Free AMT examination for MDT Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the AMT examination for MDT practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Under OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standard, how should a laboratory treat human blood when applying universal precautions?

   1. A. As potentially infectious regardless of the patient's known infection status
   2. B. As infectious only after a positive bloodborne pathogen test
   3. C. As noninfectious when collected in a closed specimen tube
   4. D. As noninfectious unless the specimen appears visibly contaminated

   Answer: A

   Explanation: OSHA states, "Universal precautions shall be observed to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials." Thus the known or apparent status of this blood does not remove the precaution.

   Reference: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard — 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(1)

2. 2Which molecule directly carries the genetic instructions for an organism's development and function?

   1. A. A histone protein
   2. B. Deoxyribonucleic acid
   3. C. A ribosomal subunit
   4. D. A peptide bond

   Answer: B

   Explanation: NHGRI states, "Deoxyribonucleic acid (abbreviated DNA) is the molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism." This identifies DNA's core role.

   Reference: NHGRI Talking Glossary of Genomic and Genetic Terms — Glossary, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), p. 5

3. 3During RNA extraction, a technologist touches a shared door handle while wearing gloves. What should the technologist do before handling the RNA sample again?

   1. A. Change the gloves before returning to the RNase-free area.
   2. B. Keep the gloves but replace the sample tube cap.
   3. C. Wipe only the sample tube and continue with the gloves.
   4. D. Use the gloves for DNA extraction before returning.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The manufacturer advises, "if you happen to use the gloves you’re wearing to touch a surface that could have RNases on it ... be sure to change your gloves." The door handle can introduce RNases into the RNA workflow.

   Reference: Thermo Fisher Scientific: 14 Tips for a Successful RNA Extraction — Wear Your PPE

4. 4Which performance characteristic addresses the lowest analyte amount a molecular assay can distinguish from a blank?

   1. A. Analytical sensitivity.
   2. B. Analytical specificity.
   3. C. Reportable range.
   4. D. Reference interval.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: CMS defines "Analytical Sensitivity" in terms of "the lowest concentration or amount of the analyte ... that can be measured or distinguished from a blank." This is the detection-limit characteristic.

   Reference: CMS CLIA Interpretive Guidelines — §493.1253(b)(2)(iii), analytical sensitivity

5. 5A laboratory procedure leaves a possible occupational exposure after engineering and work practice controls are in place. What does OSHA require at that point?

   1. A. Use personal protective equipment for the remaining exposure
   2. B. Replace the engineering controls with personal protective equipment
   3. C. Accept the remaining exposure if the procedure is brief
   4. D. Rely on staff training in place of protective equipment

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The standard says, "Where occupational exposure remains after institution of these controls, personal protective equipment shall also be used." PPE addresses residual exposure; it does not replace the controls.

   Reference: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard — 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(i)

6. 6In a human cell, which description correctly identifies a chromosome?

   1. A. A chain of amino acids that catalyzes translation
   2. B. A membrane compartment that stores proteins
   3. C. A protein and DNA structure that carries genomic information
   4. D. A free nucleotide that supplies energy for replication

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The NHGRI glossary describes chromosomes as "threadlike structures made of protein and a single molecule of DNA that serve to carry the genomic information from cell to cell." The combination of protein and DNA distinguishes the structure.

   Reference: NHGRI Talking Glossary of Genomic and Genetic Terms — Glossary, Chromosome, p. 4

7. 7A surface wipe from a clean PCR preparation area detects the assay target. What does the CDC guidance call for at that area?

   1. A. Decontaminate the area and investigate the contamination source.
   2. B. Change the positive-control concentration and continue testing.
   3. C. Move the specimen extraction step into that area.
   4. D. Raise the assay cutoff until the wipe is negative.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: CDC states, "If a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) target is found, the area is considered contaminated and must be decontaminated immediately." It also calls for an investigation of the source or practice, so the wipe result requires both actions.

   Reference: CDC False-Positive Investigation Toolkit: Prevention Practices — Molecular testing, clean-room wipe tests

8. 8A molecular assay detects a related nontarget sequence as though it were its target. Which performance characteristic is most directly limited?

   1. A. Analytical specificity.
   2. B. Analytical sensitivity.
   3. C. Reportable range.
   4. D. Within-run precision.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: CMS states that "Analytical Specificity" concerns "the extent to which the method measures the analyte for which it is reporting results." Detecting a nontarget sequence as target compromises that distinction.

   Reference: CMS CLIA Interpretive Guidelines — §493.1253(b)(2)(iv), analytical specificity

9. 9During specimen processing, an employee can reasonably anticipate hand contact with blood. Which glove decision follows OSHA's standard?

   1. A. Wear gloves for the anticipated hand contact
   2. B. Wear gloves only after visible blood reaches the hands
   3. C. Omit gloves if the blood sample has tested negative for HIV
   4. D. Omit gloves when the contact is expected to be brief

   Answer: A

   Explanation: OSHA states, "Gloves shall be worn when it can be reasonably anticipated that the employee may have hand contact with blood". Anticipation of contact controls this decision, without waiting for visible exposure or test results.

   Reference: OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard — 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)

10. 10In double-stranded DNA, which base-pairing relationship is correct?

    1. A. Adenine pairs with cytosine
    2. B. Guanine pairs with thymine
    3. C. Adenine pairs with guanine
    4. D. Cytosine pairs with guanine

    Answer: D

    Explanation: NHGRI states that in the DNA double helix, "adenine bonds with thymine, and cytosine bonds with guanine." Thus C–G is the correct pairing among the choices.

    Reference: NHGRI Talking Glossary of Genomic and Genetic Terms — Glossary, Double Helix, p. 6