Introduction

Question 1

What 3 types of use do glassware and/or pipettes have? (3)

Answer 1

1. Storage
2. Measurement
3. Containment (holding things)

Question 2

What 2 groups can glassware be divided into? (2)

Answer 2

1. Containers and receivers

2. Volumetric ware

Question 3

What differentiates volumetric ware from other types of glassware? (1)

Answer 3

Volumetric ware is calibrated to contain or to deliver certain volumes of substances

Question 4

List 4 examples of containers and receivers. (4)

Answer 4

1. Beakers
2. Test tubes
3. Erlenmeyer flasks
4. Reagent bottles

Question 5

List 3 examples of volumetric ware. (3)

Answer 5

1. Automatic and manual pipettes
2. Volumetric flasks
3. Graduated cylinders

Question 6

State the most defining feature of serological pipettes and list 3 other points on them. (4)

Answer 6

1. Graduated (marked) down to the end of the tip
2. Used to measure viscous liquids
3. Last drop is forced out by squeezing the rubber safety bulb
4. Larger orifice, so less accurate and precise compared to other pipettes as it drains too quickly

Question 7

What is the defining feature of Mohr pipettes? (1)

Answer 7

Calibrated between two marks on the stem

Question 8

What is one common use for the graduated cylinder for MLATs? (1)

Answer 8

Measuring 24hr urine volumes

Question 9

Differentiate between “to deliver” and “to container” pipettes. (2)

Answer 9

1. To deliver (TD) → last drop is not blown out; gravity is used
2. To contain (TC) → last drop of remaining liquid needs to be blown out

Question 10

List 3 advantages of using plasticware. (3)

Answer 10

1. Inexpensive
2. Durable
3. Unbreakable

Question 11

List 4 disadvantages of using plasticware. (4)

Answer 11

1. Leaching of surface-bound constituents into solution
2. Permeability to water vapour
3. Evaporation through breathing of the plastic
4. Absorption of dyes, stains, or proteins