Simplified Practical Manual of Biochemistry Javin Bishnu Gogoi
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Introduction

Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory—An IntroductionChapter 1

The Clinical Laboratory is a place where blood, different body fluids (urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, pus, gastric juice, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, etc.) and other biological specimens are analyzed to know the well-being of a person. The tests are performed either manually or by using special instruments. The precisely measured results are calculated and interpreted to know the disease condition of a patient.
The Clinical Biochemistry is that branch of Laboratory Medicine which uses chemical analysis of various body fluids to study the levels of body constituents in health and disease. Though blood is the commonest sample analyzed for biochemical tests, urine and other body fluids are also analyzed frequently. The test results are analyzed and interpreted by the physician for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of the disease condition. The results are also used to counsel the patient in preventive medicine.
There will be a brief discussion of the common instruments used in the laboratory, hazards that can occur and precautions to be taken in a laboratory.
 
SAFETY MEASURES IN A LABORATORY
The minimum precautions to be taken in biochemistry laboratory:
  • All chemicals and reagents should be well-labeled and hazard-noted.
  • Reagent bottles should not be held by neck and should be kept on shelves, not higher than eye level.
  • Mouth pipetting must never be done for any reagent, solution, acid or alkali while working in the laboratory.
  • Small measuring cylinders should be used for measuring acids and alkalis. If more accurate volume is required, then a pipette plugged with nonabsorbent cotton wool or with rubber tube attached should be used.
  • Exposure should be minimum for those organic solvents which have toxic properties.
  • Never add water to acid but always add acid to water.
  • Every sample should be considered as a contaminated sample; so proper handling should be done.
  • Wash your hand with plenty of water after practical.
  • Always wear white apron while working in the laboratory.
  • Always wear shoes while working in the laboratory.
  • Never eat anything in the laboratory while working.
 
BASIC FIRST AID IN A LABORATORY
Every biochemistry practical laboratory should have a first aid kit containing the following items:
Cotton wool, gauze pieces, spirit, bandage, medicinal adhesive tape, scissors, tincture iodine (1g iodine in 95% alcohol), disinfectant solution, sterile normal saline, sodium carbonate, 5% (v/v) acetic acid, 8% (w/v) magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesium), 5% (w/v) soap solution.
The following first aid measures should be implemented if and when necessary:
 
Contacts with Corrosive Chemicals and Reagents
 
Acid Splashes on Skin
  • Wash the affected skin with plenty of tap water.
  • Bathe the affected skin with cotton wool soaked in 5% solution of sodium carbonate.
  • 2Rinse the affected skin in mild detergent.
  • Seek medical help.
 
Alkali Splashes on Skin
  • Wash the affected skin with plenty of tap water.
  • Bathe the affected skin with cotton wool soaked in 5% acetic acid.
  • Seek medical help.
 
Contact with Phenol
  • Wash the affected skin with plenty of tap water.
  • Use polyethylene glycol (PEG) mixed with water for further irrigation of affected skin.
  • Seek medical help.
Eye burns by alkali or acids need immediate attention. If it happens:
  • Immediately wash the eyes with plenty of tap water.
  • Rinse the eyes with sterile saline.
  • Consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
 
Accidental Swallowing of Poisonous Reagents
  • Spit it out immediately.
  • Rinse the mouth promptly with tap water.
  • Induce vomiting by drinking warm salt water (one tablespoon of common salt in glassful of warm water).
  • Send to emergency immediately.
 
Accidental Swallowing of Infectious Specimen
  • Spit it out immediately.
  • Wash the mouth with dilute antiseptic lotion.
  • Rinse the mouth thoroughly with tap water.
  • Seek medical help.
 
Accidental Swallowing of Corrosive Reagents
Acid
  • Promptly rinse the mouth with tap water.
  • Antidote such as 5% soap solution, 8% magnesium hydroxide or egg mixed with about 500 mL of water, can be used orally to neutralize the acids.
  • Seek medical help immediately.
Alkalis
  • After rinsing the mouth with tap water, antidote such as lemon juice or 5% acetic acid can be taken orally to neutralize the alkalis.
  • Seek medical help immediately.
Injuries caused by broken glass
  • Wash the wound immediately with a disinfectant solution.
  • Send to emergency after primary dressing in the laboratory.
Burns in the laboratory
  • Immediately bathe the affected area in cold water.
  • Cover the burnt area with sterile dressing as early as possible.
  • If the victim is on fire, put out the fire by using any material, such as sheets, towels or coats.
  • Remove smoldering clothes as quickly as possible.
  • Seek emergency medical help immediately.