#1
What is the primary function of a centrifuge in a medical laboratory?
To separate components of blood or other substances
ExplanationCentrifuge separates substances in a sample by spinning it at high speeds, causing components to separate based on density.
#2
What is the purpose of a differential blood count?
To determine the percentage of different types of white blood cells
ExplanationDifferential blood count identifies and quantifies different types of white blood cells in a blood sample.
#3
What is the purpose of a sputum culture in a clinical laboratory?
To diagnose respiratory infections
ExplanationSputum culture isolates and identifies microorganisms in respiratory samples to diagnose infections.
#4
Which of the following is a common method used to sterilize laboratory equipment and materials?
Autoclaving
ExplanationAutoclaving uses steam and high pressure to sterilize laboratory equipment and materials, ensuring they are free of microorganisms.
#5
Which laboratory technique is commonly used for DNA fingerprinting and paternity testing?
Southern blotting
ExplanationSouthern blotting is a technique used to analyze and identify specific DNA sequences, commonly employed in DNA fingerprinting and paternity testing.
#6
Which laboratory test is commonly used to assess kidney function?
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test
ExplanationBUN test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood, indicating kidney function.
#7
In PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), what does the denaturation step involve?
Separating DNA strands by heat
ExplanationDenaturation in PCR involves heating to separate DNA strands for subsequent amplification.
#8
Which laboratory test is commonly used to diagnose diabetes and monitor glucose levels over time?
Hemoglobin A1c test
ExplanationHemoglobin A1c test measures average blood glucose levels over several months, aiding in diabetes diagnosis and management.
#9
In microbiology, what is the purpose of the Gram stain?
To differentiate bacteria based on cell wall characteristics
ExplanationGram stain classifies bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative based on cell wall properties.
#10
Which blood component is primarily responsible for oxygen transport in the body?
Red blood cells
ExplanationRed blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs in the body.
#11
Which blood type is considered the universal donor?
O
ExplanationBlood type O is the universal donor as it lacks A and B antigens.
#12
What is the primary purpose of an ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) test?
Detecting antibodies or antigens in a sample
ExplanationELISA detects and quantifies antibodies or antigens in a sample using enzyme reactions.
#13
Which coagulation test is used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy?
Prothrombin time (PT)
ExplanationPT measures the time it takes for blood to clot and is used to monitor warfarin's anticoagulant effects.
#14
What is the primary purpose of a Western blot test in immunology?
Identifying specific proteins in a sample
ExplanationWestern blot identifies and analyzes specific proteins in a sample using antibodies and molecular markers.
#15
Which imaging technique uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of internal body structures?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
ExplanationMRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of internal body structures, aiding in medical diagnostics.