Glossary

The degree to which the result of a measurement conforms to the correct value or a standard.

Procedures used to prevent contamination by pathogens during lab experiments and procedures.

A machine used to sterilize equipment and supplies by subjecting them to high-pressure saturated steam.

The process of adding substances to food items to increase quantity and reduce cost, often reducing quality and safety.

Testing to detect and quantify the presence of allergenic substances in food products.

A treatment designed to reduce sensitivity to allergens through controlled exposure.

A gelatinous substance derived from seaweed, used as a culture medium for growing microorganisms.

A highly precise scale used to measure mass to a very fine degree of accuracy.

A measure of the amount of light absorbed by a solution, often used in spectrophotometry.

A measured sub-volume of a sample, often used in analytical chemistry.

A negatively charged ion.

The absence of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to prevent contamination.

A technique for determining the concentration of a particular metal element in a sample by measuring the absorbed light.

A formal recognition by an authoritative body that an organization, institution, or program meets specific standards and is competent to carry out specific tasks.

An organization that evaluates and certifies the qualifications of institutions, organizations, or programs according to specific standards.

A formal connection or association with an accredited or recognized institution or body.

The process of evaluating the quality, performance, or qualifications of an organization or program.

The bioactive compounds in herbs responsible for their therapeutic effects.

A systematic examination and evaluation of an organization’s records, activities, and processes to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.

A cylindrical glass container with a flat bottom used for mixing, stirring, and heating chemicals.

A common piece of laboratory equipment that produces a single open gas flame, used for heating, sterilization, and combustion.

The use of microorganisms or plants to clean up environmental pollutants.

The process of verifying the identity of a plant species used in herbal products.

A solution that resists changes in pH when small quantities of an acid or base are added.

Techniques such as Western, Southern, and Northern blotting used to transfer DNA, RNA, or proteins onto a carrier.

A graduated glass tube used in titrations to dispense precise amounts of liquid reagent.

Comparing an organization's practices and performance metrics to industry standards or best practices.

The degree and rate at which a drug is absorbed by the body's circulatory system.

The process of adjusting the output or indication on a measurement instrument to correspond with the value of the applied standard.

A machine that spins samples at high speed to separate substances of different densities.

A small, transparent container used to hold liquid samples for spectroscopic experiments.

A method for separating and analyzing complex mixtures based on their different affinities to a stationary phase and a mobile phase.

Relating to or involving the study of extremely low temperatures.

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

The process of separating components of a mixture by spinning them at high speed.

A unit used to estimate the number of viable bacteria or fungal cells in a sample.

The process of formally verifying that a person, organization, or product meets established standards, often through testing or review.

Adherence to established guidelines, regulations, standards, or laws set by accrediting or regulatory bodies.

The process of verifying and assessing the qualifications and backgrounds of professionals or organizations.

An organization that certifies individuals, organizations, or products based on predefined standards.

Ongoing efforts to improve products, services, or processes to enhance quality and performance.

A process of separating components of a liquid mixture by selective boiling and condensation.

Testing to assess the potential of a substance to cause skin irritation or corrosion.

Water that has had most of its mineral ions removed, used in laboratory applications to avoid interference from ions.

A sealed container used to preserve moisture-sensitive items in a dry environment.

The bending of light around the corners of an obstacle or aperture, used in X-ray diffraction for crystal structure analysis.

A conical flask with a flat bottom, used for mixing by swirling without risk of spillage.

A process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development.

A technique used to separate DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size and charge by applying an electric field.

The point in a titration at which a reaction is complete, often indicated by a color change.

The process of separating a substance from a matrix or mixture using a solvent.

A plate-based assay technique used for detecting and quantifying substances such as peptides, proteins, antibodies, and hormones.

A chemical reaction that releases energy by light or heat.

Official approval or recommendation by a reputable authority or organization.

The process of separating solid particles from liquids or gases using a filter medium that allows only the fluid to pass through.

A ventilated enclosure in a laboratory, used to safely work with toxic or volatile chemicals by containing and exhausting harmful fumes.

A technology used to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of cells or particles in a fluid as they pass through at least one laser.

A tall, narrow container with a volume scale used to measure the volume of a liquid.

Regulations that require manufacturers, processors, and packagers of drugs to ensure products are safe, pure, and effective.

Analysis of DNA to identify changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins.

A method of quantitative chemical analysis in which the substance being analyzed is converted to a stable solid that can be weighed.

A set of principles intended to assure the quality and integrity of non-clinical laboratory studies.

Regulations requiring manufacturers to ensure their products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards.

Analysis to detect and quantify metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium in environmental samples.

The microscopic examination of tissue to study the manifestations of disease.

The process of making a mixture the same throughout by breaking down particles and evenly distributing them.

A device used to grow and maintain microbiological cultures or cell cultures at a constant temperature.

The period during which samples, especially microbiological cultures, are kept under controlled conditions to allow growth or reactions to occur.

Variants of a particular chemical element that differ in neutron number, while retaining the same number of protons.

Certification granted by the International Organization for Standardization, indicating that an organization meets international standards in areas such as quality management, environmental management, or information security.

A device used to hold or support a workpiece or tool in a precise location, especially in mechanical testing and manufacturing.

A fast-flowing, narrow air current found in the atmosphere that can affect laboratory experiments involving aerodynamics and environmental testing.

In laboratory setups, this term can refer to the connection point between two pieces of equipment or apparatus, such as in glassware or tubing.

A type of laboratory container equipped with a jacket (an outer layer) to control the temperature of the contents by circulating a heating or cooling fluid.

The point where different elements of a laboratory setup meet, such as where different tubes connect or where different systems integrate.

Specialized terminology or language used by professionals in a particular field, including laboratory work, which can be crucial for understanding specific procedures and equipment.

A unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI), often used in laboratory contexts to measure energy expenditure or work done.

A method used in material testing and sorting processes where a jig is used to align or position samples for precise analysis.

A procedure for determining the nitrogen content in organic compounds, important for food and fertilizer analysis.

A dehydration process typically used to preserve perishable material, making the material more convenient for transport.

The granting of a license by a regulatory body to an individual or organization, allowing them to operate or practice in a particular field.

Testing for the presence of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and mold in food products.

Testing for the presence of harmful microorganisms in cosmetic products.

The use of a microscope to view small or minute structures that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

A unit of concentration, measuring the number of moles of a solute per liter of solution.

An analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio of ions, helping identify the amount and type of chemicals in a sample.

The curve seen at the surface of a liquid in response to its container. Accurate volume measurements depend on reading the bottom of the meniscus.

A laboratory tool used to measure and transfer very small volumes of liquid.

The process of isolating DNA or RNA from cells or tissues.

Failure to act in accordance with set rules, regulations, or standards.

Analysis to determine the nutritional content of food, including vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons between two substances.

An electronic device used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

A laboratory tool used to transport a measured volume of liquid.

Testing for traces of pesticides used in the agricultural production of food.

The strength of a drug as determined by the concentration of active ingredients.

A method used to determine if a substance will cause an allergic reaction on the skin.

The large-scale study of proteins, particularly their structures and functions.

The process of identifying the chemical compounds present in plants.

The negative logarithm of the acid dissociation constant, a measure of the strength of an acid in solution.

A technique used to amplify small segments of DNA or RNA to produce millions of copies.

The solid that forms and separates from a solution during a chemical reaction.

A rubber bulb used to create suction for drawing liquid into a pipette.

The degree to which repeated measurements under unchanged conditions show the same results.

A process in which experts in the same field evaluate the quality and performance of an organization, program, or individual.

A method of external quality assessment in which multiple laboratories perform the same analysis on identical samples and compare results.

The rapid cooling of a material, especially metal, to set its structure, or the process of stopping a reaction.

A systematic process of checking to see whether products or services meet specified requirements and standards.

The operational techniques and activities used to fulfill requirements for quality, typically involving testing and inspection.

A substance or mixture used in chemical analysis or reactions.

A technique used to purify chemicals by dissolving both impurities and a compound in an appropriate solvent.

Adherence to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to an organization's business or industry.

The process of renewing accreditation or certification by demonstrating continued compliance with standards.

An instrument used to measure the amount of light absorbed by a sample.

Testing to ensure a pharmaceutical product maintains its intended physical, chemical, and microbiological quality, and functionality over time.

Procedures to ensure a product is free from viable microorganisms.

Evaluation of the potential health risks associated with the use of cosmetic products.

Testing to determine the period during which a cosmetic product remains effective and safe for use.

Testing for pollutants in soil that may pose risks to human health or the environment.

Methods used in microscopy to enhance the visibility of specific structures or components within cells and tissues.

A substance, typically a liquid, in which solutes are dissolved to form a solution.

The study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation to analyze the composition and properties of substances.

The process of making an object free of bacteria or other living microorganisms.

The process of making soap from fats and an alkali.

A stepwise dilution of a substance in solution to achieve a concentration range.

The ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent to form a homogeneous mixture.

The clear liquid remaining above the solid or precipitate after centrifugation or settling.

Established criteria or benchmarks that an organization, product, or process must meet to be accredited or certified.

Ongoing monitoring of an organization or program to ensure continued compliance with standards and regulations.

Documented procedures designed to ensure consistent performance and compliance with regulations and standards.

A technique in which a solution of known concentration is used to determine the concentration of an unknown solution.

An extract of a plant made by soaking herbs in alcohol or vinegar.

Systems of medicine based on cultural practices and beliefs, often using herbal remedies.

The cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye.

A laboratory apparatus used to amplify segments of DNA via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

The amount of light that passes through a sample, often used in spectroscopy.

An instrument used to measure the turbidity or cloudiness of a solution.

Accreditation granted by an independent organization, providing an unbiased evaluation of an institution or program.

The ability of an organization or individual to perform tasks and activities to the required standards of performance.

Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light, used in various laboratory applications including sterilization, fluorescence, and spectroscopy.

A high-speed centrifuge used to separate particles based on their size and density at extremely high speeds, often for subcellular or molecular research.

A device that uses high-frequency sound waves to clean laboratory equipment and glassware by removing contaminants through cavitation.

Water that has been purified to a very high degree, often used in sensitive laboratory experiments to prevent contamination from impurities.

The process by which a substance, such as a chemical or biological molecule, is absorbed or assimilated by an organism or system in a laboratory experiment.

A pH indicator that changes color over a broad range of pH values, used to determine the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

The degree to which a product, sample, or process maintains consistent properties or characteristics, important for ensuring reliable and reproducible results in experiments.

Instructions or best practices for the proper use and handling of laboratory equipment, chemicals, or procedures to ensure safety and accuracy.

A measure of how effectively a system or organism absorbs a particular substance, often evaluated in studies related to environmental testing or drug delivery.

Fundamental steps or processes in a chemical or physical operation, such as filtration, distillation, or mixing, that are integral to larger experimental or production workflows.

A method of quantitative chemical analysis used to determine the concentration of an analyte by measuring the volume of a standard solution required to react with it.

An instrument used to measure the viscosity of a fluid.

Describing a substance that evaporates readily at normal temperatures and pressures.

The process of proving that a procedure, process, or activity is effective and achieves the intended result.

Research conducted to confirm that a method, process, or system meets the requirements for its intended purpose.

A type of laboratory flask calibrated to contain a precise volume at a particular temperature.

A device that maintains water at a constant temperature, used to incubate samples in water.

Testing to assess the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water.

A technique used to determine the atomic and molecular structure of a crystal by measuring the angles and intensities of X-rays that are diffracted by the crystal.

An analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials by measuring the fluorescent X-rays emitted from a sample when it is exposed to X-rays.

A technique used to study the structure of crystalline materials by observing the pattern of X-rays scattered by the sample.

A method of analyzing the spectrum of X-rays emitted from a material to determine its elemental composition and chemical state.

Chemical substances that are foreign to a biological system, which can be studied in laboratories for their effects on organisms or their metabolism.

A type of high-intensity light source used in spectroscopy and analytical instruments, emitting a broad spectrum of light including ultraviolet and visible ranges.

A noble gas used in various laboratory applications, including in certain types of high-performance lighting and as a tracer gas in gas chromatography.

A tissue graft or transplant from one species to another, often used in research to study biological processes or disease mechanisms.

The process of transplanting organs or tissues between different species, used in research to explore solutions for organ shortages and immunological challenges.

A radioactive isotope of xenon used in medical imaging, specifically in lung ventilation studies to assess the distribution of inhaled gases.

A type of fungus used in microbiology and biotechnology for fermentation processes, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide in bread and beverage production.

The amount of product obtained from a chemical reaction or process, often expressed as a percentage of the theoretical maximum yield.

Yttrium Aluminum Garnet laser, a solid-state laser used in various applications including medical procedures, manufacturing, and scientific research.

The stress at which a material begins to deform plastically; used in material science to assess the strength of materials.

A type of connector or splitter used in laboratory setups to divide a flow of liquid or gas into two separate paths.

The DNA found on the Y chromosome, often used in genetic studies and forensic analysis to trace paternal lineage.

A laboratory dish or apparatus shaped like a 'Y,' used for culturing or separating biological samples.

A genus of bacteria that includes pathogens such as Yersinia pestis, which causes plague; studied in microbiology and infectious disease research.

Slab, a type of laser system used in advanced laser applications and scientific research.

A type of culture plate used in microbiology, often with a yellow-colored medium to differentiate bacterial colonies.

A measure of the magnitude of electrostatic or charge repulsion/attraction between particles, important in the stability of colloidal dispersions.