#11 - Clinical Biochemistry Flashcards
What does clinical biochemistry focus on?
Identifying molecular changes to understand organ function and aid in treatment decisions.
What are the steps in clinical biochemistry?
Pre-testing (sample collection), Analysis, Post-testing (treatment and further tests).
What are the main types of samples used?
Serum, plasma, urine (EMU, MSU).
What 3 points of identification are required?
Name, URN, DOB.
What other samples might be used?
Feces, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid.
What does different tube caps indicate?
The type of blood sample (e.g., arterial, whole blood, trace elements).
What clinical info is needed?
Age, sex, medications, diet, etc.
What factors affect pre-testing?
Position (stasis), drips, hemolysis, fasting, time of day.
How should blood gasses and bilirubin be stored?
Protect from sunlight; handle quickly.
What is analytical sensitivity?
The ability of a test to always detect the analyte.
What is analytical specificity?
The ability of a test to avoid detecting other substances.
What is clinical sensitivity?
The ability to detect everyone with the disease.
What is clinical specificity?
The ability to rule out healthy individuals.
What are reference ranges?
Values within 2 standard deviations (95% of normal population).
Why do reference ranges vary?
Differences in lab techniques, sex, age, size.
What are critical values?
Urgent results requiring immediate action.
What does sodium regulate?
Fluid balance and plasma osmolality.
Why is potassium important?
It affects cardiac function.
What does urea indicate?
Nitrogen balance and kidney function.
What does creatinine indicate?
Kidney function and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
What do blood gases measure?
O2, CO2, and pH in arterial blood.
What are blood gases used for?
Diagnosing respiratory failure and acid-base disorders.
What are traditional cardiac markers?
CK, AST, LDH (non-specific to cardiac damage).
What are specific cardiac markers?
CK-MB, Myoglobin, Troponins (T and I).
