OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

What are membrane filters commonly used for?

1. Heat sensitive biological fluids

2. Blood enrichment additives

3. Plasma additives

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Membrane filters are versatile tools widely used in various laboratory applications, especially for the filtration of heat-sensitive biological fluids. Their structure allows them to selectively retain certain sizes of particles while allowing smaller substances, such as fluids or gases, to pass through. This quality is particularly important when working with biological samples that cannot be exposed to high temperatures, which could denature proteins or affect the viability of cells. In the context of blood and plasma processing, membrane filters serve critical functions as well. For instance, they can act as blood enrichment additives by filtering out unwanted cells or pathogens, thereby enhancing the quality and safety of blood products. Similarly, in plasma applications, membrane filters help in clarifying or purifying plasma by removing contaminants or cellular components. Thus, membrane filters play a crucial role across all these applications, confirming that the correct choice encompasses their broad utility in handling both heat-sensitive fluids and blood/plasma additives.