MLPAO Clinical Chemistry Fundamentals Flashcards
6 cards from real MLPAO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 MLPAO Clinical Chemistry Fundamentals flashcards as text
Which hormone is measured to assess thyroid function and is produced by the anterior pituitary?
Answer: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
TSH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and is the most sensitive first-line test for thyroid function assessment. TSH levels respond inversely to circulating thyroid hormones through negative feedback, making it an excellent screening test for both hypo- and hyperthyroidism.
What is the primary clinical use of measuring glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)?
Answer: Monitoring long-term glycemic control
HbA1c reflects average blood glucose levels over the preceding 2-3 months, corresponding to the lifespan of red blood cells. It is used to monitor long-term glycemic control in diabetic patients and is also accepted as a diagnostic criterion for diabetes mellitus.
Which electrolyte imbalance is most dangerous due to its potential to cause cardiac arrhythmias?
Answer: Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia (elevated serum potassium) is the most immediately dangerous electrolyte imbalance because potassium directly affects cardiac membrane potential. Severe hyperkalemia can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias including ventricular fibrillation and asystole.
In clinical chemistry, what does the term 'hemolysis' refer to and why is it a concern?
Answer: Breakdown of red blood cells; it releases intracellular contents that interfere with assays
Hemolysis refers to the rupture of red blood cells, releasing intracellular contents such as potassium, LDH, and hemoglobin into the serum or plasma. This is the most common preanalytical error in clinical chemistry and can falsely elevate or decrease many analyte measurements.
What is the reference method for measuring total protein in serum?
Answer: Biuret method
The biuret method is the standard reference method for measuring total protein in serum. It is based on the reaction of copper ions with peptide bonds in alkaline solution, producing a violet-colored complex measured at 540 nm. It is relatively free from amino acid interference.
Which liver enzyme is most specific for biliary obstruction?
Answer: 5'-Nucleotidase
5'-Nucleotidase is the most specific enzyme for biliary obstruction because it is primarily found in hepatobiliary tissue. While alkaline phosphatase and GGT are also elevated in cholestasis, they can be elevated in bone disease and other conditions respectively.