Clin chem quiz 1 Flashcards
(72 cards)
Clinical chemistry,also known as
Biochemistry or Medical biochemistry
is a branch of laboratory medicine that focuses on the _________________ for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Analysis of body fluids
Importance of Clinical Chemistry
Diagnosis of diseases
Monitoring Disease progression
and treatment
Screening
Prognosis
Key Components of Clinical Chemistry
Specimen Collection and Handling
Analytical Techniques
Quality Control and Assurance
Proper collection, handling, and storage of
specimens (blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.) are critical to ensure accurate test results.
Specimen Collection and Handling
Separates proteins based on their size and charge, useful in
diagnosing multiple myeloma.
Electrophoresis
Used to measure the
concentration of substances by assessing
light absorption at specific wavelengths.
Spectrophotometry
Separates complex
mixtures, essential for drug testing and
toxicology.
Chromatography
Detect specific proteins
or hormones using antigen-antibody reactions, commonly used for hormone levels and infectious disease markers.
Immunoassays
Provides precise molecular information, useful in identifying and quantifying complex compounds.
This includes regular calibration of instruments, use of control samples, and participation in proficiency testing programs.
Mass spectrometry
Common Tests in Clinical Chemistry
Electrolyte panel
Liver function tests
Renal function test
Lipid panel
Cardiac marker
Glucose testing
Hormone test
Tumor markers
Measures levels of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, critical for diagnosing and managing dehydration, kidney disease, and acid-base disorders.
Electrolyte panel
Include tests for enzymes (ALT, AST), bilirubin, and albumin, helping diagnose liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Liver function tests
Include creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), used to assess kidney function.
Renal function test
Measures cholesterol levels (total, LDL, HDL) and triglycerides, important for assessing cardiovascular disease risk.
Lipid panel
Include troponins, CK-MB, and myoglobin, essential for diagnosing and managing myocardial infarction.
Cardiac marker
Includes fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and HbA1c, crucial for diagnosing and managing
diabetes.
Glucose testing
Measure levels of
hormones such as thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH), reproductive hormones (estrogen, testosterone), and adrenal hormones (cortisol).
Hormone test
Include PSA (prostate-specific antigen), CA-125, and CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), used in cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
Tumor markers
The field is rapidly advancing with the integration of ___________, ________, and ____________________, paving the way for personalized medicine.
Genimics, proteomics and metabolics
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Specimen collection and handling
Performing analytical test
Quality control and assurance
Data analysis and interpreta
Instrument maintenance and trouble shooting
Ensuring laboratory safety
Professional development and education
Regulating compliance
MTs/MLSs are responsible for collecting, labeling, and processing biological specimens such as blood, urine, and other bodily fluids. Proper collection and handling are critical to ensure the integrity and accuracy of
test results.
o They must adhere to standard
operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain strict quality control to prevent contamination and degradation of samples.
Specimen collection and handling
They conduct a wide range of biochemical tests to measure glucose, cholesterol, electrolytes, enzymes, hormones, and other analytes. These tests are essential for diagnosing diseases like diabetes, liver disease, kidney disorders, and
hormonal imbalances.
o They use sophisticated laboratory
instruments and techniques such as spectrophotometry, chromatography, electrophoresis, and immunoassays.
Performing analytical test
MTs/MLSs implement and monitor quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.
Quality control and assurance