Laboratory Operations

Question 1

Which of the following is an indirect cost of laboratory operation?

a. Technologist salary
b. Benefits
c. Equipment
d. Reagents

Answer 1

Benefits are an indirect cost, in that they are not directly involved in performing the test. Reagents, equipment, and tech salary are directly involved in performing the test.

Question 2

A positive control is tested 20 times. The mean result is 16. The standard deviation is 2.5. What is the appropriate acceptable range to establish for the control results?

a. 11-21
b. 14-18
c. 14.5-18.5
d. 13.5-18.5

Answer 2

a. 11-21

Acceptable range is the mean +/- 2 standard deviates. Mean is 16. 2SD is +/-5, so range is 11-21

Question 3

Two companies have been asked to submit bids for a specific machine. Each bid is listed below with the cost of installation, the specific equipment, and the reagents for one year.

How long would it take for Company A and Company B to be equal in overall costs?

Company A: Install = $1500, Equipment = $6500, Reagents (annually) = $1500

Company B: Install = $1500, Equipment = $7000, Reagents (annually) = $750

a. 6 months
b. 1 year
c. 2 years
d. never

Answer 3

c. 2 years

Cost for Company A for year one = 500+6500 +1500 = $8500

Cost for Company B for one year = 1500+7000+750 = $9250

Add reagent cost for two years.
Company A = 8500 + 1500 = $10000
Company B = 9250 +750 = $10000

Therefore, in two years, the overall costs will be the same.