LABORATORY EXAM REVIEWER

L1 - Common Lab Equipment - We can calibrate a balance using a standard

Lab apparatus are essential tools that under pin the
accuracy,efficiency and reliability of clinical laboratory
operation.
Microscopes - allow for the detailed examination of
cells and microorganisms, enabling the identification
of infections, blood disorders and malignancies.
weight whose mass is traceable to the standard
prototype for the kilogram.
-If the sample is not moisture sensitive, a clean and
dry container is placed on the balance.
-The containe’s mass is called tare. It is set to a mass
of zero.

Centrifuge - separate components of blood and
other body fluids , are vital in preparing samples for
various test.
Spectrophotometers - measure the absorbance of
light samples, are used in biochemical assays to
determine concentrations and substances like
glucose, cholesterol , and enzymes.
Automated Analyzers - measures the blood glucose
levels, liver enzymes, and electrolyte balances.
Coagulation Analyzers - asses the blood clotting
times , essential for anticoagulant therapy.
● PCR machines , centrifuges and
electrophoresis are indispensable in genetic
and molecular biology research
- To minimize the effect of vibrations, the balance is
placed on a stable surface and in a level of position.
Volatile Samples - must be weighed in a covered
container to avoid the loss of sample by evaporation.
- A sample that is cooler or warmer than the
surrounding air will create a convective air current
affects its mass.
-Samples should be placed in a room temperature
before determining their mass.
EQUIPMENT FOR MEASURING AND
TRANSFERRING VOLUME
TRANSFER PIPET

● PCR machines played a critical role in the -Used to transfer small

rapid development of COVID - diagnostic amounts of volume.
tests and vaccines.
- Known as ‘’ eye
L2 - PIPETTING AND QUANTITATIVE droppers’’ or ‘’ pasteur
TECHNIQUES pipette’’.

DIGITAL ANALYTICAL -Some have graduated

BALANCE
-An object mass is
measured using a digital
analytical balance.
markings as an
indicator of the amount of volume.
-Not used to measure precise volumes. They’re not
accurate or precise.

GRADUATED
CYLINDER
Mass - the absolute amount of matter in an object,
measured in grams. (m) - Simplest device for
delivering a known
Weight - measure of the gravitational force, g, acting volume of a liquid reagent
on that mass. (W)
-Typical accuracy is ±1%.
-A balance measures an object’s weight not its
mass.
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VOLUMETRIC PIPETS/PIPETTES - Dirt and grease prevent liquid from draining

-Provides a more accurate method for delivering a
known volume of solution. 2.
-It provides the most accurate means for delivering a
known solution.
3.
NOTE: To fill a volumetric pipet, use a rubber suction
bulb to pull the solution past the calibration mark.
evenly.
When filing a pipet or volumetric flask the
liquid’s level must be set exactly at the
calibration mark.
Before using these equipment, rinse it with
several small portions of solutions whose
volume you are measuring.

PREPARATION OF STOCK SOLUTIONS

DIGITAL PIPETTE
AND - A stock solution is prepared by weighing out
MICROPIPETTE an appropriate portion of a pure solid or by
measuring out an appropriate volume of a
-Provides pure liquid.
a routine
of

PREPARING SOLUTIONS BY DILUTIONS

measurement of milliliter and microliter
volumes. - Solutions are often prepared by diluting a
more concentrated stock solution . A known
volume of stock solution is transferred to a
new container and brought to a new volume.

VOLUMETRIC FLASK C0 X V 0 = C d x V d

- Calibrated to contain C0 - stock solution concentration

or to deliver a specific
volume of solution at
room temperature
- These flasks are used
to create solutions
accurately and
precisely.
- Volumetric flask and pipettes
fall into the Class A
Glassware. These devices are intended for creating
solutions with highly accurate concentration.
3 PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING ON PIPETS
AND VOLUMETRIC FLASKS.
1. The volume delivered by a pipet or contained
by a volumetric flask assumes that the
glassware is clean
V0 - volume of stock solution being diluted
Cd - dilute solution’s volume
Vd and V0 depends on how precisely we need to
know the solution’s concentration.
L3 GRAVIMETRIC DETERMINATION
- Gravimetry encompasses all techniques
in which we measure a mass or change in
mass.
TYPE OF GRAVIMETRIC METHOD
1. Precipitation Gravimetry - A gravimetric
method in which the signal is the mass of a
precipitate.
2. Electrogravimetry - A gravimetric method in
which the signal is the mass of an
electrodeposit on the cathode and anode in
an electrochemical cell.
LABORATORY EXAM REVIEWER

3. Volatilization Gravimetry - A gravimetric

method in which the loss of a volatile species
give rises to the signal.
4. Particulate Gravimetry - A gravimetric ACID/BASE TITRATIONS
method in which the mass of a particulate
analyte is determined following its separation - Can be monitored with an indicator or witha
from its matrix. a pH meter. The goal is to determine the
equivalence point of the titration.
An accurate gravimetric analysis requires that the
mass of analyte present in a sample be proportional TITRATION CURVE - when a pH versus the volume
to the mass or change in mass serving as the a titrant added can be plotted.
analytical signal.

- All gravimetric methods involves a

conservation of mass.

L4 TITRATION

Titration of a strong acid with strong base is the

simplest of the four types of titration. This titration
requires the use of buret to dispense a strong base.

TITRATION

- Is the slow of addition of one solution of a

known concentration called a titrant, to a
known volume of another solution of
unknown concentration.

- Titrimetric methods are classified into four

groups;

1. Acid - base titrations - which an acidic or

basic titrant reacts with an analyte that is a
base or an acid.

2. Complexometric titrations - involving a

metal ligand complexation reaction.

3. Redox titration - where the titrant is

oxidizing or reducing an agent.

4. Precipitation titration - the analyte and

titrant react to form a precipitate.

ACID - STRONG BASE TITRATION

- Determines the concentration of the acidic

solution by titrating it with a basic solution of
known concentration until neutralization
occurs.