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  • Block Check

    (ISO) The part of the error control procedure that is used for determining that a block of data is structured according to given rules.
  • Block Diagram

    (NIST) A diagram of a system, instrument or computer, in which the principal parts are represented by suitably annotated geometrical figures to show both the basic functions of the parts and the functional relationships between them.
  • Block Length

    (ISO) The number of records, words or characters in a block.
  • Block Length

    (ANSI) A measure of the size of a block, usually specified in units such as records, words, computer words, or characters.
  • Block Size

    A sub-unit of the overall randomization where all treatment groups (Subject randomizations) or all dispensable units (Kit Randomization) are randomized according to the block ratio. The block size is a multiple of the sum of the ratio values for each treatment group or dispensable unit.
  • Block Transfer

    (ISO) The process, initiated by a single action, of transferring one or more blocks of data.
  • Blocking

    The act of preventing unwanted molecules from binding to a surface. It is commonly used to prevent antibodies or DNA from binding directly to a membrane instead of binding to a desired biomolecule. It is often done by adding milk proteins (casein) to a protein blot or salmon sperm DNA to a nucleic acid blot after the target molecule has been attached.
  • Blocking Factor

    (ISO) The number of records in a block. The number is computed by dividing the size of the block by the size of each record contained therein. Synonym: Grouping Factor.
  • Blood

    Blood, blood components, and source plasma.
  • Blood Corpuscle

    A cell that circulates in the blood.
  • Blood Plasma

    Blood from which all blood corpuscles, with the exception of platelet cells, have been removed (e.g. by centrifugation) resulting in a clear, straw-colored fluid, which clots as easily as whole blood.
  • Blood Platelets

    Small, disc-shaped, metabolically active cells circulating in the blood. They are essential in the blood clotting process since they aggregate to form a plug on the injured surface of the blood vessel.
  • Blood Serum

    The liquid expressed from clotted blood or clotted blood plasma.
  • Blood-Borne Pathogens

    Infectious microorganisms that are carried in the blood of infected humans or animals and that can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, body fluids, tissues, or organs. Blood-borne pathogens are implicated in diseases such as malaria, syphilis, brucellosis, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Workplace transmission of a blood-borne pathogen can occur via accidental inoculation with a contaminated “sharp” exposure through open cuts, skin abrasions, and mucous membranes of eyes and mouth indirect transmission (e.g., touching mouth, eyes, nose or open cuts with contaminated hands).
  • Blot

    1. As a verb, this means to transfer DNA, RNA or protein to an immobilizing matrix.2. As a noun, it usually refers to the autoradiograph produced during the Southern or northern blotting procedures. The variations on this theme depend on the molecules:• Southern blot: the molecules transferred are DNA molecules, and the probe (q.v.) is DNA.• northern blot: the molecules transferred are RNA, and the probe is DNA.• western blot: the molecules transferred are protein, and the probe is labelled antibody.• Southwestern blot: the molecules transferred are protein, and the probe is DNA.• dot blot: DNA, RNA or protein are dotted directly onto the membrane support, so that they form discrete spots.• colony blot: the molecules (usually DNA) are from colonies of bacteria or yeast growing on a bacteriological plate.
  • Blow (Form) Fill, Seal

    Refers to machines that combine formation of a plastic container by blow molding, aseptic filling of a liquid product and sealing of the final package.
  • Blowback

  • Blowdown

    The withdrawal of water from an evaporating water system to maintain a solids balance within specified limits of concentration of those solids.
  • Blowdown

    The bleeding-off of fixed quantities of accumulated feed water to reduce concentrated impurities. If these impurities are permitted to accumulate, they may pass through the distillation process and contaminate the distillate or foul the distillation system.
  • Blowdown

    The withdrawal of water from an evaporating water system to maintain a solids balance within specified limits of concentration of those solids.
  • Blowdown (Blowback)

    The difference between actual popping pressure of a pressure relief valve and actual repeating pressure expressed as a percentage of set pressure or in pressure units.
  • BLS

    Biologics License Supplement
  • BLST (CFSAN)

    Building and Laboratory Services Team (CFSAN)
  • BLT

    Blood Logging and Tracking System (CBER)
  • Blueprint

    An exact or detailed plan or outline.