Top 10 Questions for Chemical Pathologist Interview

1. How would you approach the investigation of a patient with suspected acute pancreatitis?

I would first take a detailed history and perform a physical examination to assess the patient’s symptoms and general health. I would then order a blood test to check for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase and lipase. If the blood test results are suggestive of pancreatitis, I would order an imaging test, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition. I would also order other tests, such as a urine test and a stool test, to rule out other possible causes of the patient’s symptoms.

2. What are the different methods for measuring glucose levels in the blood?

Enzymatic methods

• Glucose oxidase method
• Hexokinase method

Non-enzymatic methods

• Copper reduction method
• Ortho-toluidine method

3. How would you interpret a patient’s lipid profile?

I would first look at the patient’s total cholesterol level. A total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL is considered desirable. A total cholesterol level between 200 and 239 mg/dL is considered borderline high. A total cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL or higher is considered high.
I would then look at the patient’s HDL cholesterol level. A HDL cholesterol level of 60 mg/dL or higher is considered protective. A HDL cholesterol level between 40 and 59 mg/dL is considered acceptable. A HDL cholesterol level of less than 40 mg/dL is considered low.
Finally, I would look at the patient’s LDL cholesterol level. A LDL cholesterol level of less than 100 mg/dL is considered optimal. A LDL cholesterol level between 100 and 129 mg/dL is considered near optimal. A LDL cholesterol level between 130 and 159 mg/dL is considered borderline high. A LDL cholesterol level of 160 mg/dL or higher is considered high.

4. What are the different types of anemia?

• Iron deficiency anemia
• Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia
• Folate deficiency anemia
• Aplastic anemia
• Sickle cell anemia
• Thalassemia

5. How would you investigate a patient with suspected liver disease?

I would first take a detailed history and perform a physical examination to assess the patient’s symptoms and general health. I would then order a blood test to check for elevated levels of liver enzymes, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). If the blood test results are suggestive of liver disease, I would order an imaging test, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the condition. I would also order other tests, such as a urine test and a stool test, to rule out other possible causes of the patient’s symptoms.

6. What are the different types of kidney disease?

• Glomerulonephritis
• Pyelonephritis
• Interstitial nephritis
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Diabetic nephropathy
• Hypertensive nephropathy

7. How would you interpret a patient’s urinalysis results?

I would first look at the patient’s urine color. A normal urine color is pale yellow. A dark yellow urine color may indicate dehydration. A cloudy urine color may indicate the presence of infection or inflammation.
I would then look at the patient’s urine clarity. A clear urine is normal. A cloudy urine may indicate the presence of infection or inflammation. A foamy urine may indicate the presence of protein.
Finally, I would look at the patient’s urine specific gravity. A normal urine specific gravity is between 1.003 and 1.030. A high urine specific gravity may indicate dehydration. A low urine specific gravity may indicate the presence of kidney disease.

8. What are the different types of mass spectrometry used in clinical chemistry?

• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
• Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)
• Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)
• Time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS)
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

9. How would you validate a new laboratory test?

I would first define the analytical performance characteristics of the test, such as the accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and specificity. I would then conduct a validation study to assess the test’s performance against these criteria. The validation study would include testing the test on a variety of samples, including both normal and abnormal samples. I would also compare the test’s results to the results of other, well-established tests.

10. What are the ethical considerations in clinical chemistry?

• Confidentiality of patient information
• Informed consent
• Quality control and quality assurance
• Conflict of interest
• Continuing education