Chapter 1
Laboratory Basics
Objectives—Level I
Following successful completion of this chapter, the learner will be able to:
1. Identify two methods used to produce clinical laboratory-grade water (CLRW) for
use in the clinical laboratory.
2. List three items that should be monitored during the water-purification process.
3. Identify four types of glassware available for laboratory use.
4. Identify four types of plastics used in laboratory plasticware.
5. Define the following terms: to contain (TC) and to deliver (TD) in reference to types
of pipettes, molarity, molality, normality, thermocouple, percent solution, and
hydrates.
6. Cite three types of balances used to weigh substances in the laboratory.
7. Complete the mathematical calculations presented in this chapter correctly.
8. Convert results from one unit format to another.
9. Calculate the volumes required to prepare a 1:2, 1:5, and 1:10 dilution.
Objectives—Level II
,Following successful completion of this chapter, the learner will be able to:
1. Explain the difference between air-displacement and positive-displacement
micropipettes.
2. Distinguish swinging-bucket centrifuges, fixed-angle-head centrifuges, and
ultracentrifuges from one another.
3. Explain the usefulness of liquid-in-glass, total-immersion, and partial-immersion
thermometers.
4. Identify three alternative thermometers that do not contain mercury.
5. Distinguish density, specific gravity, and assay by weight from one another.
6. Identify a source of calibration material for balances, thermometers, and pipettes.
Teaching Tips
1. Present at least two methods used to calculate laboratory mathematics
problems.
2. Assign as many problems of various lab math calculations as time permits.
3. Provide demonstrations on proper use of each piece of lab ware and equipment
followed by hands-on experiences.
4. Emphasize the importance of calibrating fundamental laboratory equipment, for
example, balances, centrifuges, and thermometers.
, 5. Discuss the significance of knowing the characteristics of the chemicals and
reagents used in the laboratory methods, for example, reagent purity and storage
instructions, and provide plenty of examples.
6. Instruct the student of the importance of water purity, and quality of the glassware
and plasticware.
Classroom Discussion Questions
1. Identify three items that should be monitored in a water-purification system.
2. Explain the operating principles of different types of laboratory centrifuges.
3. Discuss the types of calibrating materials available for centrifuges, thermometer,
and pipettes.
4. Describe the unique features of types of glass pipettes including to contain pipettes,
to deliver pipettes, volumetric pipettes, and serological pipettes.
5. Describe the proper preparation of molar, normal, and percent solutions.
, Crossword Puzzle
Directions: Fill in the crossword puzzle with the words missing from the sentences below.
Match the number of the sentence to the boxes placed across or down the grid. If filled out
correctly, the words will fit neatly into the puzzle.
Laboratory Basics
Objectives—Level I
Following successful completion of this chapter, the learner will be able to:
1. Identify two methods used to produce clinical laboratory-grade water (CLRW) for
use in the clinical laboratory.
2. List three items that should be monitored during the water-purification process.
3. Identify four types of glassware available for laboratory use.
4. Identify four types of plastics used in laboratory plasticware.
5. Define the following terms: to contain (TC) and to deliver (TD) in reference to types
of pipettes, molarity, molality, normality, thermocouple, percent solution, and
hydrates.
6. Cite three types of balances used to weigh substances in the laboratory.
7. Complete the mathematical calculations presented in this chapter correctly.
8. Convert results from one unit format to another.
9. Calculate the volumes required to prepare a 1:2, 1:5, and 1:10 dilution.
Objectives—Level II
,Following successful completion of this chapter, the learner will be able to:
1. Explain the difference between air-displacement and positive-displacement
micropipettes.
2. Distinguish swinging-bucket centrifuges, fixed-angle-head centrifuges, and
ultracentrifuges from one another.
3. Explain the usefulness of liquid-in-glass, total-immersion, and partial-immersion
thermometers.
4. Identify three alternative thermometers that do not contain mercury.
5. Distinguish density, specific gravity, and assay by weight from one another.
6. Identify a source of calibration material for balances, thermometers, and pipettes.
Teaching Tips
1. Present at least two methods used to calculate laboratory mathematics
problems.
2. Assign as many problems of various lab math calculations as time permits.
3. Provide demonstrations on proper use of each piece of lab ware and equipment
followed by hands-on experiences.
4. Emphasize the importance of calibrating fundamental laboratory equipment, for
example, balances, centrifuges, and thermometers.
, 5. Discuss the significance of knowing the characteristics of the chemicals and
reagents used in the laboratory methods, for example, reagent purity and storage
instructions, and provide plenty of examples.
6. Instruct the student of the importance of water purity, and quality of the glassware
and plasticware.
Classroom Discussion Questions
1. Identify three items that should be monitored in a water-purification system.
2. Explain the operating principles of different types of laboratory centrifuges.
3. Discuss the types of calibrating materials available for centrifuges, thermometer,
and pipettes.
4. Describe the unique features of types of glass pipettes including to contain pipettes,
to deliver pipettes, volumetric pipettes, and serological pipettes.
5. Describe the proper preparation of molar, normal, and percent solutions.
, Crossword Puzzle
Directions: Fill in the crossword puzzle with the words missing from the sentences below.
Match the number of the sentence to the boxes placed across or down the grid. If filled out
correctly, the words will fit neatly into the puzzle.
