Generally speaking, there are four main categories in a medical laboratory technologist examination; these include hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology and immunology. The most appropriate way of preparing for the test would be practicing on different questions in each category, reviewing why the correct answer is correct and revising any topic you failed. There are twenty-eight MCQs below.
This guide will help you prepare for your exam. Since different labs and different textbooks use different reference ranges, you need to refer to the reference range given in your textbook or laboratory guide.
How to use these MCQs
First, put a cover on the question, choose an answer and then go through the explanation. In case you find yourself getting any of the questions wrong, make sure to write it down in a notebook and go through it again after two days. It’s the second time that you will remember it.
Hematology MCQs
What should be the hemoglobin range of an adult male?
(a) 8–10 g/dL (b) 10–12 g/Dl (c) 13.5–17.5 g/dL (d) 18–22 g/m²
Answer: c. The lab values usually range from 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL. The WHO describes anemia in adult males as having less than 13 g/dL.
Which cell is mainly responsible for phagocytosis of bacteria in the blood?
(a) Eosinophil (b) Neutrophil (c) Basophil (d) Platelets
Answer: b. The neutrophils are the commonest white blood cells and the first to respond to bacterial infections.
What is the most common cause of microcytic anemia?
(a) B12 deficiency (b) Folate deficiency (c) Iron deficiency (d) Aplastic anemia
Answer: c. Iron deficiency leads to small pale red blood cells (low MCV, hypochromic). Thalassemia is another frequent cause.
Select the option which is not a characteristic of platelets.
(a) They are produced by megakaryocytes. (b) They play a role in the process of blood clotting. (c) They have a nucleus. (d) They live for seven to ten days.
Answer: c. Platelets do not have a nucleus.
What are the platelet counts in the normal range?
(a) 15,000 to 45,000/µL (b) 150,000 to 450,000/µL (c) 1.5 to 4.5 million/µL (d) 500,000 to 800,000/µL
Answer: b. Below 150,000/µL is called thrombocytopenia.
Which test mainly checks the extrinsic pathway of coagulation?
(a) aPTT (b) Prothrombin time (PT) (c) Bleeding time (d) ESR
Answer: b. PT is used to check the extrinsic and common pathways. Warfarin is checked by INR. aPTT is done to check the intrinsic pathway.
Which stain is commonly used to count reticulocytes?
(a) Giemsa (b) Gram staining (c) New methylene blue (d) Ziehl-Neelsen
Answer: c. It stains the RNA remaining in young red cells.
Clinical Chemistry MCQs
Which marker is the most specific for myocardial infarction?
(a) Amylase (b) Cardiac troponin (c) Creatinine (d) ALP
Answer: b. Troponin I or T increases a few hours after the damage to heart muscles and remains elevated for days. CK-MB is the conventional marker.
Which electrolyte imbalance is classically known to cause tetany and muscle spasms?
(a) Hypocalcemia (b) Hypernatremia (c) Hyperkalemia (d) Hypochloremia
Answer: a. Calcium deficiency leads to excitable nerves and muscles. Lack of potassium and lack of magnesium may also lead to cramping.
Which liver enzyme is most specific for hepatocellular damage?
(a) Alanine Transaminase (ALT) (b) Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) (c) Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) (d) Amylase
Answer: c. ALT is mainly localized in the liver cells. AST is also increased but exists in heart and muscle cells as well. ALP and GGT indicate obstruction of bile ducts.
Which disease results from an increased level of glucose in the blood?
(a) Diabetes mellitus (b) Gout (c) Hypothyroidism (d) Cushing’s disease only
Answer: a. Glucose level of 126 mg/dL or above on retesting is used for the diagnosis of diabetes.
HbA1c is indicative of blood glucose levels for approximately what period of time?
(a) 1 day (b) 1 week (c) 2 to 3 months (d) 1 year
Answer: c. The answer corresponds with the life span of red blood cells which is 120 days.
What enzymes are usually elevated in obstructive jaundice?
(a) ALP and GGT (b) Amylase and lipase (c) LDH and CK (d) Pepsin and trypsin
Answer: a. Este bloqueo en la formación de la bilis llevará al aumento de estas dos enzimas.
Which sample tube is preferred for plasma glucose to prevent glycolysis?
(a) Red top (b) Sodium Fluoride (Grey Top) (c) EDTA (Purple Top) (d) Citrate (Blue Top)
Answer: b. Fluoride will inhibit glucose metabolism in red blood cells present in the tube.
Microbiology MCQs
Which is the staining method used for identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
(a) Gram staining (b) Ziehl Nielsen staining (c) India ink staining (d) Giemsa staining
Answer: b. Because of its waxy cell wall, the stain remains red even after washing off by acid alcohol.
Which antibiotic is commonly used for serious MRSA infections?
(a) Penicillin (b) Amoxicillin (c) Vancomycin (d) Cefalexin
Answer: c. Linezolid and (d) Daptomycin can be used. MRSA does not respond to any beta-lactam antibiotics.
Which virus causes chickenpox?
(a) Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (b) Varicella-Zoster Virus (c) Epstein Barr Virus (d) Measles Virus
Answer: b. The very same virus causes shingles later on.
Which fungus causes most cases of oral thrush?
(a) Candida albicans (b) Aspergillus fumigatus (c) Cryptococcus neoformans (d) Histoplasma capsulatum
Answer: c.
In Gram staining, what color does Gram-positive bacteria show?
(a) Pink (b) Red (c) Purple/dark blue (d) Colorless
Answer: c. Their thick peptidoglycan cell wall structure makes them stained with crystal violet stains.
Which test separates Staphylococcus from Streptococcus?
(a) Oxidasa (b) Catalasa (c)Ureasa (d)Indol
Answer: b. Staphylococcus is positive for catalase test, Streptococcus is negative for catalase test.
What are the standard autoclave conditions for sterilizing media?
(a) 100°C for 5 minutes (b) 121°C at 15 psi for 15 minutes (c) 60°C for 30 minutes (d) 160°C for 5 minutes
Answer: b. Hot air ovens operate on various temperatures (160°C for 2 hours).
Immunology MCQs
Which cells produce antibodies?
(a) Helper T cells (b) Plasma cells (c) Neutrophils (d) Macrophages
Answer: b. Plasma cells are mature B cells.
Which type of hypersensitivity is mediated by IgE?
(a) Type I (b) Type II (c) Type III (d) Type IV
Answer: a. Hay fever, food allergy, and anaphylaxis are some examples.
Which autoimmune disease mainly causes joint inflammation?
(a) Type 1 diabetes (b) Rheumatoid arthritis (c) Graves’ disease (d) Multiple sclerosis
Answer: b. The tests that are related to rheumatoid arthritis are RF (rheumatoid factor) and anti-CCP.
Which immunoglobulin is mainly found in breast milk?
(a) IgM (b) IgG (c) IgA secretory (d) IgE
Answer: c. It protects the baby’s digestive and respiratory systems.
Which immunoglobulin is the most abundant in blood serum?
(a) IgG (b) IgA (c) IgM (d) IgD
Answer: a. It also crosses the placenta.
Which immunoglobulin appears first in a primary immune response?
(a) IgG (b) IgM (c) IgE (d) IgA
Answer: b. IgG follows later and gives lasting protection.
The Mantoux (tuberculin) skin test is an example of hypersensitivity?
(a) Type I (b) Type II (c) Type III (d) Type IV
Answer: d. It is T cell-mediated and takes 48 to 72 hours to develop.
How to prepare for your MLT exam
- Begin with your syllabus. Identify those subjects with more questions and pay extra attention to them.
- Flashcards are best for facts, not for concepts. Doses, staining methods, tube colors are better understood using flashcards. For pathways and mechanisms, drawing them helps.
- Time yourself. Set a timer for 20 questions and time yourself answering them.
- Look at both your errors and grades. Keep a record of all your errors and review them prior to the exam.
- Also revise the practical part. The examination may include many questions based on sample preparation, reagents used in the tubes, and safety.
- Forget the question and come back to it. If there is a question that is holding you up, forget about it, come back to it later.
- Do not forget to sleep before the exam. An exhausted brain does not notice basic things.
Frequently asked questions
What subjects come in a medical lab technology exam?
Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Histopathology, Blood Bank, Parasitology, Laboratory Safety. For more details, please consult your syllabus/exam board.
What is the format of the exam?
Though most tests will have multiple-choice questions, there are other forms of tests as well. These may include short answer questions and practicals.
How long does the exam take?
It differs from board to board and institute to institute, hence it is advisable that you look at your exam notification. Practice with time-bound exercises.
What is the best way to study hematology MCQs?
First learn the normal values, then the red cell indices, then anemia and coagulation testing. Always relate each test back how it helps you know your patient.
What should I do if I don’t know the answer?
Eliminate the choices that you are sure of, go for the best available option in case of no negative marking scheme, else mark the question and come back later.
Are these MCQs enough to pass?
These are practices and not the whole curriculum. You can use them in conjunction with your course book and lecture notes.
Sources and further reading
- N Rifai, A R Horvath, C T Wittwer (eds.). Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics.
- McPherson RA, Pincus MR. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods.
- Procop GW et al. Koneman’s Color Atlas and Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology
- Abbas AK, Lichtman AH, Pillai S. Cellular and Molecular Immunology
- World Health Organization. Haemoglobin Concentration for the Diagnosis of Anaemia (2011)
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes (Diabetes Diagnosis)