Introduction to Diagnostic Testing

Question 1

Name some uses of investigations.

Answer 1

1. Diagnosis
2. Screening
3. Monitoring of treatment
4. Prognosis
5. Suitability for treatment

Question 2

What are some pre-analytical factors which need to be considered before analysing the results of investigations?

Answer 2

1. Icteric (jaundiced)
2. Lipaemia
3. Haemolysis
4. Transport time to laboratory
5. Sampling volume
6. Medication
7. Sample contamination
8. Sample mislabelled
9. Age and Gender

Question 3

What are some analytical factors which you need to consider when analysing investigations?

Answer 3

1. Assay interference
2. Clotted samples
3. Short sample
4. Dilution errors

Question 4

Name some analytical methods used in investigations.

Answer 4

1. Immunoassay
2. Spectrophotometry
3. Ion specific electrodes
4. Mass spectrometry
5. Enzyme-linked Immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA)
6. Flow cytometry
7. Staining techniques
8. Genetics - PCR and Chromosome analysis

Question 5

What is another name for an immunoassay test?

Answer 5

Antigen Detection test

Question 6

What 5 tests are included in a UE profile?

Answer 6

1. Sodium
2. Potassium
3. Urea
4. Creatinine
5. eGFR

Question 7

What are 4 causes of raised potassium?

Answer 7

1. Haemolysis
2. Medication
3. End stage renal failure
4. Raised platelets/ white blood cells

Question 8

Which 8 tests are included in an LFT profile?

Answer 8

1. ALT
2. ALP
3. AST
4. GGT
5. Total bilirubin
6. Conjugated bilirubin
7. Total protein
8. Albumin

Question 9

What 4 tests are included in a bone profile?

Answer 9

1. Calcium
2. Adjusted calcium
3. Albumin
4. ALP

Question 10

What 6 tests are included in a Haematology test?

Answer 10

1. Haemoglobin
2. Haematocrit/PCV
3. Red cell count (RCC)
4. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
5. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
6. White blood cells (WBC)