20+ Columbia Petro Chem Interview Questions and Answers

Reagents used in DNA and RNA extraction and their importance

• Reagents used in DNA extraction include cell lysis buffers, proteinase K, and phenol-chloroform.

• Reagents used in RNA extraction include TRIzol, chloroform, and isopropanol.

• Cell lysis buffers help break down cell membranes and release DNA.

• Proteinase K helps digest proteins that can interfere with DNA extraction.

• Phenol-chloroform is used for DNA purification and removal of contaminants.

• TRIzol is a common reagent for RN...read more

Qualitative PCR detects the presence or absence of a target DNA sequence, while quantitative PCR measures the amount of target DNA.

• Qualitative PCR determines if a specific DNA sequence is present or absent.

• Quantitative PCR measures the amount of target DNA in a sample.

• Qualitative PCR is used for diagnostic purposes, such as detecting the presence of a pathogen.

• Quantitative PCR is used for quantifying gene expression levels or viral load.

• Qualitative PCR results in a simple pos...read more

The normal range of RBS (Random Blood Sugar) is typically between 70-140 mg/dL.

• Normal range of RBS is 70-140 mg/dL

• RBS levels above 140 mg/dL may indicate hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)

• RBS levels below 70 mg/dL may indicate hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Centrifuges are used in medical laboratories to separate substances of different densities in a sample by spinning it at high speeds.

• Centrifuges are used to separate components of blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma.

• They are also used to separate DNA, RNA, and proteins in research laboratories.

• Centrifuges are essential for processing samples in microbiology, hematology, and biochemistry.

• Different types of centrifuges, such as microcentrifuges and ult...read more

To prepare patients for sample collection, explain the procedure, obtain consent, ensure patient comfort, and provide necessary instructions.

• Explain the procedure to the patient, including the purpose of the sample collection and any potential risks or discomfort.

• Obtain informed consent from the patient, ensuring they understand the process and their rights.

• Ensure patient comfort by providing a clean and private environment, maintaining a calm and reassuring demeanor, and add...read more

To check camera cable on a running setup, use a cable tester to check for continuity and signal strength.

• Use a cable tester to check for continuity in the camera cable

• Check for signal strength using a multimeter or oscilloscope

• Inspect the cable for any physical damage or wear

• Ensure the cable is securely connected to the camera and monitoring system

• Consider replacing the cable if issues persist

Nucleic acid preservation temperature is crucial for maintaining sample integrity.

• Nucleic acids should be stored at low temperatures to prevent degradation.

• The ideal temperature for nucleic acid preservation is -80 degrees Celsius.

• Freezing nucleic acid samples helps to maintain their integrity and prevent enzymatic degradation.

• Some common methods of nucleic acid preservation include using liquid nitrogen or ultra-low temperature freezers.

The critical alert in bacteriology department is the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

• Identification of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is crucial for patient treatment

• Alerts are triggered when bacteria show resistance to commonly used antibiotics

• Prompt action is required to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains

• Regular monitoring and surveillance are necessary to detect emerging resistance patterns

There are four main blood groups: A, B, AB, and O.

• There are four main blood groups in the ABO system: A, B, AB, and O

• Each blood group is determined by the presence or absence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells

• Blood type O is considered the universal donor, while AB is considered the universal recipient

Vijaya Diagnostics is a leading diagnostic center in India.

• Vijaya Diagnostics is known for its state-of-the-art infrastructure and advanced diagnostic services.

• They offer a wide range of diagnostic tests including radiology, pathology, cardiology, and more.

• Vijaya Diagnostics has a team of highly skilled and experienced doctors and technicians.

• They are committed to providing accurate and reliable test results to their patients.

• Vijaya Diagnostics has multiple branches across va...read more

The order of draw refers to the sequence in which different blood collection tubes should be filled during venipuncture.

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

• The general order of draw is blood culture tubes, coagulation tubes, serum tubes, heparin tubes, and EDTA tubes.

• For example, a common order of draw is yellow (blood culture), light blue (coagulation), red or gold (serum), green (heparin), and lavender (EDTA).

CCTV systems help in deterring crime and providing evidence for investigations in various locations.

• CCTV cameras act as a deterrent to potential criminals by increasing the risk of being caught.

• Footage from CCTV cameras can be used as evidence in criminal investigations and court proceedings.

• CCTV systems can help monitor high-risk areas such as banks, retail stores, and public transportation hubs.

• Remote monitoring of CCTV feeds allows for real-time response to suspicious acti...read more

HIV infection occurs when the virus enters the body and attacks the immune system.

• HIV enters the body through contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk.

• The virus targets CD4 cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system.

• HIV replicates inside CD4 cells, eventually leading to their destruction and weakening the immune system.

• As the immune system becomes compromised, the individual becom...read more

EDTA stands for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, a chelating agent commonly used in laboratories to prevent blood clotting by binding to calcium ions.

• EDTA is a chelating agent that binds to metal ions, particularly calcium, to prevent blood clotting.

• It is commonly used in blood collection tubes to preserve blood samples for testing.

• In laboratories, EDTA is used in various tests like complete blood count (CBC) and blood typing.

• It is also used in molecular biology techniques to...read more

Reverse pipetting is a technique used in laboratories to accurately dispense small volumes of liquid.

• Reverse pipetting involves aspirating a larger volume of liquid into the pipette and then dispensing a smaller volume.

• This technique is used when high precision and accuracy are required, as it reduces the effects of pipetting errors.

• By reversing the pipetting process, any liquid remaining in the pipette tip is not included in the dispensed volume.

• Reverse pipetting is commonly...read more

To attend a patient as a receptionist, greet them warmly, ask for their appointment details, verify their identity, provide necessary forms to fill, and direct them to the waiting area.

• Greet the patient warmly and make them feel welcome

• Ask for their appointment details, such as name, time, and purpose of visit

• Verify their identity by cross-checking with the appointment schedule or asking for identification

• Provide necessary forms or paperwork to fill, such as medical history o...read more

Our main audit findings were related to inadequate internal controls and lack of compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Inadequate segregation of duties

• Weak password policies

• Insufficient documentation

• Non-compliance with industry standards

• Lack of training for employees

• Examples: Unauthorized access to sensitive data, incomplete financial records, failure to follow established procedures

IQC stands for Internal Quality Control and EQAS stands for External Quality Assurance Scheme.

• IQC involves the monitoring and validation of testing processes within a laboratory to ensure accuracy and precision.

• EQAS involves the comparison of a laboratory's test results with those of other laboratories to ensure consistency and reliability.

• IQC is performed on a regular basis within the laboratory, while EQAS is typically conducted externally by a third-party organization.

• Both...read more

My typing speed is 80 words per minute.

• I have a typing speed of 80 words per minute.

• I am proficient in touch typing and can accurately type at a fast pace.

• I have experience in handling high-volume typing tasks, such as transcribing documents or emails.

• I prioritize accuracy and efficiency in my typing skills.

• I am familiar with various typing software and tools that help improve typing speed.

FBS stands for Fasting Blood Sugar, which is a test to measure the amount of glucose in the blood after fasting for a certain period of time.

• FBS is commonly used to diagnose diabetes and monitor blood sugar levels.

• The test requires the patient to fast for at least 8 hours before blood is drawn.

• Normal FBS levels are typically between 70-100 mg/dL.

• High FBS levels may indicate diabetes or prediabetes.

• Low FBS levels may indicate hypoglycemia.

SGOT stands for Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase.

• SGOT is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, muscles, and other tissues.

• It is also known as aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

• SGOT levels are often measured in blood tests to assess liver function or damage.

• Elevated SGOT levels may indicate liver disease, heart attack, or muscle injury.

I am fluent in English, Spanish, and French.

• Fluent in English, Spanish, and French

• Can communicate effectively in multiple languages

• Experience in providing customer care in multilingual environments

Typically, two views are taken for a chest x-ray: the posteroanterior (PA) view and the lateral view.

• The posteroanterior (PA) view is the most common view for a chest x-ray.

• The lateral view provides a side view of the chest and is often used to assess the position of structures within the chest.

• Additional views may be taken based on the specific clinical indications or suspected conditions.

• Examples of additional views include the anteroposterior (AP) view, oblique views, or s...read more

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. There are several types of PCR techniques used in laboratories.

• Real-time PCR

• Reverse Transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR)

• Nested PCR

• Multiplex PCR

• Digital PCR