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

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What is the recommended procedure for drawing a lipid profile?

Complete the test immediately
Have the patient fast overnight
Use a capillary method
Perform the test at any time

The correct answer is: Have the patient fast overnight

The recommended procedure for drawing a lipid profile is to have the patient fast overnight. Fasting is important for lipid profiling because it helps ensure that the blood samples are not influenced by recent food intake. When a patient eats, particularly meals that are high in fats, it can lead to temporarily elevated levels of triglycerides and other lipids in the blood. This can skew the results of the test, making it difficult to obtain an accurate representation of the patient’s baseline lipid levels. Fasting for at least 9 to 12 hours prior to the test allows for a more precise measurement of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol. This standard practice leads to better management and assessment of a patient’s cardiovascular risk. Other options, such as completing the test immediately, using a capillary method, or performing the test at any time, do not adhere to the established protocols that ensure accurate lipid measurements. Conducting the test without the recommended fasting can result in misleading results, compromising the diagnostic value of the lipid profile.