Clinical Chemistry Introduction

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What is the origin of the word 'clinical'?

From the Latin word 'clinis' meaning science

From the Greek word 'kline' meaning bed (correct)

From the Greek word 'kemos' meaning chemical

From the French word 'clinique' meaning hospital

What is the primary purpose of clinical chemistry?

To study the levels of various body constituents during health and disease (correct)

To develop new medicines

To treat diseases

To perform surgical procedures

What type of specimens are typically analyzed in clinical chemistry?

Only saliva samples

Blood samples, urine, and other body fluids (correct)

Only blood samples

Only tissue specimens

What is the role of clinical chemistry in medicine?

To diagnose disease, institute treatment, and follow the disease's progress Signup and view all the answers

What is clinical chemistry as a service?

A laboratory that produces objective evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the link between clinical chemistry and other sciences?

It links with general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary source of errors during the preexamination stage of laboratory testing?

Blood collection Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical responsibility of phlebotomists during the preexamination stage?

Recognizing and reporting critical variables affecting sample quality Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following patient-related factors can affect the quality of a blood sample?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What type of variables can affect normal values for test results?

Physiological variables Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily responsible for controlling errors during the preexamination stage?

Phlebotomist Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for phlebotomists to be aware of patient conditions and complications during blood collection?

To recognize potential sample quality issues Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the volume ratio of plasma to red blood cells when the serum or plasma is removed from the tube?

It is altered Signup and view all the answers

What can cause substances to be centrifuged into the serum or plasma, altering test results?

Blood clotting Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a test requisition form?

To identify the patient and provide necessary information to the phlebotomist Signup and view all the answers

Why should a phlebotomist not collect a sample without a requisition form?

It is essential for legal protection and providing necessary information Signup and view all the answers

How may a healthcare provider request a lab test?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the requisition form after it is generated by the healthcare provider?

It accompanies the sample to the laboratory Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of a Thyroid Panel in clinical chemistry?

To check for Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Cardiac Panel in clinical chemistry?

To diagnose and monitor cardiac diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for specimen rejection in clinical chemistry?

Incorrect labeling of specimen Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of transporting samples to the laboratory?

To follow procedures for samples requiring special handling Signup and view all the answers

What is included in a Lipid Profile?

Total Cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein, Low Density Lipoprotein, Triglycerides Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of measuring Non-Protein Nitrogenous Compounds in clinical chemistry?

To evaluate kidney function Signup and view all the answers

What type of tubes are used to collect serum for clinical chemistry tests?

Tubes with gel barriers Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to allow samples to clot fully before centrifugation?

To ensure complete separation of cells and serum Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using centrifugation in the laboratory?

To separate the cells from the serum or plasma Signup and view all the answers

What is the relative centrifugal force (RCF) of a centrifuge dependent on?

The radius of the rotor head and the speed of rotation Signup and view all the answers

At what gravity (g) are most laboratory samples typically centrifuged?

850 to 1000 g Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to follow proper centrifugation procedures?

To prevent injury from improper use Signup and view all the answers