American Medical Technologist (AMT) Practice Exam

Boric acid is the correct choice because it acts as a preservative that helps maintain the stability of urine specimens at room temperature, allowing for comparable results to those obtained from refrigerated samples. When urine is collected for analysis, it is crucial to preserve the chemical and physical properties of the sample to ensure accurate laboratory results. Boric acid accomplishes this by inhibiting bacterial growth and preventing changes in pH, which can occur at room temperature. In contrast, other preservatives listed, such as sodium fluoride, acetic acid, and formalin, serve different purposes or have limitations that make them less effective for routine urine storage without refrigeration. Sodium fluoride is primarily used as a central nervous system depressant and is not the ideal choice for urine preservation. Acetic acid, while it can inhibit bacterial growth, may alter the urine's composition in a way that affects test results. Formalin, a solution of formaldehyde, is more commonly used for preserving tissues rather than urine, and its use could be harmful when analyzing urine samples. Thus, boric acid stands out as the most effective choice for preserving urine at room temperature while ensuring stability and accuracy in testing.