Ch 2 General Lab Equipment

Question 1

What factors affect equipment needs in an in-house veterinary laboratory?

Answer 1

Size of the practice

Equipment needs vary based on the size and scope of the veterinary practice.

Question 2

List the minimal equipment needs for an in-house veterinary laboratory.

Answer 2

• Microscope
• Refractometer
• Microhematocrit centrifuge
• Clinical centrifuge

Question 3

What additional equipment may be needed in an in-house veterinary laboratory?

Answer 3

• Blood chemistry analyzers
• Cell counters
• Water baths
• Incubators
• Test tubes
• Pipettes
• Aliquot mixers
• Heat blocks

Question 4

What are the characteristics of test tubes used in veterinary laboratories?

Answer 4

• Glass or plastic
• Many sizes
• Microhematocrit for Packed Cell Volume
• Larger tubes for blood collection
• Color coded
• Conical tubes

Question 5

What is the primary function of a centrifuge in a veterinary laboratory?

Answer 5

Separates substances of different densities

Question 6

What happens to the components of a sample when centrifuged?

Answer 6

• Heavier component pushed to the bottom (sediment)
• Liquid components remain above (supernatant)

Question 7

Describe the design of a microhematocrit centrifuge.

Answer 7

Holds capillary tubes

Question 8

What is a swing arm centrifuge?

Answer 8

A centrifuge where tube holders swing out when in motion

Question 9

What are some disadvantages of a swing arm centrifuge?

Answer 9

• Heat build up at excessive speeds
• Damage specimens
• Mixing of sediment and supernatant when reverting to vertical position

Question 10

What is an angled centrifuge?

Answer 10

A centrifuge with fixed tubes at about 52 degrees

Question 11

What is required for balancing centrifuges?

Answer 11

Tubes must be counter balanced with the same weight tube opposite

Question 12

What is the routine maintenance required for centrifuges?

Answer 12

• Follow manufacturer guidelines
• Check lubrication of bearings
• Check brushes
• Confirm timing
• Check speed

Question 13

What can result from improper centrifuging of specimens?

Answer 13

• Ruptured cells
• Changes in morphology
• Incomplete separation

Question 14

What does a refractometer measure?

Answer 14

The refractive index of a solution

Question 15

What is the function of a refractometer?

Answer 15

Measures the degree of refraction as a function of solid material concentration

Question 16

How should a refractometer be calibrated?

Answer 16

Calibrated to Zero using distilled water between 60° and 100° F

Question 17

What types of measurements can a refractometer provide?

Answer 17

• Specific gravity of urine and other fluids
• Protein concentration of plasma (g/dL)

Question 18

What maintenance is required for a refractometer?

Answer 18

• Cleaned after each use
• Prism cover and glass wiped with lens tissue
• Follow manufacturers guidelines
• Calibrate regularly

Question 19

What are the different types of pipettes commonly used in veterinary laboratories?

Answer 19

• Graduated TD pipettes
• TD with blowout pipettes
• TC pipettes

Question 20

What is the optimal temperature for incubating pathogenic bacteria in a veterinary lab?

Answer 20

37° C

Question 21

What types of incubators may be used in larger facilities?

Answer 21

• Control CO2 levels
• Control O2 levels

Question 22

What are the types of water baths used in veterinary laboratories?

Answer 22

• Simple water bath
• Circulating water bath
• Waterless bead bath
• Heat blocks

Question 23

What is the importance of proper pipette use?

Answer 23

Ensures accurate measurement of substances

Question 24

True or False: Clinical centrifuges are used to prepare samples for analysis.

Answer 24

True

Question 25

True or False: Regular calibration of the refractometer is unnecessary for diagnostic quality results.

Answer 25

False