CLINICAL LAB SCIENEC

406
ESSENTIALS OF CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
In the Lab
1 mL
1 mL 1 mL
0.001 M
Solution
1.0 M
Solution
9 mL
Diluent
9 mL
Diluent
9 mL
Diluent
Dilution 0
1:10
1:100
1:1000
FIGURE 16-2 Making a 10-fold compound dilution.
Source: Delmar/Cengage Learning.
purposes other than for antibody titers, such as a 10-fold dilution. It is sometimes
necessary to perform a procedure called a compound dilution, where concentrated
reagent or a patient sample requires a larger dilution. For instance, it might be necessary
to prepare a 0.0001 M solution from a 1.0 M solution; in such instances, a series
of dilutions may be necessary to achieve the low concentration desired. Figure 16-2
depicts how this is accomplished.
Equipment and Supplies
1. Gloves, disposable paper towels, and disinfectant or other cleaning solution
2. Report form for Procedure #1
3. Serological pipettes for measuring diluents
4. Transfer pipettes for diluting specimens
5. At least ten clear test tubes (13 × 100 mm or smaller preferred) and test tube rack
6. Diluent (water or normal saline is commonly used)
7. Waterproof sharp markers
8. Fresh and uncontaminated serum specimen, preferably clear of hemolysis or
lipemia
9. Centrifuge with head that will accommodate 13 × 100 mm tubes or smaller
10. Test kit containing antigen corresponding to antibodies being tested for
11. Illuminating lamp with magnifying mirror
Procedure
1. Wash hands and don gloves.
2. Assemble necessary equipment and supplies.
3. Place 10 tubes in a test rack and label as shown below:
Tube #1 1:2 Tube #6 1:64
Tube #2 1:4 Tube #7 1:128
Tube #3 1:8 Tube #8 1:256
Tube #4 1:16 Tube #9 1:512
Tube #5 1:32 Tube #10 Negative Control
Copyright 2010 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s).
Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.