40+ Lab Technician/Medical Technician/Lab Staff Interview Questions and Answers

The size of the needle used in regular medical procedures varies depending on the specific procedure and patient needs.

• Needles used in regular medical procedures come in different sizes, typically ranging from 18 to 30 gauge.

• The gauge of a needle refers to its diameter, with a higher gauge number indicating a smaller needle size.

• For example, a 30-gauge needle is thinner and smaller than an 18-gauge needle.

• The choice of needle size depends on factors such as the type of proced...read more

Reagents used in DNA and RNA extraction and their importance

• Reagents used in DNA extraction include cell lysis buffers, proteinase K, and phenol-chloroform.

• Reagents used in RNA extraction include TRIzol, chloroform, and isopropanol.

• Cell lysis buffers help break down cell membranes and release DNA.

• Proteinase K helps digest proteins that can interfere with DNA extraction.

• Phenol-chloroform is used for DNA purification and removal of contaminants.

• TRIzol is a common reagent for RN...read more

Blood is collected in a citrate tube to perform coagulation tests.

• Citrate tubes contain sodium citrate as an anticoagulant.

• They are used to measure clotting factors and assess bleeding disorders.

• Common tests include prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).

LFT tests are performed to assess liver function and diagnose liver diseases.

• LFT stands for Liver Function Test.

• It is a blood test that measures the levels of various enzymes, proteins, and substances in the blood to evaluate liver health.

• LFT helps in diagnosing liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease.

• It is also used to monitor the effectiveness of certain medications and treatments for liver conditions.

• LFT includes tests for liver enzymes (AST, A...read more

Thrombocytopenia is the medical term for a low platelet count.

• Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood.

• It can be caused by various factors such as certain medications, autoimmune disorders, infections, or bone marrow disorders.

• Symptoms of thrombocytopenia may include easy bruising, prolonged bleeding, and petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin).

• Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and severity of...read more

The rules used to assess LJ charts are based on growth patterns and colony morphology.

• Assessment of LJ charts involves analyzing the growth patterns and colony morphology of the organisms.

• The rules consider factors such as the rate of growth, pigmentation, texture, and appearance of colonies.

• Different rules may be applied for different organisms or specific tests.

• For example, in the case of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the presence of cord formation is an important criterion.

• T...read more

RBS stands for Random Blood Sugar. It is a test to measure the level of glucose in the blood at any given time.

• RBS is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.

• The normal value for RBS is typically between 70-140 mg/dL.

• RBS is often performed without fasting, unlike FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) and PLBS (Postprandial Blood Sugar).

• FBS measures blood glucose levels after an overnight fast.

• PLBS measures blood glucose levels after a meal.

• Abnormal RBS values may indicate diabetes, hypogly...read more

The media in use for blood culture is a specialized growth medium that supports the growth of bacteria or fungi present in the blood sample.

• Blood culture media typically contain a combination of nutrients, such as peptones, amino acids, and carbohydrates, to support microbial growth.

• Antibiotics or antifungal agents may be added to the media to inhibit the growth of normal flora and allow the detection of pathogens.

• Common examples of blood culture media include tryptic soy bro...read more

In RFT, I will perform various tests to assess the functioning of the respiratory system. Normal values vary depending on the specific test.

• In RFT (Respiratory Function Test), I will conduct tests to evaluate lung function and diagnose respiratory disorders.

• Some common RFT tests include spirometry, lung volume measurement, and diffusion capacity measurement.

• During spirometry, I will measure the volume and flow of air during inhalation and exhalation.

• Normal spirometry values i...read more

Chemistry is the scientific study of matter, its properties, composition, and interactions.

• Chemistry is a branch of science that deals with the structure, properties, and behavior of substances.

• It involves studying the composition, properties, and reactions of matter.

• Chemistry is used to understand and explain the behavior of atoms and molecules.

• It plays a crucial role in various fields such as medicine, pharmacy, environmental science, and materials science.

• Examples of chemi...read more

Chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

• Chemotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of cancer.

• It can be administered orally, intravenously, or topically.

• There are different types of chemotherapy drugs, including alkylating agents, antimetabolites, and anthracyclines.

• Chemotherapy can be used as the primary treatment or in combination with other therapies like surgery or radiation.

• Common side effects of chemotherapy inclu...read more

Qualitative PCR detects the presence or absence of a target DNA sequence, while quantitative PCR measures the amount of target DNA.

• Qualitative PCR determines if a specific DNA sequence is present or absent.

• Quantitative PCR measures the amount of target DNA in a sample.

• Qualitative PCR is used for diagnostic purposes, such as detecting the presence of a pathogen.

• Quantitative PCR is used for quantifying gene expression levels or viral load.

• Qualitative PCR results in a simple pos...read more

Nucleic acid preservation temperature is crucial for maintaining sample integrity.

• Nucleic acids should be stored at low temperatures to prevent degradation.

• The ideal temperature for nucleic acid preservation is -80 degrees Celsius.

• Freezing nucleic acid samples helps to maintain their integrity and prevent enzymatic degradation.

• Some common methods of nucleic acid preservation include using liquid nitrogen or ultra-low temperature freezers.

The first sign of puberty in females is the development of breast buds.

• Breast buds are small bumps that appear under the nipples.

• Pubic hair growth and the onset of menstruation follow breast development.

• On average, breast development begins around age 10-11.

• The timing of puberty can vary greatly among individuals.

• Early or delayed puberty may indicate underlying medical conditions.

After vacuum circuit breaker trip, I will investigate the cause and reset the breaker if necessary.

• Investigate the cause of the trip

• Check for any faults or abnormalities in the circuit

• Reset the breaker if necessary

• Ensure proper functioning of the circuit after reset

Blood is a vital fluid in the human body that carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

• Blood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

• Red blood cells transport oxygen to the body's tissues.

• White blood cells help fight infections and diseases.

• Platelets aid in blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding.

• Plasma is a yellowish fluid that carries nutrients, hormones, and waste products.

• Blood types (A, B, AB, O) and Rh factor (positiv...read more

The anticoagulant present in leech is hirudin.

• Hirudin is a potent thrombin inhibitor.

• It is secreted by the salivary glands of medicinal leeches.

• Hirudin prevents blood from clotting by binding to thrombin and blocking its activity.

• It is used in medicine as an anticoagulant and in research as a tool to study blood clotting.

Various machines are used in a laboratory depending on the type of testing and analysis required.

• Microscopes for examining samples

• Centrifuges for separating components of a mixture

• Spectrophotometers for measuring light absorption

• PCR machines for amplifying DNA

• Autoclaves for sterilizing equipment

• Incubators for growing cultures

• HPLC machines for separating and analyzing compounds

• Gas chromatographs for analyzing gas mixtures

• Mass spectrometers for identifying compounds

• NMR machines...read more

Various machines are used in labs, including microscopes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and PCR machines.

• Microscopes for examining samples at high magnification

• Centrifuges for separating components of a sample

• Spectrophotometers for measuring the amount of light absorbed by a sample

• PCR machines for amplifying DNA samples

• Other machines may include incubators, chromatography equipment, and electrophoresis equipment

I will prioritize tasks, use time management techniques, and seek help when necessary.

• I will create a to-do list and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.

• I will use time management techniques such as the Pomodoro technique to increase productivity.

• I will communicate with my team and seek help when necessary to avoid burnout and ensure tasks are completed on time.

• I will regularly assess my workload and adjust my strategies as needed to ensure efficiency.

CCP stands for Critical Control Point and OPRP stands for Operational Prerequisite Program.

• CCP is a step in the process where control can be applied to prevent, eliminate, or reduce a hazard to an acceptable level.

• OPRP is a step in the process where control can be applied to prevent, eliminate, or reduce a hazard to an acceptable level, but is not a CCP.

• Both CCP and OPRP are important in ensuring food safety in the food industry.

• Examples of CCPs include cooking, chilling, and...read more

Reverse pipetting is a technique used in laboratories to accurately dispense small volumes of liquid.

• Reverse pipetting involves aspirating a larger volume of liquid into the pipette and then dispensing a smaller volume.

• This technique is used when high precision and accuracy are required, as it reduces the effects of pipetting errors.

• By reversing the pipetting process, any liquid remaining in the pipette tip is not included in the dispensed volume.

• Reverse pipetting is commonly...read more

WBC stands for white blood cells, which are a crucial part of the immune system.

• WBCs are a type of blood cell that help the body fight off infections and diseases.

• They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream.

• WBC count is an important indicator of overall health and can be measured through a blood test.

• Abnormal WBC count can indicate various medical conditions, such as infections, leukemia, or autoimmune disorders.

The original color of RBC is red.

• RBC stands for red blood cell.

• The red color of RBC is due to the presence of a protein called hemoglobin.

• Hemoglobin binds to oxygen and carries it to different parts of the body.

• The red color of RBC helps in distinguishing it from other types of blood cells.

CBP stands for Customs and Border Protection.

• CBP is a federal law enforcement agency in the United States.

• It is responsible for regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. regulations.

• CBP also plays a crucial role in protecting the borders and preventing the entry of illegal goods and individuals.

• They conduct inspections at ports of entry, airports, and land borders to ensure compliance with customs and immigration laws.

• CBP of...read more

The vaccine for yellow fever is a live attenuated vaccine made from the 17D strain of the virus.

• The vaccine is given as a single dose and provides lifelong immunity.

• It is recommended for people traveling to areas where yellow fever is endemic.

• The vaccine can cause mild side effects such as headache, fever, and muscle aches.

• It is not recommended for pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, or those with a history of severe allergic reactions to eggs or chicken prod...read more