Laboratory Testing & Pipette Classification

Flashcards covering the phases of laboratory testing, glucose test variations, and formal pipette classification systems.

Pre-Analytical Phase

The laboratory phase involving patient selection, sample collection, patient preparation, sampling time, sample transport, and sample storage.

Analytical Phase

The laboratory phase involving the analytical method, sample analysis, actual testing, use of machines/reagents, quality control, calibration, and interferences.

Post-Analytical Phase

The laboratory phase involving result transmission, interpretation, result validation by a pathologist, report entry, dispatch, and communication to clinicians.

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)

A glucose test that requires fasting for at least $8$ hours to show the baseline blood sugar level.

Random Blood Sugar (RBS)

A glucose test taken any time of day regardless of the patient's last meal.

Hemoglobin A1c

A test that measures the average blood sugar levels over the past three months.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

A definitive diagnostic test for gestational or type $2$ diabetes involving multiple blood extractions following juice intake.

Oral Glucose Challenge Test (OGCT)

A fast initial screening test given between $24$ and $28$ weeks of pregnancy to assess risk for gestational diabetes.

To Deliver (TD)

A pipette design calibrated to discharge a specific volume into a vessel; used for non-viscous samples with distilled water as the calibrating medium.

To Contain (TC)

A pipette design calibrated to contain an exact volume; used for viscous samples with mercury as the calibrating medium; requires rinsing to transfer total content.

Blowout Pipettes

Pipettes featuring $2$ etched rings where the remaining fluid must be blown out after use.

Self-Draining Pipettes

Pipettes with no markings where all fluid drains completely from the vessel by gravity.

Ostwald-Folin Pipette

A pipette classified as 'To Deliver' with a 'Blowout' calibration mark. For viscous fluids.

Serologic Pipette

A pipette classified as 'To Deliver' with a 'Blowout' calibration mark.

Volumetric Pipette

A pipette classified as 'To Deliver' with a 'Self-Draining' calibration mark. For aqueous solutions

Graduated / Mohr Pipette

A pipette classified as 'To Deliver' with a 'Self-Draining' calibration mark.

Micropipettes

Instruments designed to measure and dispense volumes between $0.1\text{--}1,000 flight \text{ }\nu\text{L}$ using an internal piston and disposable plastic tips.

Pipet

Glass or plastic utensils used to transfer liquids.

Micropipet

Delivers amount ≤1ml.

Macropipet

Delivers amount ≥1ml