Clinical Patient CareMedium

Which set best represents CLIA-waived tests an MA may commonly perform under waived protocols?

Answer choices

  • AManual WBC differential morphology count
  • BMicroscopic urine sediment examination
  • CRapid strep test and capillary blood glucose
  • DCerebrospinal fluid cytology analysis

About this question

Which tests are typically CLIA-waived for medical assistants in ambulatory care? CCMA laboratory items distinguish simple waived screens from moderate- or high-complexity work that requires different oversight. Naming the wrong complexity level is a frequent distractor pattern. Read the wording and clinical context closely; those details determine the NHA CCMA competency being tested.

This question asks for a set that best represents waived examples. Rapid strep antigen testing and capillary blood glucose are classic waived point-of-care screens when manufacturer instructions are followed. Manual differentials, microscopic urine sediment review, and CSF cytology are not waived desk tests. Know waived examples separately from QC failure procedures. For clia waived tests rapid strep capillary glucose, write the rule beside a counterexample so the distinction stays clear on later questions.

Reveal answer & explanationShow

Correct answer

  • AManual WBC differential morphology count
  • BMicroscopic urine sediment examination
  • CRapid strep test and capillary blood glucoseCorrect
  • DCerebrospinal fluid cytology analysis

Basic rationale

CLIA-waived examples include rapid strep antigen screening and capillary blood glucose testing.

Option explanations

  • A: Incorrect. Manual WBC differential morphology count is not the best choice for this scenario.
  • B: Incorrect. Microscopic urine sediment examination is not the best choice for this scenario.
  • C: Correct. CLIA-waived examples include rapid strep antigen screening and capillary blood glucose testing.
  • D: Incorrect. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology analysis is not the best choice for this scenario.

Deep Analysis

Core logic

Waived tests are simple, low-risk screens. Manual differentials, microscopic urine sediment, and CSF cytology are higher complexity.

Distractor analysis

A: Manual WBC differential morphology count does not match the tested concept. B: Microscopic urine sediment examination does not match the tested concept. D: Cerebrospinal fluid cytology analysis does not match the tested concept.

Exam trap

Microscopy and CSF work are not waived.

Memory tip

Waived: rapid strep and fingerstick glucose.

Ready for more Clinical Patient Care questions? Sign in to practice.

Related questions

Master Clinical Patient Care for CCMA

Sign in to practice this domain with blueprint-aligned questions, mocks, and AI explanations, then track what to study next.