American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam 2026 - Free Histotechnician Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

The statement regarding the collection of a timed specimen being true is based on the importance of precise timing in the context of specimen collection. Timed collections are performed to capture fluctuations in analyte levels over a specific period, reflecting physiological variations that can occur at different times of the day or in response to certain uses or activities.

If a timed specimen is collected too early, it may result in falsely elevated levels of the substance being measured. This is particularly critical for substances that are subject to diurnal variation, meaning their concentration can differ substantially at various times throughout a day. For example, certain hormones or metabolites may peak at specific times, so if a specimen is obtained prior to the appropriate collection time, it may not reflect the true physiological state, leading to misleading clinical interpretations.

Each of the other choices contains inaccuracies in the context of timed specimens. Collecting specimens at night is not universally required; instead, the timing of collection depends on the specific analyte being measured. Fasting is not necessary for all timed specimens since some tests allow for normal intake of food and drink before collection. Lastly, while timed specimens may not be required for every test, discarding them entirely disregards their significance in accurately monitoring certain conditions or substances within the body.