LABORATORY DIAGNOSTIC METHODS

Question 1

what is usually the first diagnostic lab test carried out?

Answer 1

full blood count

checking haematology

Question 2

what is a CRP test

Answer 2

C reactive protein test

made in the liver during infection

Question 3

what is an LFT

Answer 3

liver function test
liver releases enzymes
(high level of alkaline phosphates tells you there is something wrong with the liver)

Question 4

what are U&Es

Answer 4

urea and electrolyte analysis

Question 5

what are the different lab tests that can be carried out for diagnosis?

Answer 5

FBC, ESR, CRP
LFTs
U&Es
Blood Glucose
Ix of viral illness
Stool culture - Bacteriology

Question 6

what are the different coloured test tube tops and what are they each for?

Answer 6

contain different anticoagulants

Red top - have none
Yellow top - have gel to speed up clot
Purple top - have potassium EDTA
Grey top - have fluoride oxalate (poison)

Question 7

whats the different between serum and plasma

Answer 7

serum contains no clotting factors

Question 8

what is urea and creatinine?

Answer 8

two molecules made in muscles and excreted by the kidneys

Question 9

how can you distinguish between dehydration and kidney failure/damage?

Answer 9

Urea levels rise when a patient is dehydrated but GFR stays the same to the end.

creatinine is a marker of GFR so an abnormal creatinine level will indicate kidney damage

Question 10

what are some cardiac enzymes?

Answer 10

Troponins
Creatine kinase (CK)
Aspartate amino transferase (AST)
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)