Ch 2 General Lab Equipment Flashcards
What factors affect equipment needs in an in-house veterinary laboratory?
Size of the practice
Equipment needs vary based on the size and scope of the veterinary practice.
List the minimal equipment needs for an in-house veterinary laboratory.
- Microscope
- Refractometer
- Microhematocrit centrifuge
- Clinical centrifuge
What additional equipment may be needed in an in-house veterinary laboratory?
- Blood chemistry analyzers
- Cell counters
- Water baths
- Incubators
- Test tubes
- Pipettes
- Aliquot mixers
- Heat blocks
What are the characteristics of test tubes used in veterinary laboratories?
- Glass or plastic
- Many sizes
- Microhematocrit for Packed Cell Volume
- Larger tubes for blood collection
- Color coded
- Conical tubes
What is the primary function of a centrifuge in a veterinary laboratory?
Separates substances of different densities
What happens to the components of a sample when centrifuged?
- Heavier component pushed to the bottom (sediment)
- Liquid components remain above (supernatant)
Describe the design of a microhematocrit centrifuge.
Holds capillary tubes
What is a swing arm centrifuge?
A centrifuge where tube holders swing out when in motion
What are some disadvantages of a swing arm centrifuge?
- Heat build up at excessive speeds
- Damage specimens
- Mixing of sediment and supernatant when reverting to vertical position
What is an angled centrifuge?
A centrifuge with fixed tubes at about 52 degrees
What is required for balancing centrifuges?
Tubes must be counter balanced with the same weight tube opposite
What is the routine maintenance required for centrifuges?
- Follow manufacturer guidelines
- Check lubrication of bearings
- Check brushes
- Confirm timing
- Check speed
What can result from improper centrifuging of specimens?
- Ruptured cells
- Changes in morphology
- Incomplete separation
What does a refractometer measure?
The refractive index of a solution
What is the function of a refractometer?
Measures the degree of refraction as a function of solid material concentration
How should a refractometer be calibrated?
Calibrated to Zero using distilled water between 60° and 100° F
What types of measurements can a refractometer provide?
- Specific gravity of urine and other fluids
- Protein concentration of plasma (g/dL)
What maintenance is required for a refractometer?
- Cleaned after each use
- Prism cover and glass wiped with lens tissue
- Follow manufacturers guidelines
- Calibrate regularly
What are the different types of pipettes commonly used in veterinary laboratories?
- Graduated TD pipettes
- TD with blowout pipettes
- TC pipettes
What is the optimal temperature for incubating pathogenic bacteria in a veterinary lab?
37° C
What types of incubators may be used in larger facilities?
- Control CO2 levels
- Control O2 levels
What are the types of water baths used in veterinary laboratories?
- Simple water bath
- Circulating water bath
- Waterless bead bath
- Heat blocks
What is the importance of proper pipette use?
Ensures accurate measurement of substances
True or False: Clinical centrifuges are used to prepare samples for analysis.
True
True or False: Regular calibration of the refractometer is unnecessary for diagnostic quality results.
False
