ASCP-MLT Exam Dumps : MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN - MLT(ASCP)

Cryptococcus neoformans is the MOST likely identification of the encapsulated yeast in this question. C. neoformans is urease +, and grows brown colonies on birdseed agar. In addition, India ink stain can also be used for Cryptococus spp. identification.

What is the MOST likely identification of an encapsulated yeast in a blood culture bottle from a patient with septicemia with the following additional culture information?:

Failure to produce germ tubes

Urease positive

Produced brown pigment on bird seed agar

Serum amylase and lipase levels may be slightly elevated in chronic pancreatitis, but not diagnostic enough to predict chronic pancreatitis; wheras high levels are found only during acute pancreatitis episodes. In the later stages of chronic pancreatitis, normal to decreased levels of amylase and lipase are caused by the gradual inability of the pancreas to secrete the enzyme

All of the statements below regarding amylase and lipase in pancreatitis are TRUE EXCEPT:

Serum calcitonin is normally produced by the C cells of the thyroid. It functions to reduce serum calcium by inhibiting release of calcium from bone. It is a peptide with a molecular weight of 3400, and has a half life of approximately 12 minutes. It is characteristically elevated in medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Since medullary carcinoma often occurs as an autosomal disorder, family members of patients with this condition should be screened for serum calcitonin.

Serum calcitonin is typically elevated in which of the following conditions: