How does calibration differ from validation? 

A molecular technologist has run a vertical gel. While analyzing the gel, the technologist notices that the bands in the outer lanes did not run as far as similar-sized bands in the inner lanes so that the bands look like a smile on the gel. What is the explanation for this situation?

A technologist in a tissue bank who performed HLA typing by DNA analysis was asked to bank all DNA extracted from specimens received in the laboratory so as to maintain the highest quality of nucleic acid for the longest period. How should the DNA be stored to satisfy this request?

Mutations in tumor suppressor genes are usually what kind of mutation?

Which of the following molecular-based assays can be used to perform HLA typing?

A PCR assay on DNA isolated from a nasopharyngeal swab was performed with the following results: amplification using primers to IS481 was positive and using primers to IS1001 was negative. All controls were acceptable. Which of the following organisms was present in this sample?

Whole blood was sent to the laboratory for viral load determination of HIV (an RNA virus). It was received on a Saturday morning, and the technologist working in the receiving section of the laboratory put the tube in the refrigerator at 2o-8oC. The molecular technologist came on Monday morning and collected the specimens that had been sent to the laboratory over the weekend. How should this sample be handled on Monday morning?

The hemochromatosis mutation C282Y is which of the following mutations?

A blood specimen is received in the laboratory for a PCR assay to detect cytomegalovirus (a DNA virus) on a Wednesday night. The PCR assay will not be performed until the next Monday morning. How should this specimen be stored to maintain the integrity of the nucleic acid prior to analysis?

A woman calls and asks that the results of her husband’s HIV viral load assay be faxed to her. She gives the technologist her husband’s name and medical record number along with the date the specimen was collected and her fax number. She states that she is calling for her husband and has his approval. Which of the following is the correct course of action for the technologist?