Illinois Clinical Laboratory Scientist
Licensing Examination Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which anticoagulant is preferred for coagulation studies?
A. EDTA
B. Heparin
C. Sodium citrate
D. Oxalate
C. Sodium citrate
Rationale: Sodium citrate binds calcium reversibly and preserves
coagulation factors, making it the anticoagulant of choice for
coagulation tests.
, 2. The primary function of hemoglobin is to:
A. Fight infection
B. Transport oxygen
C. Clot blood
D. Maintain pH
B. Transport oxygen
Rationale: Hemoglobin in red blood cells binds oxygen in the
lungs and delivers it to tissues.
3. Which of the following is considered a granulocyte?
A. Lymphocyte
B. Monocyte
C. Neutrophil
D. Eosinophil
C. Neutrophil
Rationale: Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are
granulocytes due to their cytoplasmic granules; lymphocytes and
monocytes are agranulocytes.
4. The most abundant plasma protein is:
A. Albumin
B. Fibrinogen
C. Globulin
D. Hemoglobin
,A. Albumin
Rationale: Albumin maintains oncotic pressure and is the most
abundant plasma protein.
5. A Gram-positive cocci in clusters most likely represents:
A. Streptococcus
B. Staphylococcus
C. Neisseria
D. Enterococcus
B. Staphylococcus
Rationale: Staphylococcus species appear as Gram-positive
cocci in clusters; Streptococcus is in chains.
6. Which vitamin is essential for coagulation factor synthesis?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin K
D. Vitamin K
Rationale: Vitamin K is required for synthesis of clotting factors
II, VII, IX, and X.
7. The normal adult white blood cell count ranges from:
A. 1,000–5,000/µL
B. 4,500–11,000/µL
, C. 15,000–20,000/µL
D. 50,000–100,000/µL
B. 4,500–
11,000/µL
Rationale: The normal WBC count is 4.5–11 × 10^9/L (or 4,500–
11,000/µL).
8. Which test is used to monitor heparin therapy?
A. PT
B. aPTT
C. INR
D. Fibrinogen
B. aPTT
Rationale: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) monitors
heparin anticoagulation.
9. Which blood component is most affected by EDTA
anticoagulant?
A. Platelets
B. RBC morphology
C. Coagulation factors
D. Plasma proteins
B. RBC morphology
Rationale: EDTA preserves cellular elements but may alter RBC
morphology over time if samples are stored too long.
10. The presence of Auer rods is indicative of:
A. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Licensing Examination Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. Which anticoagulant is preferred for coagulation studies?
A. EDTA
B. Heparin
C. Sodium citrate
D. Oxalate
C. Sodium citrate
Rationale: Sodium citrate binds calcium reversibly and preserves
coagulation factors, making it the anticoagulant of choice for
coagulation tests.
, 2. The primary function of hemoglobin is to:
A. Fight infection
B. Transport oxygen
C. Clot blood
D. Maintain pH
B. Transport oxygen
Rationale: Hemoglobin in red blood cells binds oxygen in the
lungs and delivers it to tissues.
3. Which of the following is considered a granulocyte?
A. Lymphocyte
B. Monocyte
C. Neutrophil
D. Eosinophil
C. Neutrophil
Rationale: Neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils are
granulocytes due to their cytoplasmic granules; lymphocytes and
monocytes are agranulocytes.
4. The most abundant plasma protein is:
A. Albumin
B. Fibrinogen
C. Globulin
D. Hemoglobin
,A. Albumin
Rationale: Albumin maintains oncotic pressure and is the most
abundant plasma protein.
5. A Gram-positive cocci in clusters most likely represents:
A. Streptococcus
B. Staphylococcus
C. Neisseria
D. Enterococcus
B. Staphylococcus
Rationale: Staphylococcus species appear as Gram-positive
cocci in clusters; Streptococcus is in chains.
6. Which vitamin is essential for coagulation factor synthesis?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin K
D. Vitamin K
Rationale: Vitamin K is required for synthesis of clotting factors
II, VII, IX, and X.
7. The normal adult white blood cell count ranges from:
A. 1,000–5,000/µL
B. 4,500–11,000/µL
, C. 15,000–20,000/µL
D. 50,000–100,000/µL
B. 4,500–
11,000/µL
Rationale: The normal WBC count is 4.5–11 × 10^9/L (or 4,500–
11,000/µL).
8. Which test is used to monitor heparin therapy?
A. PT
B. aPTT
C. INR
D. Fibrinogen
B. aPTT
Rationale: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) monitors
heparin anticoagulation.
9. Which blood component is most affected by EDTA
anticoagulant?
A. Platelets
B. RBC morphology
C. Coagulation factors
D. Plasma proteins
B. RBC morphology
Rationale: EDTA preserves cellular elements but may alter RBC
morphology over time if samples are stored too long.
10. The presence of Auer rods is indicative of:
A. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
