Laboratory Equipment Operation & Maintenance Flashcards
7 cards from real CMLA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Laboratory Equipment Operation & Maintenance flashcards as text
What is the purpose of the condenser on a compound light microscope?
Answer: To focus and direct light onto the specimen
The condenser collects and concentrates light from the illuminator and focuses it onto the specimen for optimal image brightness and resolution.
A urinalysis analyzer reports 'cuvette dirty' error. What is the correct response?
Answer: Clean the cuvette per manufacturer protocol and run a system check
A dirty cuvette causes optical errors; cleaning per manufacturer instructions restores accurate photometric readings.
Which safety feature prevents a centrifuge lid from being opened while the rotor is spinning?
Answer: An interlocking lid mechanism tied to the rotor speed sensor
Modern centrifuges use an electronic interlock that prevents lid opening until the rotor has fully stopped, preventing injury from the spinning rotor.
When performing quality control on a coagulation analyzer, two consecutive QC results fall outside the 2SD warning limit on the same side. This pattern represents which Westgard rule violation?
Answer: 2-2s rule
The 2-2s rule is triggered when two consecutive QC results exceed the same 2SD limit, indicating a possible systematic error.
Before storing a pH electrode overnight, it should be placed in:
Answer: pH 7 buffer or electrode storage solution
Electrodes must be kept moist in pH 7 buffer or storage solution to prevent the reference junction from drying out and losing function.
What is the function of the decontamination cycle at the end of run on an automated blood cell counter?
Answer: To flush the fluidic system with cleaning solution and prevent carryover or clogging
The end-of-run decontamination cycle removes residual blood and reagent from the fluidics, preventing clogging and biohazard contamination between sessions.
An incubator temperature log shows a 1°C drift upward over one week. Which action is most appropriate?
Answer: Investigate the cause, recalibrate or service the unit, and assess any affected cultures
A consistent temperature drift indicates a calibration or mechanical issue that requires investigation and service before further use.