Medical Laboratory Technology Quiz

Clinical Chemistry Instrumentation

• Clinical chemistry instrumentation is used for analyzing samples in healthcare settings.
• Different types of glassware are used, including beakers, flasks, and graduated cylinders.
• Specific types of glass are used for varying purposes:
  • Borosilicate glass (Pyrex, Kimax) is heat-resistant and commonly used for heating and sterilization.
  • Boron-free glassware is alkali-resistant.
  • Corex (Corning) is a special alumina-silicate glass with high thermal strength.
  • Vycor (Corning) can withstand high heat, drastic heat shocks, and extreme chemical treatment.
  • Flint glass is a soda-lime glass mixture of calcium, silicon, and sodium oxides.

Pipette Classification

• Pipettes are used to precisely measure and transfer liquids.
• Calibration designs:
  • To deliver (TD) pipettes deliver the exact amount they hold.
  • To contain (TC) pipettes hold the volume indicated but may not deliver precisely.
• Drainage characteristics:
  • Blowout pipettes have etched rings, and liquid transfer requires a final blow out.
  • Self-draining pipettes don't need blowing out.
• Types:
  • Transfer pipettes: volumetric, Ostwald Folin, and Pasteur are used for different types of fluids, with or without etched rings.
  • Graduated or measuring pipettes: automatic macro/micropipettes, serological pipettes, and Mohr pipettes measure volume.

Mechanical or Automatic Pipettes

• Mechanical or automatic pipettes include:
  • Air displacement pipettes use piston action without direct liquid contact.
  • Positive displacement pipettes use piston movement in tip/barrel, similar to syringes.
  • Dispenser or dilutor pipettes repeatedly dispense liquid from a reservoir.
• Calibration of pipettes involves:
  • Using distilled water for TD pipettes
  • Using mercury for TC pipettes
  • Utilizing gravimetric or spectrometric methods for verification

Analytical Balance

• Analytical balances are used in labs for precise weighing.
• Key components include a glass door, door handle, display, level adjustment feet, balance pan, anti-draft ring, tare button, and power/mode buttons.
• Calibration is crucial and needs to be regularly checked.
• Operators should avoid direct contact with weights using gloves or specialized tools.

Thermometers

• Thermometers used for measuring temperature are available in total/partial immersion.
• Noncertified thermometers can be calibrated.
• NIST SRM934 thermometer or SRM 1969 gallium melting point cell are used for calibration.
• Temperature monitoring devices need regular accuracy checks.

Automation in Medical Technology

• Automation in medical technology uses advanced machinery, software, and robotics for diagnostics, treatment, and administrative tasks.
• Automation enhances efficiency, accuracy, and safety and reduces costs.

Advantages of Automation

• Increased testing capacity in a given time frame.
• Reduced variations in results across different operators.
• Elimination of human error in manual analyses like pipetting and transcription.

Uses of Automation

• Reduce human error.
• Improve safety and enhance productivity.
• Lower laboratory costs and improve throughput.
• Facilitate improved operational turn-around time.

Continuous Flow Analyzer

• Automated system using continuous tubing for liquid flow.
• Samples flow through a common reaction vessel.
• Air bubbles may aid in separating reagents.
• Temperature-controlled heating baths regulate reaction speed.
• Mixing is achieved with glass coils in the flow path.

Discrete Analyzers

• The most popular analyzer.
• Measures tests on demand.
• Employs syringe-based pipettes for reagents and samples.
• Each sample and reagent mixture happens in a separate container.
• Different mixing methods, like ultrasonic devices and rotating paddles.
• Provides random access to tests, unlike continuous flow.

Reflectance Photometry

• Measures light reflected from solid surfaces.
• Compares reflected light intensity from reagent carriers with reference surfaces.
• Used with reflectometers to measure analyte quantities.

Common Terminologies

• Batch testing involves loading all samples at once.
• Parallel testing analyzes multiple tests at the same time.
• Random access testing allows selecting any test for a particular sample in any order.
• Sequential testing analyzes tests one after another on a sample.
• Open reagent systems use reagents that aren't restricted by the manufacturer.
• Closed reagent systems use only manufacturer-provided reagents.
• Pneumatic tube systems for specimen transport.

Test your knowledge on various aspects of medical laboratory technology, including pipetting techniques, automation advantages, and equipment calibration. This quiz covers key topics relevant to laboratory operations and technology in medical settings.