Lab Interpretation Flashcards
What color cap tube is used to collect a CBC?
Lavender
Decreased WBC counts could indicate?
- Malignancy
- Immunocompression
- Autoimmune deficiency
- Sepsis
When are Neutrophils increased?
What is the lifespan of neutrophils?
- Infections - immature bands
- Trauma
- Stress
- RA
- Melocytic leukemia
- Gout
When are you likely to see left shift?
“Bands”
Immature WBC usually in the setting of acute and/or severe infection
What is the absolute neutrophil count?
- ANC = (%neutrophils + %bands) * WBC over 100
- Used to determine severity
- < 1500 is neutropenia
- < 500 is severe neutropenia
Increased lymphocytes are highly indicative of what kind of infection?
When can you see decreased lymphocytes?
Viral
HIV, leukemia, sepsis, steriods, chemo
What are the causes for elevated monocytes?
- Leukemia
- Viral infection (EBV)
- Chronic inflammatory disease
- Parasitic infection
- TB
What is the most common reason for increased eosinophils?
What are some other reasons?
Allergies
Addisons disease, Parasitic infections
What WBC counts are increased in the setting of allergies?
Basophils
Does altitude increase or decrease RBC counts?
Increased
What are the causes for increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV)?
Macrocytic Anemia
- Folate or B12 deficiecy
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Liver disease
- Hypothyroidism
What are the causes of decreased MCV?
Microcytic anemia
- Iron deficiency
- Lead poisoning
- Thalassemia
A normal red cell distribution width (RDW) in presence of anemia suggests what diagnosis?
Thalassemia
What lab is used to rule in or out many metabolic concerns because it looks at electrolytes and renal function?
BMP
What does BUN measure?
Level of renal and liver function
What is creatinine used as an indicator for?
Kidney function
What is a normal eGRF?
What level is indicative of mild decrease in kidney function?
> 90 mL/min
60-89
Why is chloride essential?
For oxygen exchange
Also and indicator for hydration status
What components are included in a CMP?
- All BMP components plus:
- Protein
- Albumin
- Calcium
- Bilirubin
- Alk Phos
- AST
- ALT
What lab value measures clotting factors of the extrinsic pathway?
What about intrinsic pathway?
PT
PTT
What lactate dehydrongenase (LD) is specific for the pancrease, kidney, and placenta?
LDH-4
In order to be properly measured, do lipids need to be collected while fasting?
Yes, ideally 12 hours
When should a BNP be ordered?
- Used to detect, support, and evaluate heart failure
- Levels decrease if patients are taking ACE, B-blockers, and/or diuretics
- Level naturally increases with age
What is the most common and relied upon test for management of both type I and type II DM?
A1C
How long does it take for urine cultures to return?
2-3 days
What is the best diagnostic method for diagnosing Babesia?
Blood smear
