BACE Basic Laboratory Equipment Use 2

Question 1

What is the correct procedure for calibrating a micropipette before use?

Accepted Answer

Pipette a known volume of water and weigh it on an analytical balance to verify accuracy

Answer

Run the pipette at full speed for 5 minutes to warm up the mechanism

Answer

Check that the plunger moves smoothly with no resistance

Answer

Rinse the tip three times with the solution before dispensing

Question 2

A centrifuge rotor becomes unbalanced during a spin. What is the most immediate risk?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical failure, rotor damage, or injury from rotor failure

Answer

Sample contamination from aerosols

Answer

Overheating of the centrifuge motor

Answer

Loss of temperature control in the samples

Question 3

Which type of balance should be used when accurately weighing 50 mg of a reagent for a critical buffer preparation?

Accepted Answer

An analytical balance with 0.0001 g (0.1 mg) readability

Answer

A top-loading balance with 0.1 g readability

Answer

A triple beam balance

Answer

A platform scale with 1 g readability

Question 4

What is the proper disposal procedure for used sharps (needles, scalpel blades) in a biotechnology laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Dispose in a rigid, puncture-resistant sharps container

Answer

Place in regular trash after recapping the needle

Answer

Wrap in several layers of paper and place in biohazard bag

Answer

Return to the central supply department for reprocessing

Question 5

When using a vortex mixer, what is the appropriate technique for mixing a small volume (100 µL) in a microcentrifuge tube?

Accepted Answer

Press the tube bottom against the vortex pad at a slight angle at medium-low speed

Answer

Set vortex to maximum speed and hold tube sideways in contact with the spinning platform

Answer

Place tube in a tube rack and turn the vortex to continuous mode

Answer

Invert the tube several times by hand instead since vortexing is not appropriate for small volumes

Question 6

What does the abbreviation 'GLP' stand for in the context of laboratory equipment use and data recording?

Accepted Answer

Good Laboratory Practice

Answer

General Laboratory Procedure

Answer

Graduated Liquid Protocol

Answer

Government Laboratory Policy