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

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Prepare for the ASCP Histotechnician Certification Exam with practice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your knowledge and skills to excel in the exam.

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Which factor can cause increased coagulation time if a blood sample is not properly mixed?

Improper anticoagulant use
Delayed transport time
Inadequate sample volume
Aggregation of platelets

The correct answer is: Aggregation of platelets

Increased coagulation time can occur due to the aggregation of platelets when a blood sample is not properly mixed. Proper mixing of a blood sample is essential to ensure that anticoagulants are evenly distributed throughout the sample. If the sample is not mixed adequately, platelets may clump together, resulting in an increased tendency for clot formation and thus prolonging the time it takes for the sample to coagulate. This scenario is particularly relevant in tests that assess clotting pathways, where the presence of aggregated platelets can interfere with normal function and lead to misleading results regarding coagulation status. Therefore, ensuring a well-mixed sample prevents platelet aggregation and helps maintain accurate coagulation test results.