Deck 20: Laboratory Automation

Question 1

Which type of laboratory automated system is usually a turnkey system that contains the components for each step in the process, including sample sorters, aliquoters, centrifuges, and analyzers that are interconnected by the track system?

A)modular integrated system
B)stand-alone systems
C)total laboratory automation
D)none of the above

Answer 1

total laboratory automation

Question 2

Commonly the following steps are performed during the course of chemical analysis: mix an aliquot of sample with reagents, ______, ______, ______, and provide an appropriate readout for the permanent record.

A)monitor the result of the reaction, incubate the reaction mixture, quantify the extent of the reaction
B)quantify the extent of the reaction, incubate the reaction mixture, monitor the result of the reaction
C)monitor the result of the reaction, quantify the extent of the reaction, incubate the reaction mixture
D)incubate the reaction mixture, monitor the result of the reaction, quantify the extent of the reaction

Answer 2

incubate the reaction mixture, monitor the result of the reaction, quantify the extent of the reaction

Question 3

Studies have shown that automating front-end specimen processing has ______ sample processing time, ______ labor cost, and ___ __ specimen pour-off, labeling, and sorting errors.

A)decreased, decreased, decreased
B)decreased, increased, decreased
C)increased, decreased, increased
D)increased, increased, increased

Answer 3

decreased, decreased, decreased

Question 4

In most cases, automated incubation is performed under conditions of a specified, constant temperature, which is most frequently achieved by the use of_______________.

A)heating blocks
B)air
C)water baths
D)any of the above

Question 5

In almost all systems, sample is introduced into an analyzer with a thin, stainless-steel probe.A potential problem with these probes is the risk of clots.As the amount of sample to be introduced into the analyzer decreases, the diameter of the probe ______, and the risk of clots ______.

A)increases, increases
B)decreases, increases
C)increases, decreases
D)decreases, decreases

Question 6

Which of the following is/are advantages of the middleware concept over the use of a LIS alone?

A)Middleware can be connected to a number of analyzers and provide a central workstation in the laboratory to monitor quality functions.
B)Middleware may allow reduction of staff assigned to instruments.
C)Middleware allows for information to flow from laboratory analyzers to the software where decision rules are applied.
D)All of the above are advantages of the middleware concept.

Question 7

A/An ____________ is an instrument that performs the same test simultaneously on all samples.

A)random-access analyzer
B)batch analyzer
C)automated clinical chemistry analyzer
D)none of the above

Question 8

____________________ is an automated volumetric dispensing method in which sample and reagents are proportioned by their relative flow rates.

A)Volumetric dispensing method
B)An electrical valve
C)Continuous-flow technique
D)None of the above

Question 9

What is the essential part of laboratory automation that allows for the automatic reporting of test results without review by the technologist?

A)middleware software
B)the LIS
C)autoverification
D)none of the above

Question 10

The error rate in clinical laboratories has been estimated to be in what range?

A)10.0% to 32 %
B)1.0% to 2.4 %
C)0.1% to 2.5%
D)2.5% to 10.0 %

Question 11

What is the primary driving force for automation in the laboratory?

A)expansion of laboratory testing to generate more revenue
B)reduction of costs
C)reduction of turnaround time
D)reduction of laboratory errors

Question 12

The laboratory process can be broken down into these components: test ordering, sample acquisition (phlebotomy), ______, front-end sample processing, ______, result acquisition, ______, archiving, and retrieval and disposal of samples.

A)sample transport, sample analysis, result reporting
B)sample analysis, sample transport, result reporting
C)sample transport, result reporting, sample analysis
D)none of the above

Question 13

Total laboratory automation systems do not automate which section of the laboratory?

A)immunochemistry
B)hematology
C)coagulation
D)immunohematology

Question 14

If less carryover is permitted by an instrument, the number of samples that are processed per hour will ______________.

A)increase
B)decrease
C)remain the same
D)none of the above, because carryover has no effect on sample processing

Question 15

Spectrophotometric instruments often have the capability of automatically sensing the presence of common interferents except:

A)icterus
B)hemolysis
C)clots
D)lipemia

Question 16

_______________ is defined as the maximum number of samples or tests that can be processed in an hour.

A)Throughput
B)Dwell time
C)Stat testing
D)Test repertoire

Question 17

The majority of laboratory errors occur during ______ and ______.

A)test ordering, sample transport
B)phlebotomy, front-end processing of the sample
C)phlebotomy, result reporting
D)front-end processing of the sample, result reporting