Analysis Techniques in Health-Related Laboratories

  • Various analysis techniques are commonly implemented in health-related laboratories for a wide variety of purposes.

  • Techniques including chromatography, spectroscopy, and spectrophotometry are frequently utilised.

  • Chromatography is used to separate mixtures and can help to determine the different components within a sample. There are various forms of chromatography, such as gas and liquid chromatography.

  • Spectroscopy, another analysis technique, involves the investigation and measurement of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. This technique allows for the identification of substances through the spectrum emitted from or absorbed by them.

  • Spectrophotometry, a specific type of spectroscopy, is used to measure how much a chemical substance absorbs light by measuring the intensity of light as a beam of light passes through a solution sample.

  • Tissue culture techniques are used to culture cells in vitro, allowing for careful examination of cells in pure culture, without contaminants or other cells influencing the result.

  • Staining techniques, often used in microscopy, make use of various dyes to highlight particular features of cells or tissues. Common staining techniques include Gram staining and Ziehl-Neelsen staining.

  • Enzyme immunoassays are used to detect the presence of specific antibodies or antigens in a sample, as a result, helps to diagnose disease.

  • Molecular genetic techniques, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing, are invaluable tools for detecting specific genes or identifying genetic sequences.

  • In the field of microbiology, culture and sensitivity testing is used to identify bacteria or yeast, and determine their sensitivity to specific antibiotics.

  • Furthermore, urinalysis techniques are crucial, including both macroscopic and microscopic examination of urine, along with chemical testing.

  • Lastly, blood gas analysis gives information about the amount of gases in the blood, specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide. It is a valuable tool in assessing how well the lungs are moving oxygen into the blood and removing carbon dioxide from it.

Remember, regardless of the technique used, accurate record-keeping, including the noting of any anomalies or unexpected results, is a fundamental part of all laboratory work.