Synopsis of Experiment
- The patients are females aged 45-47 years old. They went to their doctor with symptoms of thyroid disorders. The doctor ordered the following diagnostic tests: serum TSH and Thyroxine (T4) levels and a thyroid scan.
- Blood samples are collected in non-heparinized tubes from each patient. The blood samples will be centrifuged and the serum saved for measurement of TSH and Thyroxine (T4).
- Serum levels of TSH will be measured using a immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) and serum levels of Thyroxine (T4) will be measured using a radioimmunoassay (RIA).
- Prior to thyroid imaging, patients were told to refrain from iodine-containing food and medication for at least a week. Patients were given a pill containing radioactive iodine 123I four hours before thyroid imaging. A gamma camera, which detects radiation emitted by the radioactive iodine, is used to observe the amount of radioactive iodine accumulated by the thyroid gland. The isotope 123I is used for thyroid imaging because it is less dangerous to patients due to its relatively short half-life (13 hours) and radioactive iodine 123I yields clearer thyroid images.
Predictions
Based on what you know, predict the outcome of each experiment. Complete the statements below by choosing one response for each.
When you are done, click the Submit button to save your responses to the laboratory report.
Congratulations
Your Predictions have been submitted to the Lab Report.
Scroll down to select Variables.
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Variables
Now determine the dependent, independent, and controlled variables for each experiment in this laboratory activity by clicking on the appropriate answers.
Check your answers until you have chosen all variables correctly. There will be one choice for Dependent and Independent Variables and multiple choices for Controlled Variables. When you are done, click the Submit button to save your responses to the laboratory report.