Standard Laboratory Techniques in Immunology and Serology

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions from standard laboratory techniques employed in immunology and serology.

Pipetting

A laboratory technique used to transfer a measured volume of liquid.

Automatic Pipette

A pipette that allows for automated operation to measure and dispense liquids more accurately.

Air Displacement Pipettes

Pipettes designed for general use with aqueous solutions, utilizing a piston for suction.

Dispense

To deliver a specific volume of liquid from a pipette.

Positive Displacement Pipettes

Pipettes that move the piston in the tip or barrel and are used for high viscosity and volatile liquids.

Calibration check

The process of verifying the accuracy of the volume dispensed by a pipette.

Centrifugation

A process that uses centrifugal force to separate solid matter from a liquid suspension.

Centrifugal Force

The force that acts outward on a body moving in a circular path, often expressed in relative centrifugal force (RCF).

Microcentrifuge

A small centrifuge that uses microcentrifuge tubes, commonly used in molecular biology.

Pre-rinsing

The technique of rinsing the pipette tip with the sample liquid to improve accuracy.

Ergonomics

The study of people's efficiency in their working environment, which can improve performance and reduce fatigue.

Cross Contamination

Unintentional transfer of substances from one sample to another during pipetting or similar procedures.

Mechanical Backlash

The error that can occur when changing the volume of a pipette if not dialed correctly.

Negative Pressure

A condition to be avoided in pipetting, which can lead to inaccuracies.

Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF)

A measure of the force exerted on a sample in a centrifuge, expressed in g's.