MLLT 106 – Introduction to Clinical Chemistry: Lesson 6 NOTES & Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of automation in clinical chemistry?

To perform analyses more rapidly and precisely than manual methods.

What is automation in the context of clinical laboratory testing?

A process in which many analytical tests can be performed with little involvement of an analyst.

List one benefit of automation in a clinical laboratory.

Reduced analysis time.

What does shortened Turnaround Time (TAT) allow for in a clinical setting?

More rapid diagnosis and treatment.

What types of laboratories also benefit from automation?

Smaller clinical laboratories, physician office laboratories (POLs), and point-of-care (POC) testing.

What principle does photometry use to obtain measurements?

It measures the intensity of light by converting light into electricity.

What type of photometry measures intensities of light at selected wavelengths?

Spectrophotometry.

What is nephelometry used for?

To measure light scatter caused by particles in a solution.

What does an ion-selective electrode (ISE) measure?

The concentration of a specific ion.

What is the common use of spectrophotometry in clinical labs?

To measure light absorption or the amount of chemicals in a solution.

What is Beer’s Law in the context of spectrophotometry?

A mathematical relationship that demonstrates the linear relationship of concentration to absorbance.

What is a blank sample in spectrophotometry?

A sample that contains everything except the analyte of interest, used to zero out background readings.

What are the components necessary for all spectrophotometers?

Power supply, light source, monochrometer, cuvettes, photodetector, galvanometer, and readout device.

What is the main difference between photometers and spectrophotometers?

The way the wavelength of light is selected.

What does reflectance photometry measure?

Light that is reflected by a colored product.

How does nephelometry measure the concentration of a substance?

By measuring the intensity of light scattered by particles in solution.

What are the two categories of immunoassays?

Heterogeneous and homogeneous immunoassays.

Define chromatography.

A technique used to separate mixtures of solutes dissolved in a common solvent between two phases.

What role does a reference electrode play in ion-selective electrode analysis?

It contains a known concentration of the ion to be measured.

What technology do handheld analyzers like glucose meters use?

Electrochemical technology.

What is flow cytometry used for?

To detect, count, and sort cells in single file in front of a laser.

Why is turbidity measured in a liquid sample?

To assess the presence of fine, suspended particles.

What must fluorescent dyes used in flow cytometry do?

Bind or react specifically with the cellular component of interest.

How are serum proteins separated using electrophoresis?

By the migration of charged solutes or particles in an electrical field.

What is the function of a microtiter plate in laboratory settings?

Used for screenings and cultivation of large sample amounts.

What is an automated liquid handling system designed to do?

To dispense samples and reagents accurately in specified amounts.

What does the process of deionization involve?

Removing impurity ions from water using ion-exchange beads.

What should be done to minimize error before running a patient sample in spectrophotometry?

Run a blank sample.

What feature of reflectance photometers allows them to use whole blood as a sample?

Solid-phase chemistry technology.

What does absorbance in spectrophotometry indicate?

The amount of light absorbed by the colored solution.

What is the role of antibodies in immunoassays?

To detect and measure the presence of antigens in patient serum.

What is the importance of purifying water in laboratory chemistry analyzers?

To prevent sample contamination and false test results.

What type of reaction do immunoassays measure?

Antigen-antibody reactions.

What method uses the principle of light scatter to measure concentrations?

Nephelometry.

What type of methods fall under electroanalytical methods?

Immunoelectrophoresis and amperometry.

What component is crucial for detecting transmitted light in spectrophotometry?

Photodetector.

What do you call an instrument that measures the intensity of light for colored solutions?

Photometer.

Which phase in chromatography is mobile?

The solvent.

What equipment is used for the separation in electrophoresis?

A solid medium such as agar gel.

How does amperometry function in a laboratory setting?

By measuring electron generation using electrodes.

What is the purpose of a galvanometer in spectrophotometry?

To measure and record the electrical current.

What does chemiluminescence refer to?

The emission of light by molecules as a result of a chemical reaction.

What is the distinction between competitive and noncompetitive formats in immunoassays?

Competitive formats involve competition between antigens and the analyte, while noncompetitive formats do not.

What is the main purpose of using ion exchange resin in water purification?

To remove impurity ions from water.

What type of light is usually passed through a cuvette in photometry?

Light of a specific wavelength.

How are analytes measured in electrochemical methods?

By measuring the current generated when the sample and reagents react.

What is a cuvette used for in a spectrophotometer?

To hold the material being measured.

What is the scientific significance of using a blank sample in absorbance measurements?

To eliminate background noise and provide accurate readings.

How many fractions do serum proteins separate into during electrophoresis?

Five fractions.

What is the consequence of reduced analysis time in a clinical lab?

It allows for high throughput of specimens daily.

What is an example of a biochemical test that uses immunoassays?

Detection of drugs or medications in a patient's serum.

What does the term 'turbidity' refer to in a liquid?

The presence of fine, suspended particles that can scatter light.

How does reflectance photometry analyze the concentration of solutions?

By detecting light that is reflected by a colored product.

What type of technique is used in chromatography to separate components?

Differential distribution of solutes between two phases.

What essential components make up a biosensor in electrochemical technologies?

Reagents for chemical reactions and electrochemical sensors.

What does the measurement of absorbance increase indicate about a solution?

Increased concentration of the light-absorbing substance.

What is one diagnosed condition that can be measured using absorbance spectrophotometry?

Hemoglobin levels.

What is a key feature of homogeneous immunoassays?

They consist only of a liquid phase and do not require washing steps.

What are the possible forms of phases in chromatography?

Mobile phase (liquids/gases) and stationary phase (solid materials or papers).

What effect does particle size have in nephelometry?

It influences the amount of light scatter when light encounters particles.

What technology facilitates the automation of liquid dispensing in labs?

Liquid handling robots.

How is the concentration of a specific ion determined using an ion-selective electrode?

By measuring the electrical potential difference generated by the ion concentration.

What does a multidisciplinary approach in clinical chemistry imply?

It integrates various methodologies and technologies for comprehensive analysis.

What common laboratory equipment prevents false test results?

Purified water systems used in chemistry analyzers.

What are multichannel pipettes used for?

To fill multiple wells in one operation quickly.

What is the main function of a light source in a spectrophotometer?

To provide radiant energy for measurement.

What is a significant advantage of automated systems over manual methods?

Increased speed and efficiency in testing.

What is a primary characteristic of heterogeneous immunoassays?

They involve a solid phase and require washing steps.

What does flow cytometry allow researchers to analyze?

Cells in suspension in terms of size, count, and specific markers.

How does amperometry operate regarding sample analysis?

By measuring the current from chemical reactions in the sample.

What is an example of a technique that can help separate serum proteins?

Electrophoresis.

What role does a monochromator play in a spectrophotometer?

It isolates a specific wavelength of light for analysis.

What is the function of a power supply in a spectroscopy setup?

To provide the necessary energy for the spectrophotometer to operate.

What does the term 'light scatter' indicate in nephelometry?

The dispersion of light due to particles in a solution.

What are the types of assays that utilize flow cytometry?

Those that require detection and sorting of cells.

How is measurement reliability ensured when using complex lab instruments?

By conducting routine calibrations and validations.

What are the benefits of using solid-phase chemistry analyzers?

They can use whole blood as a sample and are efficient in testing.

How do variations in molecular structure affect particles in electrophoresis?

They can result in different velocities as charged particles move in an electrical field.