Category: Laboratory science

Most people know that fats and oils don't mix with water, a property that forms the basis of a common laboratory procedure. So, what is the test for fats in the experiment, and how does this simple principle reveal their presence?

While the term '2 peptone broth' is not a standard formulation, the fundamental principles of peptone-based media are essential in microbiology. This liquid medium supports bacterial growth by supplying vital nutrients derived from a protein hydrolysate and is a common base for laboratory tests.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), water standards for pharmaceuticals often require strict microbiological control. This highlights a common point of confusion: while ultra pure water (UPW) is an exceptionally clean form of water, its production methods do not guarantee sterility. Understanding this distinction between purity and sterility is critical for sensitive applications in healthcare, science, and industry.

As a versatile chelating agent, potassium oxalate works by binding to metal ions, which is why a primary function is to prevent blood from clotting in laboratory tubes for accurate testing. This fundamental chemical property also makes it a valuable additive in numerous other industrial and medical applications, leveraging its ability to sequester metal ions effectively.

The Iodine test is a standard biochemical method, and studies show it is highly effective for determining if large polymer molecules are present. This qualitative analysis is a foundational technique in biology and chemistry to identify polysaccharides in a sample.

The Seliwanoff's test is a foundational biochemical assay that distinguishes between aldose and ketose sugars, a distinction crucial for carbohydrate analysis. A positive Seliwanoff test, indicated by a deep cherry-red color, confirms the presence of a ketose or a sugar that can be hydrolyzed into one.

The ability to ferment specific carbohydrates is a key characteristic used to classify and differentiate bacteria. Recognizing what does a positive carbohydrate fermentation test look like is a fundamental skill for microbiology students and laboratory technicians, relying on clear visual cues after incubation.

In scientific research, Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) has been used as a standard protein for decades, serving as a reliable reference for quantitative assays. The term, however, has different meanings depending on whether you are in a lab or discussing nutrition.

In medical laboratories, the term 'blood sugar' specifically refers to glucose, a simple monosaccharide that serves as the body's primary energy source. However, the answer to "what is the lab name for sugar?" varies depending on the context, from testing simple blood glucose to analyzing complex food samples.