20+ Key Bell International Interview Questions and Answers

Order of draw and CBC parameters with normal range for lab technician interview.

• Order of draw refers to the sequence in which different blood collection tubes are filled during venipuncture.

• The correct order of draw is important to prevent cross-contamination and ensure accurate test results.

• Common order of draw includes blood culture bottles, coagulation tubes, serum tubes, and EDTA tubes.

• CBC parameters include red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), hemogl...read more

It can be difficult to determine the blood group of an early born baby because their immune system is not fully developed and may not have produced enough antibodies yet.

• Early born babies may not have fully developed immune systems

• Their immune systems may not have produced enough antibodies yet

• This can make it challenging to accurately determine their blood group

The order of draw is the sequence in which blood collection tubes are filled during venipuncture.

• The order of draw is important to prevent cross-contamination and ensure accurate test results.

• The most common order of draw is as follows: blood culture tubes, coagulation tubes (sodium citrate), serum tubes, heparin tubes, EDTA tubes, and glycolytic inhibitor tubes.

• Sodium citrate tubes are used for coagulation tests, such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thrombopla...read more

Westgard rules are a set of rules used in quality control to detect errors or outliers in laboratory testing.

• Westgard rules are used to determine if a set of control measurements are within acceptable limits.

• Rejection rules are used to identify when a measurement is so far outside the expected range that it should be rejected.

• Warning rules are used to identify when a measurement is slightly outside the expected range, indicating a potential issue.

• For example, a common rejecti...read more

Calibration is necessary for biomedical equipment to ensure accurate and reliable measurements for patient care and safety.

• Calibration ensures accuracy and reliability of measurements, which is crucial for patient diagnosis and treatment.

• Regular calibration helps in detecting and correcting any deviations or errors in the equipment's readings.

• It ensures that the equipment is functioning within acceptable limits set by regulatory bodies like FDA or ISO.

• Calibration also helps i...read more

Quality control levels in hematology are used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.

• Quality control levels in hematology typically include low, normal, and high controls.

• These controls are used to monitor the performance of the hematology analyzer and ensure accurate results.

• For example, a low control may have a known value of 50, a normal control may have a value of 100, and a high control may have a value of 150.

The interviewer wants to know about your experience and skills as a lab technician.

• Talk about your education and training in laboratory techniques.

• Mention any previous experience working in a laboratory setting.

• Highlight your ability to follow protocols and procedures accurately.

• Discuss your proficiency in using laboratory equipment and software.

• Emphasize your attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to research...read more

EDTA stands for Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Swabs typically contain 70% isopropyl alcohol.

• EDTA full form is Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid

• Swabs usually contain 70% isopropyl alcohol

The window period of HIV is the time between initial infection and when the virus can be detected by a test.

• The window period for HIV can vary, but is typically between 2-12 weeks after infection.

• During the window period, a person may have HIV but test negative because their body has not yet produced enough antibodies for detection.

• It is important to wait for the window period to pass before getting tested for HIV to ensure accurate results.

• Early detection of HIV is crucial f...read more

RBCs (red blood cells) are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, while platelets help with blood clotting.

• RBCs are also known as erythrocytes and make up the majority of cells in the blood.

• Platelets, or thrombocytes, are involved in the clotting process to stop bleeding.

• Both RBCs and platelets are produced in the bone marrow.

• Abnormal levels of RBCs or platelets can indicate various health conditions.

• For example, low RBC count may suggest anemia, while low plate...read more

The tube carbamazepine test is used to measure the level of carbamazepine in a patient's blood.

• The test involves collecting a blood sample from the patient.

• The blood sample is then placed in a tube containing a reagent that reacts with carbamazepine.

• The tube is then placed in a spectrophotometer to measure the absorbance of the reaction.

• The absorbance reading is compared to a standard curve to determine the concentration of carbamazepine in the blood.

Heparin tubes are used to collect blood samples for coagulation testing.

• Heparin tubes contain lithium or sodium heparin to prevent blood clotting.

• Mix the blood gently with the anticoagulant in the tube by inverting it several times.

• Use a syringe to draw blood directly into the tube, ensuring proper mixing.

• Label the tube with patient information and send it to the lab for testing.

• Heparin tubes are commonly used for tests like PT, APTT, and fibrinogen levels.

ESR full form is Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate.

• ESR is a test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube.

• It is a non-specific test used to detect inflammation in the body.

• High ESR levels can indicate conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.

Antigens are present on the surface of pathogens or foreign substances and can trigger an immune response in the body.

• Antigens are present on the surface of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

• Antigens can also be present on foreign substances like pollen or dust.

• Antigens are recognized by the immune system as foreign and can trigger the production of antibodies to fight off the invader.

Blood culture test involves collecting blood samples and incubating them to check for bacterial growth.

• Collect blood samples from the patient using a sterile technique

• Inoculate the blood samples into culture bottles containing growth media

• Incubate the culture bottles at the appropriate temperature for a specific period of time

• Check for bacterial growth by observing turbidity or using automated systems

• Subculture positive samples to identify the specific bacteria causing the in...read more

Sodium fluoride tubes are used to collect blood samples for glucose testing.

• Collect blood sample using a sodium fluoride tube

• Mix the sample gently to prevent clotting

• Store the tube in a cool place until testing

• Commonly used for glucose testing in diabetic patients

Fasting sugar average is a measure of blood glucose levels after fasting for a certain period of time.

• Fasting sugar average is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.

• It is typically measured after an overnight fast of 8-12 hours.

• Normal fasting sugar average is usually between 70-99 mg/dL.

• Higher levels may indicate prediabetes or diabetes.

• Lower levels may indicate hypoglycemia or other medical conditions.

QA (Quality Assurance) is the process of ensuring that products meet specified standards and requirements, while QC (Quality Control) involves testing and inspecting products to identify defects.

• QA focuses on preventing defects, while QC focuses on identifying defects after production

• QA involves processes and procedures to ensure quality standards are met, while QC involves testing and inspection of products

• Examples of QA activities include process audits, training, and docum...read more

SST stands for Serum Separator Tube.

• SST is a type of blood collection tube used to separate serum from blood cells.

• It contains a gel that forms a barrier between the serum and blood cells after centrifugation.

• SST tubes are commonly used in clinical laboratories for various blood tests.

• Examples of tests that require SST tubes include lipid profiles, liver function tests, and hormone assays.