Diagnostics 1 - Introduction and Chemical Pathology Lab

Question 1

What is ESR? If high, what is it a marker for?

Answer 1

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate. Marker for infection or inflammation if high

Question 2

What does U&Es stand for?

Answer 2

Urea and Electrolytes.
4 components =
Creatinine, Sodium, Potassium, Urea

Question 3

Stools are examined with MCS. What is MCS?

Answer 3

Microscopy, Culture, Sensitivity

Question 4

What LFT shows a good liver?

Answer 4

Albumin

Question 5

What is the poison used to prevent red cells from using glucose? (anaerobic glycolysis)

Answer 5

Fluoride oxalate

Question 6

Low sodium and high potassium? What could it be?

Answer 6

Primary Adrenocortical failure

Question 7

High potassium readings, what must you be careful of?

Answer 7

Haemolysis (damage to RBCs, which causes them to leak K). May occur during extraction of blood, etc

Question 8

Urea and creatinine test which organ?

Answer 8

Kidney function

Question 9

What 2 concentrations of substances rise in renal failure?

Answer 9

Urea and creatinine

Question 10

What is creatinine a marker for?

Answer 10

GFR. Very little creatinine is absorbed or secreted by tubules

Question 11

Urea rises when the patient is?

Answer 11

Dehydrated. GFR will stay the same though

Question 12

What 4 things are tested in LFTs?

Answer 12

1. Albumin (synthesised in liver)
2. Bilirubin
3. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
4. ALT (alanine-amino-transferase)

Question 13

If a patient has jaundice, in addition to LFT, what other things would have to be measured?

Answer 13

AST and GGT

Question 14

What are the cardiac enzymes?

Answer 14

1. Troponin
2. Creatine Kinase
3. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
4. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)