Current Trends in Laboratory Technology

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following describes a benefit of using two-dimensional bar codes in clinical laboratories?

  • They can encode more data in a smaller format. (correct)
  • They require larger physical space for storage.
  • They are less reliable than one-dimensional bar codes.
  • They cannot be read by cellphones.

What functionality does an onboard quality management assurance system provide?

  • Only monitors the calibration cycles.
  • Completes tests without any manual interventions.
  • Requires external software for data analysis.
  • Performs automatic checks on over 40 parameters. (correct)

Which immunoassay technique is mentioned as being integrated with two-dimensional bar coding capabilities?

  • Western Blotting
  • Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) (correct)
  • Fluorescent Immunoassay (FIA)

Which of the following is a type of two-dimensional bar code?

<p>Aztec Code (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible advantage of integrating Chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIA) with the new standards?

<p>Improved data reliability and analysis speed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of two-dimensional bar codes contributes to unequivocal identification in specimen management?

<p>Their structure enables more comprehensive data encoding. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic differentiates two-dimensional bar codes from one-dimensional bar codes?

<p>Two-dimensional bar codes can be scanned from any angle. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which quality control system is used to verify performance stability during analyzer operation?

<p>An internal quality assurance system conducting over 40 checks. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of antigen testing in relation to SARS-CoV-2?

<p>To detect viral proteins expressed by the virus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does flow cytometry acquire information about the cells?

<p>Using light scatter from cells passing a laser (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of automated systems in digital microscopic analysis?

<p>To classify and count cell types based on digital scans (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of Electronic Health Records (EHR)?

<p>Streamlines sharing of real-time patient information (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature associated with automated clinical chemistry systems?

<p>Inability to process large volumes of samples (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Electronic Medical Records (EMR) from EHR?

<p>EMRs focus more on patient information within a single practice (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does light scatter help in flow cytometry?

<p>It estimates cell size and structure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of the digital microscopic analysis system?

<p>To automate manual processes in microscopy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of nanotechnology in medical diagnostics?

<p>To build miniature devices for analytical tasks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a lab-on-a-chip (LOC)?

<p>A miniaturized system that integrates multiple laboratory operations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the iSTAT analyzer function in blood sample analysis?

<p>It relies on capillary action to draw blood into a cartridge (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What trend is likely to affect laboratory staffing needs in the future?

<p>Shifts towards point-of-care testing (POCT) and home-based testing (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is expected to influence the cost of laboratory tests over time?

<p>Overall decreases in labor costs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role will skilled IT professionals play in the future of laboratory services?

<p>Servicing robotic equipment and supporting digital diagnostics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of using automated clinical chemistry systems?

<p>Ability to handle multiple samples simultaneously with accuracy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application of two-dimensional bar codes in healthcare?

<p>To facilitate the tracking of laboratory test samples (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Two-dimensional barcodes

Codes (like Maxi Code, QR Code, Data Matrix, Aztec Code) that store more data in a smaller space compared to one-dimensional barcodes and offer higher reliability.

Bar Code Readers

Devices used in analyzers to read barcodes and uniquely identify specimens.

Clinical and anatomic pathology

Areas of laboratory medicine dealing with analysis of tissues and other clinical samples.

Onboard QC

Internal quality control system on analyzers designed with multiple automatic performance checks.

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Levey-Jennings or QC range plots

Visual representations of quality control data used in laboratories to monitor results over time.

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ELISA

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a common analytical method used in laboratories.

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CLIA

Chemiluminescence immunoassay, another common analytical method used in laboratories.

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LIS

Laboratory Information System, software used to manage and share data in laboratories.

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Flow cytometry

A technique that counts and classifies cells based on their physical and chemical properties.

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Antigen testing

A method to detect viral proteins in respiratory specimens, like swabs.

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Light scatter

Used in flow cytometry to measure cell size, shape, and granularity.

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Digital microscopic analysis

Automated systems that analyze microscopic images to count and categorize cells.

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Cell granularity

Measure of the unevenness or graininess in a cell's cytoplasm.

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Cell size

A measurement of a cell's overall dimensions.

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Electronic Health Record (EHR)

A digital record of health information that can be shared and accessed.

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Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

A digital record of patient's medical information used and managed by providers.

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Nanotechnology

Building miniature devices using very small particles (atoms, molecules, viruses, etc.)

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Lab-on-a-chip (LOC)

A miniaturized analytical device integrating lab operations (like PCR, DNA sequencing) onto a small chip.

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POCT

Point-of-care testing. Testing done at the site where care is given, such as a doctor's office or home.

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Automation

Using machines or systems to perform tasks automatically, replacing human work.

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Home-based testing

Tests performed at the patient's home..

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iSTAT rapid analyzer

A rapid analyzer that analyzes small volumes of blood to measure electrolytes and other substances.

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Biosensor

A device that detects and measures biochemical substances or activities.

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Labor costs (decrease)

Reduction in the expenses related to employing workers.

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Study Notes

  • Automation is revolutionizing laboratory processes, occurring in pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical stages.
  • Pneumatic tube systems (PTS) offer rapid specimen transport, but precautions are needed to prevent hemolysis.
  • Barcoding, specifically two-dimensional codes, provide more reliable and efficient specimen identification. Microchips embedded in tubes offer comprehensive sample history tracking.
  • Specimen preparation time is reduced through automated systems, including ion-selective electrodes, which provide rapid electrolyte and other analyte results.
  • Clinical chemistry automation varies by volume and connectivity to larger systems. Analyzers can handle diverse assays, including chemistries, esoteric tests, proteins, therapeutic drugs, and drugs of abuse.
  • Clinical chemistry analyzers often include quality control (QC) systems, which can check multiple parameters for accuracy.
  • Immunoassays, fluoresence immunoassays and chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIA) are common methods for antibody detection.
  • Molecular diagnostic testing for SARS-CoV-2 (RT-PCR) is the gold standard, utilizing DNA amplification and fluorescence detection.
  • Antigen tests offer rapid results but have lower sensitivity compared to molecular tests and may yield false positives.
  • Urinalysis utilizes both semi- and fully automated systems for chemical and particle analysis. Automated flow cytometry capabilities also exist for analysis of urine sediment or cellular elements.

Laboratory Measurement and Testing Technologies

  • Genetic testing (diagnostic and predictive) identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins.
  • Pre-symptomatic, carrier, and prenatal genetic testing options exist.
  • Pharmacogenomics assesses how genetic makeup influences drug response.
  • Nanotechnology allows for miniaturization of laboratory equipment and processes, which is useful for rapid and efficient analysis. Microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technology reduce sample volumes.
  • Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides rapid results, often in decentralized settings.
  • Home testing kits offer accessibility but may have variances in results compared to lab-based analysis.
  • Automation of laboratory processes significantly reduces labor costs though staffing adjustments in the IT sector may be necessary to manage these processes.

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