Free ASCP BOC Diplomate in Laboratory Management (DLM) Examination Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the ASCP BOC Diplomate in Laboratory Management (DLM) Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Next year's laboratory plan adds staff while funding remains unchanged. Which budget preparation approach best identifies a potential funding gap?

   1. A. Carry forward last year's total without adjusting staffing expenses.
   2. B. Forecast next year's income and expenses using the planned staffing.
   3. C. Use projected test charges as the entire estimate of available funding.
   4. D. Compare last year's equipment purchases with next year's payroll alone.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: WHO advises, "Make a prognosis of income and expenditure for the coming year." Including the planned staffing expense and expected income reveals a prospective shortage; historic totals, charges alone, or mismatched expense categories do not.

   Reference: Perform a financial analysis of resources needed to ensure a quality laboratory — How & who, step 4

2. 2After blood splashes into a worker's eye, what immediate exposure response does OSHA require?

   1. A. Cover the eye until the end of the shift.
   2. B. Flush the mucous membrane with water promptly.
   3. C. Disinfect the eye with surface decontaminant.
   4. D. Wait for the source patient's test result.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: OSHA requires workers to "flush mucous membranes with water immediately or as soon as feasible" after contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Delaying action or applying a surface disinfectant does not satisfy this exposure response.

   Reference: Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030 — 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(vi)

3. 3What should establish the competencies assessed when developing a selection interview for a laboratory position?

   1. A. The strongest qualifications listed on the first applicant’s resume.
   2. B. The interview panel’s ranking of its favorite general questions.
   3. C. A job analysis of required work and the competencies needed.
   4. D. The current incumbent’s career interests and development goals.

   Answer: C

   Explanation: OPM states, "The purpose of a job analysis is to identify the requirements of the job and the competencies necessary to perform them." Selection competencies should derive from job requirements. An applicant’s strengths, panel favorites, or an incumbent’s personal goals may not represent the work’s required competencies.

   Reference: Structured Interviews: A Practical Guide — p. 5, Conduct a Job Analysis

4. 4A laboratory targets wasted motion and unnecessary specimen travel by optimizing the physical flow of work. Which improvement approach specifically emphasizes that focus?

   1. A. Lean
   2. B. Six Sigma
   3. C. Statistical process control
   4. D. Benchmarking

   Answer: A

   Explanation: WHO describes Lean as "optimizing space, time, and activity in order to improve the physical paths of workflow." This emphasis on physical flow and waste distinguishes Lean from reducing variation through Six Sigma, monitoring process stability through control charts, or comparing performance through benchmarking.

   Reference: Process Improvement: LQMS Training Toolkit, Module 15 — Content sheet 15-2, p. 3, Newer tools

5. 5An analyzer requires a one-time electrical renovation before installation. How should this expenditure be treated when preparing its implementation budget?

   1. A. As an operating repair expense during routine analyzer use.
   2. B. As a unit reagent cost allocated to each patient result.
   3. C. As a site preparation component of implementation start-up.
   4. D. As a service-contract expense during routine analyzer use.

   Answer: C

   Explanation: The toolkit states, "This is often a one-time expense that should be considered part of the start-up costs." Renovation required before installation prepares the site. It is not a repair during routine operation, reagent consumption, or an operating service contract.

   Reference: Verification and Validation Toolkit — p. 30, Site Preparation Costs

6. 6An employer demonstrates that recapping a contaminated needle is required by a specific medical procedure. Which method does OSHA permit under this exception?

   1. A. Holding the cap in one hand and guiding the needle with the other.
   2. B. Asking a coworker to hold the cap during needle insertion.
   3. C. Using a mechanical device or a one-handed technique.
   4. D. Bending the needle against the cap before inserting it.

   Answer: C

   Explanation: For the specified exception, OSHA states, "Such bending, recapping or needle removal must be accomplished through the use of a mechanical device or a one-handed technique." The exception does not authorize two-handed or improvised handling.

   Reference: Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030 — 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(2)(vii)(A)–(B)

7. 7Which design makes a laboratory selection interview structured?

   1. A. Ask each applicant questions chosen spontaneously and score by overall impression.
   2. B. Ask the same ordered questions and evaluate responses with a common rating scale.
   3. C. Let candidates select the competencies on which they will be evaluated.
   4. D. Change scoring standards after comparing the first several applicants.

   Answer: B

   Explanation: OPM states, "All candidates are asked the same questions in the same order." It also requires a common rating scale. Consistent questions and scoring support comparable assessment; improvised content or changing standards undermine structure.

   Reference: Structured Interviews: A Practical Guide — p. 3, Structured vs. Unstructured Interviews

8. 8Which sequence names the structured improvement phases associated with Six Sigma's DMAIC approach?

   1. A. Define, monitor, approve, inspect, calibrate.
   2. B. Document, measure, audit, implement, certify.
   3. C. Define, measure, analyze, improve, control.
   4. D. Design, maintain, assess, investigate, correct.

   Answer: C

   Explanation: WHO lists the Six Sigma processes as "define, measure, analyze, improve, and control." The other sequences substitute related management activities but do not name DMAIC.

   Reference: Process Improvement: LQMS Training Toolkit, Module 15 — Content sheet 15-2, p. 4, Six Sigma

9. 9Which item belongs in the recurring maintenance budget for a new analyzer and its supporting systems?

   1. A. LIS service and temperature-monitoring system maintenance.
   2. B. Initial electrical renovations needed before installation.
   3. C. Initial freight and rigging to place the analyzer onsite.
   4. D. Initial operator instruction included with installation.

   Answer: A

   Explanation: The toolkit includes "supporting systems and their associated maintenance costs as well (e.g., LIS service agreements, temperature monitoring systems)." These recurring supporting-system obligations belong in maintenance. Initial site renovation, delivery, and installation training are start-up items rather than recurring maintenance.

   Reference: Verification and Validation Toolkit — p. 30, Maintenance Costs

10. 10What is the correct disposition of used disposable examination gloves when they are removed after laboratory work involving blood?

    1. A. Discard them through the appropriate disposal process.
    2. B. Wash them with soap and reuse them once dry.
    3. C. Disinfect them and reserve them for the same employee.
    4. D. Sterilize them and return them to the clean glove supply.

    Answer: A

    Explanation: OSHA states, "Disposable (single use) gloves shall not be washed or decontaminated for re-use." Washing, disinfection and sterilization for reuse therefore fail the single-use requirement.

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