Clinical Biochemistry

Question 1

Why request a biochemical test?

Answer 1

Diagnosis; confirm or deny diagnosis
Prognosis; is disease worsening or getting better
Monitonring; disease progression and treatment
Screening; at risk groups
Research; new treatments

Question 2

Name some phlebotomy complications.

Answer 2

Haemolysis, insufficent specimen, incorrect container

Question 3

What are some errors in sample presentation?

Answer 3

Wrong specimen type, incorrect volume, incorrect container

Question 4

Name 3 types of blood tubes.

Answer 4

Plain tube; (Serum) - used for general biochem
Gel tube; (Serum) - used for general biochem
EDTA tube; (Plasma) - used for full blood test

Question 5

What happens to blood post-phlebotomy?

Answer 5

The specimen pathway;

1. Transport to lab
2. Specimen reception
3. Pre-analytical processing
4. Analysis
5. Results
6. Clinical authorisation
7. Reporting

Question 6

What is quality control and how is it done in lab?

Answer 6

Process by which product/service quailty is maintained to a standard. This is done in lab by providing training, assessments, and fulfillling accreditation.

Question 7

How are tests analytically interpreted?

Answer 7

Is it normal? Does it differ from the previous result? Is the result consistnt with clinical findings?

Question 8

What types of lab errors can occur?

Answer 8

Test is inappropriate or abundant.
Test is attempted but failed.
Test is abnormal but disregarded.

Question 9

What is point of care testing?

Answer 9

A form of testing provided and analyzed near the patient using a glucose meter, urine dipstick, etc…

Question 10

What are the advantages and disadvantages of POCT?

Answer 10

ADV; instant result, easy use, limited maintenance

DISADV; expensive, quality issues, training requirments