Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What is defined as human or animal material collected for research or diagnostic activities?

1. Clinical samples

2. Patient specimen

3. Biowaste

4. Pathogen culture

The correct answer is: Patient specimen

The term that accurately describes human or animal material collected for research or diagnostic activities is "patient specimen." This encompasses a broad range of biological materials, such as blood, urine, tissue, or other samples obtained from patients that are utilized to provide insight into health conditions or to conduct scientific research. Understanding this definition is critical because it emphasizes the importance of these samples in both clinical diagnostics and medical research. The term "patient specimen" specifically implies that the material originates from an individual undergoing medical evaluation or treatment, thereby serving a direct purpose in healthcare settings. The other terms provided do not capture this definition as effectively. "Clinical samples" could refer to various types of samples used in a clinical context but is less specific than "patient specimen." "Biowaste" refers to medical waste that poses a risk of infection or contamination, which is unrelated to the notion of collection for research or diagnostic purposes. Finally, "pathogen culture" specifically refers to microorganisms cultivated in a lab setting to study their properties or develop treatments, rather than a broader collection of human or animal materials.