CH. 2: Laboratory Test Terms

Question 1

hematology studies

Answer 1

relate to the physical properties of blood, such as the number of blood cells in the specimen or the clotting and bleeding factors

Question 2

blood chemistry studies

Answer 2

measure the amount of certain substances in the body, including electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and chloride), fats, proteins, glucose (sugar), and enzymes.

Question 3

urine studies

Answer 3

are performed on urine specimens to diagnose and monitor urinary tract disease. They are also used to detect and monitor diseases related to the kidney, such as diabetic nephropathy, kidney stones, or lupus.

Question 4

microbiology studies

Answer 4

identify the microorganisms that cause disease and infection, and can be divided into traditional and modern methods

Question 5

traditional microbiology studies include:

Answer 5

culture and sensitivity, staining and microscopy, and biochemical testing

Question 6

culture and sensitivity

Answer 6

a common study performed on almost any specimen

Question 7

staining and microscopy

Answer 7

looking at a sample under a microscope after applying a stain that highlights the suspected microorganism

Question 8

biochemical testing

Answer 8

using enzymes or other compounds that will cause reactions in a specific pathogen

Question 9

modern microbiology studies include:

Answer 9

polymerase chain reactions (PCR) and serology tests

Question 10

polymerase chain reactions (PCR)

Answer 10

work with tiny amounts of DNA from an unknown pathogen in a sample and match it against the DNA of known pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. This can be done very quickly (within hours) compared to cultures, which can take days to weeks.

Question 11

serology tests

Answer 11

depend on antibody/antigen reactions; esp. helpful for microorganisms that cannot be cultured, including the bacteria that cause syphilis.

Question 12

autopsy

Answer 12

view of self (postmortem examination to determine the cause of death or obtain evidence)

Question 13

biopsy (Bx)

Answer 13

view of life (the removal of living tissue from the body to be viewed under a microscope)

Question 14

cytopathology

Answer 14

study of (changes in) cells in disease

Question 15

hematology

Answer 15

study of blood (branch of medicine that deals with diseases of the blood)

Question 16

histopathology

Answer 16

study of tissue in disease (study of tissue samples taken from patients)

Question 17

microbiology

Answer 17

study of small life (study of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites)

Question 18

virology

Answer 18

study of viruses (branch of microbiology that is concerned with viruses and viral diseases)

Question 19

chemistry panel

Answer 19

a series of tests performed on a blood sample that give information regarding multiple systems including the kidneys, liver, and lungs; these also provide glucose and protein levels (also called comprehensive metabolic panel)

Question 20

complete blood count with differential (CBC with diff)

Answer 20

laboratory test for basic blood screening that measure various aspects of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes; this automated test quickly provides a tremendous amount of information about the blood

Question 21

culture and sensitivity (C & S)

Answer 21

test performed on a sample to determine the presence of pathogenic bacteria. The specimen is placed on a medium for growth (culture) and if pathogenic bacteria grow, is then tested for antibiotic sensitivity to identify an antibiotic that will provide the most effective treatment. C&S is used to identify the pathogen present and causing the infection

Question 22

genetic testing

Answer 22

examines DNA, the chemical database that carries instructions for the body’s functions; can reveal changes in genes that may cause illness or disease.