MLS 707 CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY 2020 BMLS

SELF- STUDY GUIDE

ANALYZERS AND AUTOMATION

Shivanjali Sharma
Department of Pathology & Medical Laboratory Science
School of Health Science

Chemical pathology is the branch of pathology which deals with the diagnosis and
management of disease by use of chemicals present in the body fluids and tissues. Typically,
chemical pathology laboratories are the largest subunits in pathology departments and
commonly perform measurements of many different chemicals on hundreds of patient samples
each day. Because many of these analyses are time-critical, the chemical pathology laboratory is
usually highly automated and uses complex analyzers which are capable of performing many
analyses in a short time frame.

In brief after the completion of this topic, the students should have the following skills:

• Knowledge of laboratory techniques that underpin clinical laboratory practice

• Gained knowledge of laboratory practice including health and safety and quality assurance

• A basic knowledge of the presentation, differential diagnosis and natural history of the
common chemical pathology disorders

• Sufficient understanding of chemical pathology to offer basic advice on the interpretation of

laboratory results.

Self- assessment questions:

1. Explain the importance of laboratory tests in clinical medicine.

2. Explain what is meant by the reference range for the results of a test.

3. Explain the difference between the precision and accuracy of an assay method, and explain
the sensitivity and specificity of an assay method.

4. Explain what is meant by the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of a laboratory test.

5. List techniques that are commonly used in a diagnostic lab carrying out biochemical tests
and explain the principle of each method.

6. List causes that result in abnormalities in levels of analytes in blood.

7. Explain Beers Law by stating its formula and how it is used to calculate the concentration by
using absorbance.
MLS 707 CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY 2020 BMLS

8. Explain why high plasma concentrations of enzymes are considered to be indicators of

tissue damage.

9. Describe in outline the different requirements for measuring an enzyme in a plasma sample
and using an enzyme to measure an analyte.

10. Describe the main tests that can be used to assess kidney, liver, and thyroid function;
describe markers of cardiovascular risk and gastro-intestinal function.

11. Explain why is it easier to work with the absorbance than transmittance.

12. Explain the purpose of the standard in automation.