05 Biotechnology Laboratory Methods Free Online FlashCards

What happens in the pre-analytical phase?

Define the test plan, receive and identify the sample, check acceptance criteria, and prepare, transport, and store it appropriately.

What does accuracy describe in measurement?

Accuracy describes how close a result is to an accepted reference value.

What does a blank help detect?

A blank contains no target analyte and helps reveal background signal or contamination from reagents and equipment.

What does qPCR estimate?

PCR amplifies a selected DNA sequence; qPCR tracks signal during amplification to estimate the starting amount of the target.

How do method validation and verification differ?

Validation establishes that a method is fit for its intended use; verification confirms that an established method performs as expected in a particular laboratory or setting.

How should a laboratory record error be corrected?

Preserve the original entry, make the correction traceable to its author and date, and explain it when needed. Never silently overwrite or erase the original.

What should happen first when a laboratory run fails?

Flag or hold affected data, document the event, and follow the laboratory’s investigation procedure before deciding whether repeat testing is justified.

What are the key tasks in the analytical phase?

Prepare reagents and samples, run the procedure with appropriate controls, collect raw observations, and assess whether the run met its acceptance criteria.

What happens in the post-analytical phase?

Review and interpret results, investigate unexpected findings, report results with units and limitations, and retain required records and materials.

What does precision describe in measurement?

Precision describes how closely repeated measurements agree with one another.

How does calibration differ from a routine equipment check?

Calibration compares instrument readings with known references and may establish corrections. Routine performance checks help confirm fitness for use between calibrations.

What does a positive control demonstrate?

A positive control contains material expected to produce a result. It checks that key parts of the procedure can work, but does not prove every sample is error-free.