Technologist in Chemistry Flashcards

What is the principle behind spectrophotometry, the most common analytical technique in clinical chemistry?

Answer: Measuring light absorbed by a solution at a specific wavelength

Spectrophotometry measures absorbance of light at a specific wavelength, which is proportional to the concentration of the absorbing substance (Beer-Lambert law).

A patient's BUN is 40 mg/dL and creatinine is 4.0 mg/dL. What does the BUN:creatinine ratio suggest?

Answer: Intrinsic renal disease

A ratio of 10:1 with both values elevated suggests intrinsic renal disease where both BUN and creatinine rise proportionally.

What is the clinical significance of elevated amylase and lipase?

Answer: Acute pancreatitis

Concurrent elevation of amylase and lipase is characteristic of acute pancreatitis. Lipase is more specific and remains elevated longer.

Which immunoassay technique uses enzyme-labeled antibodies and produces a color change proportional to the analyte concentration?

Answer: ELISA

ELISA uses enzyme-labeled antibodies that react with a chromogenic substrate to produce a measurable color change.

What condition is indicated by a low serum albumin combined with elevated total protein?

Answer: Multiple myeloma or chronic inflammatory condition

Low albumin with elevated total protein suggests increased immunoglobulin production, as in multiple myeloma or chronic inflammatory conditions.

A chemistry analyzer reports a critically low glucose of 30 mg/dL. What is the laboratory technician's immediate responsibility?

Answer: Report the result and immediately notify the ordering physician

Critical values require immediate notification of the physician because severely low glucose can cause seizures, coma, and death.