required information could lead to misdiagnosis or inadequate patient care, as the laboratory may not be aware of the specific tests required for the accurate analysis of the sample. Thus, troubleshooting ensures that proper procedures are followed and that patient safety is maintained.