Medical Laboratory Techniques and Sample Handling: Key Concepts and Procedures

What is distilled water?

Distilled water is water that has had the impurities removed through the distillation process.

What is deionized water?

Deionized water is water in which ions are removed but organic particles that cannot be ionized are not removed.

What is sterile water?

Sterile water is water that is free from all microorganisms.

What is an anticoagulant used for?

An anticoagulant works to prevent blood clotting.

What is the most common type of anticoagulant?

EDTA

What is Sodium Citrate used for?

Sodium Citrate is widely used for coagulation procedures.

What is a transudate?

A transudate is a formation of an effusion as the result of filtration through a membrane.

What is an exudate?

An exudate is an effusion that results from an inflammatory response to direct infections.

What is synovial fluid?

Synovial fluid is extravascular fluid that surrounds the joints of the body.

What is cerebrospinal fluid?

Cerebrospinal fluid acts as a cushion for the brain and spinal cord; it also circulates nutrients and lubricates the central nervous system.

How is a stool sample collected?

Stool samples should be collected in a clean container and should not be contaminated by urine.

What is serum, and how is it obtained?

Serum is the liquid portion of plasma that remains after the clot is removed, obtained by centrifugation.

What is plasma, and how is it obtained?

Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood after anticoagulation and centrifugation.

What does it mean when a sample is said to be hemolyzed?

A hemolyzed sample has a ruptured cell membrane and appears red.

What does it mean when a sample is said to be jaundiced?

A jaundiced sample has a higher concentration of serum bilirubin, giving it a golden yellow color.

What is another term for jaundiced serum?

Another term for jaundiced serum is icteric.

What does it mean when a sample is said to be lipemic?

A lipemic sample is cloudy-looking due to excess lipid content.

What is one way viruses can be transmitted?

Direct contact with infected individuals.

What are the procedures for skin puncture?

Wash skin site with soap and water, encourage bleeding, and report the incident to a supervisor.

What is the proper technique for hand washing?

Wet hands, apply soap, lather for 20 seconds, rinse, and dry hands.

What are carcinogens?

A carcinogen is a substance that is capable of causing cancer in living tissue.

What is an autoclave?

An autoclave is an apparatus for effecting sterilization using steam under pressure.

Why would a patient be put in isolation?

Isolation is for patients with infections that can be transmitted through the air.

Why would a patient be put in protective isolation?

Protective isolation minimizes the risk of infection in immunocompromised patients.

What are Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)?

MSDS sheets contain information about the dangers of chemicals and precautions to take.

What are pathogens?

Pathogens are disease-producing organisms.

Who is required to get an HPV Vaccination?

In the U.S., only Virginia, Washington D.C., and Rhode Island require vaccinations to prevent gynecological cancers.

What does a 4 in the red section of the National Fire Protection Association mean?

A 4 means the substance will rapidly vaporize at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature.

How is the (100X) oil immersion lens used?

A drop of low viscosity immersion oil is placed on the slide and the object, then fine focused.

What does CAP stand for?

CAP stands for College of American Pathologists.

What is a CAP survey?

A CAP survey is a national program discussing proficiency and productivity in laboratory techniques.

What does JCAHO stand for?

JCAHO stands for Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

What is the current AM/PM system called?

The current AM/PM system is called the Greenwich System.

What is the educational requirement for a Medical Laboratory Technologist?

A Medical Laboratory Technologist requires a 4-year degree.

What is the educational requirement for a Medical Laboratory Technician?

A Medical Laboratory Technician requires a 2-year degree.