PROGRAM: BSc Biomedical Science

NAME: Chama Kabaso

SIN: 201912010459
EMAIL: chamahkabaso@gmail.com
MODULE: Clinical chemistry.
ASSIGNMENT 1;
QUESTIONS;
I. What measures are used for ensuring competency of a clinical
laboratory professional. (10 marks)
II. List and describe the five examples of safety equipment that will
be found in the clinical chemistry laboratory (10 marks)
III. How are the following used as biochemical markers (25 marks)
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Total serum/plasma proteins and plasma albumin
Enzymes
Genetic markers
Question (I). What measures are used for ensuring competency of a clinical laboratory
professional. (10 marks)

1. Directly observe the individual performing routine tests including patient or donor

preparation, if applicable, specimen handling, processing and testing.

2. Monitor the individual recording and reporting test results.

3. Review the individual's intermediate test results or worksheets, proficiency-testing

results, quality control record, and preventive maintenance records.

4. Directly observe the individual checking functions on instruments and maintaining

instrumentation.

5. Provide hands on testing to assess test accuracy by requiring that the individual

analyze a previously analyzed specimen, internal blind testing samples, or external

proficiency-testing sample.

6. Administer written test.

7. Conduct oral test and critique oral responses to procedure queries.

8. Document performance deficiencies or critical incidents related to procedure and use

to assess trouble-shooting skills.

9. Assess the individual's problem solving skills for example by case studies.

10. Assess completion of learning activities

Question (II) List and describe the five examples of safety equipment that will be found in
the clinical chemistry laboratory (10 marks)

Laboratory-safe refrigerators

Flammable liquids should always be stored in cool environments. Storing flammable equipment
in domestic refrigerators, however, can pose a serious safety hazard. This risk occurs because
regular refrigerators contain exposed sources of ignition and because their temperatures are
simply too high. As such, a laboratory-safe refrigerator is a necessary piece of laboratory safety
equipment. The inside of this chiller lab equipment has no sources of ignition, and it incorporates
additional safety features such as self-closing doors, compressors, and magnetic door gaskets

Fire extinguishers

Fires can occur whenever electrical equipment and flammable materials are being handled, so a
fire extinguisher is a very important piece of lab safety equipment. It should be kept in an easily
accessible location, and all laboratory personnel should know how to use it properly. It’s also
important to stock your lab with the correct type of fire extinguisher based on the expected
emergencies. There are four main fire extinguishers to choose from, each of which has a
different use. Class A extinguishers are used for ordinary combustibles, while Class B
extinguishers are used for flammable liquids and gases. Class C fire extinguishers are for
electrical equipment, and Class D extinguishers are for combustible metals and metal alloys. If
you don’t use the right type of extinguisher, it may fail to put out the fire or even make it worse

Chemical fume hoods

If your laboratory works with chemicals of any kind, a chemical fume hood is an essential piece
of lab safety equipment. Fume hoods are chemical- and fire-resistant enclosures that protect lab
personnel from inhaling dangerous chemicals by drawing in vapors, gases, and dust before
ventilating them out of the laboratory. Having one of these in your lab will reduce the harmful
effects of chemical inhalation and exposure.
Chemical Storage Equipment

Safety equipment is available for the storage and handling of chemicals and compressed gases.
Safety carriers should always be used to transport 500-mL bottles of acids, alkalis, or other
solvents, and approved safety cans should be used for storing, dispensing, or disposing of
flammables in volumes greater than 1 quart. Safety cabinets are required for the storage of
flammable liquids, and only specially designed, explosion-proof refrigerators should be used to
store flammable materials. Only the amount of chemical needed for that day should be available
at the bench. Gas-cylinder supports or clamps must be used at all times, and large tanks should
be transported using handcarts

personal Protective Equipment

The parts of the body most frequently subject to injury in the clinical laboratory are the eyes,
skin, and respiratory and digestive tracts. Hence, the use of PPE is very important. Safety
glasses, goggles, visors, or work shields protect the eyes and face from splashes and impact. lab
coats, gloves, or other protective equipment to all employees who may be exposed to biologic or
chemical hazards. It’s the employer's responsibility to clean and maintain all PPE. All
contaminated PPE must be removed and properly disposed of before leaving the laboratory.

QUESTION (III) How are the following used as biochemical markers (25 marks)

Carbohydrates

Lipids

Total serum/plasma proteins and plasma albumin

Enzymes

Genetic markers

The most common carbohydrate disorder in humans is diabetes mellitus. This disease is caused by an
inability to produce or to respond to the hormone insulin. Laboratory tests of body fluids of individuals
with this disease show increased concentrations of glucose. The laboratory tests for ketones, acids, and
glycosylated proteins provide measures of disease severity

REFERENCES

Number 2 Article 6 2000 Competency Assessment for Medical Laboratory Practitioners and Existing
Rules and Regulations Rajeshree P. Parikh Ed.D., S.B.B., M.S., M.Ed., B.Ed., B.S.