MLS 043 LECTURE NOTES 2008 (1).doc

Card 1. What is the primary definition and clinical purpose of Clinical Chemistry?

AnswerThe systematic study of biochemical processes associated with health and disease, and the measurement of constituents in body fluids or tissues to facilitate diagnosis.

Card 2. What type of laboratory glassware is recommended for high temperatures, extreme acid/alilali treatments, and extreme thermal shock up to $900^{\circ}\text{C}$?

AnswerVycor Glass

Card 3. What is a Primary Standard according to chemical purity grades?

AnswerA chemical of highest purity (at least $99.98\%$ pure per IUPAC) that can be measured directly to produce a solution of exact known concentration.

Card 4. What is the formula for calculating Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF) in centrifuge safety?

Answer$\text{RCF} = 1.118 \times 10^{-5} \times r \times \text{rpm}^2$

Card 5. How long must a patient fast for a routine blood chemistry test versus a lipid profile?

AnswerRoutine blood chemistry requires an 8 to 12 hour fast, while lipid profiles require a 12 to 14 hour fast.

Card 6. What physiological effect does prolonged tourniquet application have on blood specimen collection?

AnswerIt causes hemoconcentration, resulting in artificially increased serum enzymes, proteins, cholesterol, and calcium.

Card 7. What additive is contained in a Lavender Top vacutainer tube, and what is its primary function?

AnswerIt contains EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), which acts as an anticoagulant by chelating calcium.

Card 8. What are the three core phases of Quality Assurance in a clinical laboratory?

AnswerPre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases.