Lab Tests Flashcards
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Tests that are frequently performed as a group on automated multi-channel lab testing equipment
Arterial stick
Puncture of an artery, usually on the inside of the wrist, to obtain arterial blood
Capillary puncture
Technique used when only a small amount of blood is needed as a specimen for a blood test
Usually known as a finger, heel, or earlobe stick
Complete blood cell count
Series of tests performed as a group to evaluate several blood conditions
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Sed rate, test based on the speed with which the red blood cells separate from the plasma and fall to the bottom of a specialized test tube
Elevated sed rate indicates
Inflammation in the body
Hematocrit
Percentage by volume of a blood sample occupied by red cells
Used to diagnose abnormal states of hydration, polycythemia, and anemia
Platelet count
Measure number of platelets in a specific amt of blood
Monitor changes in the blood associated with chemo and radiaiton therapy
Thrombocytosis
Abnormal increase in the number of platelets
Thrombocytopenia
Abnormal decrease in the number of platelets
Red blood cell count
Determination of the number of erythrocytes in the blood
Low red blood cell count indicates
Anemia or acute hemorrhage
Elevated hemoglobin levels indicate
Higher than normal hemoglobin concentration in the plasma due to polycythemia or dehydration
Low Hb levels indicate
Lower than normal hemoglobin due to anemia, recent hemorrhage, or fluid retention
White blood cell differential count
Tests to see what percentage of the total white blood cell count is composed of each of the five types of leukocytes