diagnostic techniques

Question 1

what percentage of clinical decisions involve results from laboratory medicine?

Answer 1

70%

Question 2

heamatology =

Answer 2

study of blood cells

Question 3

histopathology/cytopathology =

Answer 3

study of diseased tissue/cells

Question 4

Microbiology =

Answer 4

study of infection caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses;
- identification of the best treatment options for infection; and the monitoring of antibiotic resistance.
It also includes testing for how well a patient is responding to treatment of infection.

Question 5

Clinical Biochemistry =

Answer 5

study of changes in chemical composition of body fluids in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease processes.

Question 6

Screening allows

Answer 6

Detection of sub-clinical disease

Neonatal Screening for PKU/ Cervical Smear for cervical cancer

Question 7

why use lab tests?

Answer 7

screening
diagnosis
monitering
prognosis

Question 8

prognosis =

Answer 8

prediction of course or outcome of disease

tumour markers

Question 9

monitoring =

Answer 9

natural history or response of treatment

Measurement of CRP to see if an infection is resolving/ Measuring CD4 and viral load for HIV monitoring

Question 10

diagnosis =

Answer 10

confirmation or rejection of clinical diagnosis

Measurement of urea and creatinine for ?renal failure/ Biopsy for ?lung cancer

Question 11

What is POCT?

Answer 11

Point of Care Testing is laboratory testing performed in the clinical setting by non-laboratory healthcare professionals. - It is important to note that, where possible, the Lab oversees POCT.

Question 12

examples of POCT

Answer 12

Blood gas
Urine dip-stix
urine analysis
blood glucose