Week 1 - Lab Techniques Flashcards
Name 6+ characteristics of a lab space in a veterinary clinic.
- Should be separate from rest of hospital
- Well lit and roomy
- Plenty of electrical outlets
- Sensitive equipment away from centrifuge or water
- Drawers/cabinets
- Surge Protectors
- Fridge and freezer
These characteristics ensure a functional and safe laboratory environment.
What are the 3 types of lenses on a microscope?
- Condenser lens: focuses light through object, provides no magnification
- Objective lens: enlarges image, amount depends on lens
- Ocular lens: located in eyepieces, usually 10x
Each lens serves a unique function in the magnification process.
What is the typical magnification power of a scanning objective?
4x
This is the lowest magnification used for initial examination.
What is the typical magnification power of a low power objective?
10x
Used for viewing larger specimens.
What is the typical magnification power of a high objective?
40x
Known as Hi or Hi-Dri objective.
What is the typical magnification power of an oil immersion objective?
100x
This objective requires the use of immersion oil for enhanced clarity.
What is the typical magnification power of oculars?
10x
The ocular lens is what the viewer looks through.
What are Kim-Wipes used for?
General cleaning/wiping (refractometer, slides)
They are designed for delicate cleaning tasks.
What is the purpose of Bibulous Paper?
Absorbs liquid on slides
Useful for drying slides without scratching.
What is Lens Paper used for?
Wipe oil off lenses
It is specifically designed to avoid scratching optics.
Describe the angled centrifuge.
Usually designed to hold one type of tube
This design is often used for specific applications.
Describe a triac centrifuge?
Has removable tube holders, variable speeds, and a timer
It is versatile for different sample types.
What does MHCT stand for?
Microhematocrit Tubes
These tubes are essential for measuring hematocrit levels.
What two values will we measure with a refractometer in class?
- Urine Specific Gravity (U.S.G)
- Blood – tp (total protein), sp (specific protein), or tsp (total specific protein)
These measurements are crucial for assessing hydration and protein levels.
What are the two classes of pipettes mentioned?
- Transfer
- Automatic
Each type has its specific applications in laboratory work.
Which type of pipette is the least precise?
Transfer
Transfer pipettes are generally used for less critical measurements.
What results will a hematology analyzer give you?
- CBC
A Complete Blood Count is a standard test for assessing overall health.
What type of sample is needed for a hematology analyzer?
EDTA blood
EDTA acts as an anticoagulant to prevent clotting.
What species do hematology analyzers generally work on?
- Dog
- Cat
- Horse
These are the primary species for which these machines are designed.
What are some results a blood chemistry analyzer give you?
- BUN
- Creat
- Glucose
- T4
- Lytes
These results are critical for assessing organ function and metabolic status.
What type of sample is needed for a blood chemistry analyzer?
Plasma or serum
The choice between plasma and serum depends on the specific tests being conducted.
What species do blood chemistry analyzers generally work on?
- Dog
- Cat
- Horse
Similar to hematology analyzers, these machines are tailored for these common pets.
What results will an electrolyte analyzer give you?
- Na+
- K+
- Cl-
These electrolytes are essential for various physiological functions.
What type of sample is needed for an electrolyte analyzer?
Plasma or whole blood in lithium heparin separator
Lithium heparin prevents coagulation during analysis.
What species do electrolyte analyzers generally work on?
- Dogs
- Cats
- Horses
These analyzers are primarily focused on these companion animals.
Name 3 or more types of lab equipment.
- Water bath - Usually at 37°C
- Slide drier - Can save time if doing a lot of slides
- Aliquot mixer - Keeps blood agitated
Each piece of equipment serves a specific function to enhance laboratory efficiency.
