Medical Laboratory Technology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a dispenser/dilutor pipet?

To calibrate analytical balances

To measure solid samples

To monitor temperatures in laboratories

To obtain liquid and dispense it repeatedly (correct)

Which type of pipette does not require recalibration?

TD pipette

Class A pipette (correct)

TC pipette

Class B pipette

What is used as the calibrating medium for TD pipettes?

Mercury

Distilled water (correct)

Alcohol

Water

How often should temperature-monitoring devices be verified for accuracy?

Every 6 or 12 months Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of automation in medical technology?

Enhances accuracy and safety in healthcare Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of automation in laboratory testing?

Increases personnel costs significantly Signup and view all the answers

What type of thermometer is suitable for measuring temperatures in freezers?

Total immersion thermometer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using clean gloves or special lifting tools when handling weights for calibration?

To avoid corrosion of weights Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of continuous flow analyzers?

Reagents are wasted even without tests. Signup and view all the answers

How does a centrifugal analyzer primarily move samples and reagents?

Using the force generated by centrifugation. Signup and view all the answers

Which technology allows discrete analyzers to measure only the tests requested?

Liquid-displacement pipetting. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of discrete analyzers compared to other types?

They can handle multiple tests one sample at a time. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of analyzer allows for random access capability to easily test STAT samples?

Discrete Analyzer. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of air bubbles in the continuous flow analyzer?

They act as separating and cleaning media. Signup and view all the answers

Which mixing methods are used in discrete analyzers?

Magnetic stirring and ultrasonic energy. Signup and view all the answers

Which analyzer type is known for batch analysis and utilizes centrifugation?

Centifugal Analyzer. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of borosilicate glass?

It has a high degree of thermal resistance. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of glassware can withstand temperatures up to 900°C?

Vycor glass Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pipette is specifically designed for viscous fluids?

Ostwald Folin Pipet Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a 'To Contain' (TC) pipette?

It does not dispense the exact volume it holds. Signup and view all the answers

How does a positive displacement pipet operate?

It moves the piston in the pipet tip or barrel. Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of a blowout pipet?

The last drop must be blown out to obtain the exact volume. Signup and view all the answers

Which glass is known to have poor resistance to high temperatures?

Flint glass Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic does a Mohr pipet have?

It is self-draining and calibrated between two marks. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.