VCE Vet Laboratory Skills flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Hierarchy of control

Ranking of hazard controls from most to least effective: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Safety Data Sheet

A 16-section document providing information on chemical hazards, safe handling, first aid, firefighting, accidental release, storage, and disposal.

GHS pictogram

A globally harmonized symbol on chemical labels indicating hazards such as flammability, toxicity, corrosion, or environmental danger.

Risk assessment matrix

A tool that multiplies likelihood and consequence scores (each 1–5) to rank risk from low (1–4) to critical (15–25).

Biosafety level 2

Containment level for moderate-risk agents; requires biosafety cabinet, restricted access, PPE, and biohazard signage.

Analytical balance

A high-precision instrument that measures mass to 0.0001 g or better; must be levelled, calibrated, and protected from drafts.

Micropipette

A precision instrument for measuring microlitre volumes; select within 10–100% of nominal capacity and pre-rinse the tip.

Autoclave

Equipment that sterilizes by pressurized steam, typically at 121 °C and 15 psi for 15–20 minutes; validated with biological indicators.

Beer–Lambert law

The relationship A = εbc, where absorbance is proportional to concentration, path length, and molar absorptivity.

Centrifuge balancing

Opposite tubes must be matched by mass to prevent vibration and rotor damage; never exceed the maximum rated speed.

Fume hood face velocity

The speed of air entering the hood, typically 0.3–0.5 m/s; keep the sash low and verify airflow before use.

Chain of custody

A documented, unbroken record of every sample transfer including date, time, handler, and purpose; gaps can invalidate results.

Order of draw

The sequence for blood collection tubes: blood culture, citrate, serum, heparin, EDTA, fluoride/oxalate, to prevent cross-contamination.

Sample rejection criteria

Conditions such as mislabelling, insufficient volume, wrong container, haemolysis, clotting, or expired transport time that make a sample unsuitable.

Triple packaging

UN3373 system for infectious substances: primary receptacle, absorbent secondary packaging, and rigid outer packaging with appropriate labelling.

Specimen storage temperature

Most clinical samples are refrigerated at 2–8 °C; long-term storage at −20 °C or −80 °C; avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.

Serial dilution

A stepwise dilution where the total dilution factor is the product of each individual dilution factor.

C1V1 = C2V2

Formula used to calculate the volume of stock solution needed to prepare a diluted solution of known concentration and volume.

Molarity

Concentration expressed as moles of solute per litre of solution; moles = mass (g) divided by molar mass (g/mol).

Aseptic technique

Procedures that prevent contamination: flame loop until red-hot, work near flame, minimize lid opening, and disinfect surfaces.

Titration equivalence point

The point at which moles of acid equal moles of base; detected by indicator colour change or pH meter.

Levey–Jennings chart

A quality control graph plotting control values over time to detect trends, shifts, and outliers indicating systematic or random error.

Westgard rules

Statistical rules (1-2s, 1-3s, 2-2s, R-4s, 4-1s, 10x) used to decide whether a QC run should be rejected.

Standard operating procedure

A written, approved document that specifies how a task is performed to ensure consistency, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Audit trail

A chronological, tamper-evident record of who did what and when in a laboratory information system, required for regulatory compliance.

Calibration versus verification

Calibration adjusts instrument response to a standard; verification confirms performance meets specifications without adjustment.

SBAR communication

A structured handover tool: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation, used for critical results and shift changes.

Closed-loop communication

A verbal exchange where the receiver repeats the message back and the sender confirms, reducing errors in verbal orders.

Critical result notification

Immediate phone report of a life-threatening result to the clinician, with documented read-back and time.

Waste segregation

Sorting laboratory waste into general, recyclable, sharps, biological, and chemical streams for safe and compliant disposal.

Green chemistry principles

Design rules that reduce hazardous substances, including atom economy, safer solvents, and real-time pollution analysis.

ISO/IEC 17025

An international standard specifying competence requirements for testing and calibration laboratories, used for accreditation.