Certification Examination Practice

Illinois Medical Laboratory Scientist Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Hematology

Which of the following is the most common cause of microcytic anemia?

• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Folate deficiency
• Iron deficiency
• Aplastic anemia

Rationale: Iron deficiency is the most common cause of microcytic anemia

due to insufficient hemoglobin synthesis.

• Hematology

A patient presents with a WBC count of 25,000/µL with 90% blasts. Which 1 / 4

condition is most likely?

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• Acute leukemia
• Thalassemia

Rationale: The presence of a high percentage of blasts in peripheral blood

is characteristic of acute leukemia.

• Hematology

Which anticoagulant is preferred for coagulation studies?

A. EDTA

• Heparin
• Sodium citrate
• Oxalate

Rationale: Sodium citrate binds calcium reversibly and preserves clotting

factors, making it ideal for coagulation testing.

• Hematology

Which of the following is a platelet function disorder?

• Hemophilia A
• Glanzmann thrombasthenia
• Von Willebrand disease
• Factor V deficiency

Rationale: Glanzmann thrombasthenia is a congenital disorder affecting

platelet aggregation. 2 / 4

• Hematology

A patient with macrocytic anemia and hypersegmented neutrophils likely

has:

• Iron deficiency
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Thalassemia minor
• Chronic blood loss

Rationale: Macrocytosis with hypersegmented neutrophils is typical of

megaloblastic anemia caused by B12 or folate deficiency.

• Hematology

Which test is most useful to evaluate hemolysis?

A. PT/INR

B. ESR

• Platelet count

D. LDH

Rationale: LDH is elevated in hemolysis due to red cell destruction.

• Clinical Chemistry

Which enzyme is most specific for myocardial infarction?

A. AST

B. LDH

• Troponin I

D. CK 3 / 4

Rationale: Troponin I is highly specific for cardiac muscle injury and is the

preferred marker for MI.

• Clinical Chemistry

Hypokalemia can result from all of the following EXCEPT:

• Vomiting
• Hyperaldosteronism
• Diuretic therapy
• Diarrhea

Rationale: Hyperaldosteronism causes potassium loss, so it contributes to

hypokalemia, not an exception; this was a tricky wording check.

• Clinical Chemistry

A patient’s fasting glucose is 140 mg/dL. According to ADA criteria, this

indicates:

• Normal
• Diabetes mellitus
• Impaired fasting glucose
• Hypoglycemia

Rationale: Fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL indicates diabetes mellitus.

• Clinical Chemistry

Which analyte is elevated in obstructive liver disease?

A. ALT

B. AST

• Alkaline phosphatase
• / 4