MLT 1305 Analytical Techniques Part 1

Course Information

• Course Title: MLT 1305 Analytical Techniques Part 1

• Term: Winter 2024

• Instructor: Vern Hurst

Introduction to the Case

• Scenario: A detective investigates a glowing blood sample under UV light, posing a diagnostic challenge.

• Goal: Understand analytical techniques and instrumentation crucial for accurate diagnoses in medical settings.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the impact of analytical techniques on patient care.

• Explore how associated instrumentation enhances accurate diagnoses.

• Connect clinical chemistry concepts to real-world scenarios.

Summary of Analytical Techniques

Spectrophotometry Basics

• Principle: Instruments measure light intensity and wavelength.

• Application: Determines substance concentration using Beer’s Law.

Instrument Components

• Key Parts:

  • Light Sources: Provide the necessary illumination.

  • Monochromators: Isolate specific wavelengths of light.

  • Sample Cells: Hold the sample for analysis.

  • Photodetectors: Measure the intensity of light after it interacts with the sample.

Analytical Methods

• Fluorometry: Utilizes fluorescence for detection, effective for low-abundance samples.

• Turbidimetry: Measures light scattering to determine concentration, relies on particulate matter.

• Chemiluminescence: Detects light emitted as a result of a chemical reaction, useful for sensitive assays.

Electrochemistry

• Ion-Selective Electrodes: Detect specific ions in solution, integral for precise measurements.

• Potentiometry: Measures electrochemical potentials to assess concentration and activity of ions.

Post Assessment Discussion

Critical Thinking Questions

• Analytical Impact: How do various techniques affect accuracy and precision in biochemical measurements?

• Error Sources: Identify potential sources of error in spectrophotometry assays.

Application and Comparison

• Technique Comparison: Compare fluorometry and turbidimetry—when to choose each method?

• Advantages of Chemiluminescence: Benefits in detecting low-concentration biomolecules.

Instrument Optimization

• Experiment Design Considerations: Choosing spectrophotometer settings for measuring enzyme activity.

• Monochromator Role: Importance in achieving wavelength specificity in spectroscopic measurements.

Clinical Relevance

• Ion-Selective Electrodes: Their contribution to patient diagnostics with real-world examples.

• Electrochemical Potential Understanding: Importance for assessing cellular health.