- Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory: An Introduction
- Introduction of Basic Instruments used in a Biochemistry Laboratory
- Types of Reagents or Solutions used in a Biochemistry Laboratory
- Preparation of Some Common Reagents used in Biochemistry Laboratory
- Sample Collection, Use of Preservatives and Anticoagulants
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 conditions. Though blood is the most common 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 disease conditions. The results are also used to counsel the patient in preventive medicine.
BASIC USES OF BIOCHEMICAL TESTS
Biochemical investigations are involved, to varying degrees, in every branch of clinical medicine.
- The results of biochemical tests may be of use in diagnosis and in the monitoring of various disease conditions.
- Biochemical tests may also be of value in screening of disease or in assessing the prognosis once a diagnosis has been established.
- The biochemistry laboratory is often involved in research into the biochemical basis of diseases and in clinical trials of new drugs.
SAFETY MEASURES IN LABORATORY
The minimum precautions to be taken in biochemistry laboratory include:
- All chemicals and reagents should be well labeled and hazard noted.
- Reagent bottles should not be held by the 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 non absorbent cotton wool or with rubber tube attached should be used.
- Exposure should be minimum for those organic solvents which have toxic properties.
- Every sample should be considered as a contaminated sample; so proper handling should be done with utmost care and precaution.
- 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.
- Hair should be tied neatly.
BASIC FIRST AID IN LABORATORY
Every biochemistry practical laboratory should have a first aid kit containing cotton wool, gauze pieces, spirit, bandage, medicinal adhesive tape, scissors, tincture iodine (1 g 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.
- Rinse 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 table spoon 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.
Accidental Swallowing of Corrosive Reagents
Acids
- 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.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
- What is the clinical importance of analyzing various biochemical parameters in medical sciences?
- What are the different safety measures that are to be followed while working in a laboratory?
- Enumerate the items that a first aid kit present in a student or clinical laboratory should contain.
- What are the first aid measures to be followed if a person faces acid splashes on skin?
- What are the first aid measures to be followed if a person faces alkali splashes on skin?
- What are the first aid measures to be followed if a person faces acid or alkali burn in eyes?
- What are the first aid measures to be followed if a person faces contact with phenol?
- What are the first aid measures to be followed if a person accidentally swallows a poisonous reagent?
- What are the first aid measures to be followed if a person accidentally swallows an infectious specimen?
- What are the first aid measures to be followed if a person accidentally swallows an acid?
- What are the first aid measures to be followed if a person accidentally swallows an alkali?
- What are the first aid measures to be followed if a person faces injury by a broken glass?
- What are the first aid measures to be followed if a person faces a burn in laboratory?