Tag: immunoassay

ILS Day 4

From morning to afternoon, today was a day filled with data analysis. We began the workday at 10:00 AM sharp by analyzing the 4 fake patient samples–unceremoniously tagged as 6001, 6003, 6007, and 3184–against both the immunoassay and mass spectrometer results. For most of the patients, the immunoassay results were as expected: they matched the patient prescriptions, giving us a sigh of relief. However, some of the results showed that patients were potentially alcoholic (a presence of ethyl sulfate, or EtS values) or opiate addicts (a presence of morphine despite a lack of a prescription). One of the lab technicians told us that around 30 or 40% of tests don’t come out as per what is expected, so even though our patients were fake, I still believe that this mock test speaks volumes about North Carolina’s ongoing prescription drug abuse crisis.

We were interrupted by a new shipment of quality control samples, which are run on the mass spectrometers to make sure they are in working order. We took advantage of this moment to examine the proper lab procedure for unboxing new lab chemicals, and we shadowed one of the technicians as she meticulously unpacked the refrigerated box, carefully labeled the samples inside, and stowed them away inside the refrigerator.

As this was our last day, time seemed to pass faster than ever, and before we knew it, it was time for a lunch break. Panera Bread was the choice for the day, and a few rounds of foosball suppressed our growling stomachs for the moment.

After a Cuban Sandwich and a comforting bowl of Mac & Cheese, it was time to get back to work. Likewise, we did further mass spectrometer analysis, but this time, it was on a different piece of software. Although we had to leave before we were finished with our analysis, Adam showed us the results, and we were quite accurate! Not bad at all for a second time.

We spent some time giving some heartfelt goodbyes and last words, and we walked out of the doors of Integrated Laboratory Solutions for the final time. This week, I met many bright, creative, and amazing minds, and I would like to thank Dr. Zhong, Adam, Ashleigh, Krystel, Jelani, and Dr. Jay for all the good memories from these past few days.

ILS Day 2

Today, we were introduced to the fittingly named Gold Vault, a laboratory room where urine samples are analyzed for drug content. Amidst a stench of urine that permeated the air (which we tried our best to ignore), we investigated the immunoassay procedure. This system identifies drugs by binding antibodies to them, which creates the antibody-antigen complex. The binding is automatic because the body recognizes drugs as foreign material, or antigens, and attempts to expel them with the immune system by utilizing antibodies. Adam, one of the lab technicians, demonstrated some common indicators of tampered urine. Some patients with ulterior motives manipulate urine samples to hide substance abuse, Adam said. For example, a low specific gravity would indicate that the patient diluted his or her urine sample with water as that has a lower specific gravity than normal urine.

The morning streamed by, and after a quick pizza lunch courtesy of the fine folks at ILS, it was time to get back to work.

In the afternoon, we shadowed Adam as he ran some urine samples through a mass spectrometer (MS). I was amazed at the scientific process at play here–different control substances were included among the “experimental” groups of the urine samples, and believe it or not, there was even a standardized urine control, formed by mixing together hundreds of healthy urine specimens. Additionally, everything, from the racks that hold the samples to the replacement parts for the MS machine, were neatly labelled. It looks like I need to tidy up and label my room first if I want to do anything around biochemistry. We watched as Adam diligently micropipetted sample after sample, enzyme after enzyme, solution after solution, and it was clear that his skills were built from years and years of clinical testing practice. A lot of the process was playing the waiting game–for example, we waited 15 minutes for the samples to ride around centrifuge and 35 minutes for the samples to get cozy in the incubator.

Throughout the day, we also met with individuals who worked under different wings of the Integrated Solutions system. Dr. Jay, a computer scientist, told us that he creates patient interaction apps and software. We also met Chris, a marketer, who created the billboard in the patient waiting room that informs about hemp’s benefits.

I had great fun today and the shadowing was a new experience that’ll certainly arm me with the proper lab etiquette I’ll need for future internships. I’m very much looking forward to see what the rest of the week holds.

 

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