Laboratory Vocabulary

Question 1

Amniocentesis

Answer 1

A needle puncture into the uterine cavity to remove amniotic fluid, the fluid that surrounds the unborn baby.

Question 2

Antigen

Answer 2

Any substance that induces an immune response.

Question 3

Antibody

Answer 3

An immunoglobulin (protein) produced by the body that reacts with and neutralizes an antigen (usually a foreign substance).

Question 4

Bacteriology

Answer 4

The study of bacteria and diseases they produce.

Question 5

Biopsy

Answer 5

Tissue removed from a living body for examination.

Question 6

Culture and Sensitivity

Answer 6

The growth of a micro-organism in a special media followed by a test to determine the antibiotic to which they best respond.

Question 7

Cytology

Answer 7

The study of cells.

Question 8

Daily Lab Tests

Answer 8

Tests which are ordered once by the doctor but are ordered to be done every day until discontinued by the doctor.

Question 9

Differential

Answer 9

Identification of the types of white cells found in the blood.

Question 10

Dipstick Urine

Answer 10

The visual examination of urine using a special chemically treated stick.

Question 11

Electrolytes

Answer 11

A group of tests done in the chemistry department which usually include:

Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Chloride (CI), and Bicarbonate (Bicarb).

Question 12

Erythrocyte

Answer 12

A red blood cell.

Question 13

Fasting

Answer 13

No solid foods by mouth.

Question 14

Lumbar Puncture

Answer 14

A procedure used to remove cerebral spinal fluid from the spinal canal.

Question 15

Mycology

Answer 15

The study of fungi and fungal disease.

Question 16

Occult Blood

Answer 16

Blood that is undetectable to the eye.

Question 17

Pap Smear

Answer 17

A test performed to detect cancerous cells in the female genital tract; body secretion; excretions, and tissue scrapings can also be studied by the PAP smear staining method.

Question 18

Postprandial

Answer 18

After eating.

Question 19

Paracentesis

Answer 19

A surgical puncture and drainage of a body cavity.

Question 20

Pathology

Answer 20

The study of body changes caused by disease.

Question 21

Plasma

Answer 21

The fluid portion of the blood in which the cells are suspended; it contains a clotting factor called fibrinogen.

Question 22

Random Specimen

Answer 22

A body fluid sample which can be collected at any time.

Question 23

Reference Range

Answer 23

Range of normal values for a laboratory test result.

Question 24

Serology

Answer 24

The study of blood serum or other body fluids for immune bodies, which are the body’s defense mechanisms when disease occurs.

Question 25

Serum

Answer 25

The watery portion of the blood after coagulation.

Question 26

Sputum

Answer 26

A mucous secretion from lungs, bronchi, or trachea.

Question 27

Sternal Puncture

Answer 27

A procedure to remove bone marrow from the breastbone cavity for diagnostic purposes; also called a bone marrow biopsy.

Question 28

Thoracentesis

Answer 28

A needle puncture into the pleural space in the chest cavity to remove pleural fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons.

Question 29

Titre

Answer 29

A measurement of the amount of antibody against a particular antigen.

Question 30

Type and Crossmatch

Answer 30

The patient’s blood is typed and then tested for compatibility with blood from a donor of the same blood type and Rh factor.

Question 31

Type and Screen

Answer 31

The patient’s blood type and Rh factor are determined, and a general antibody screen is performed.

Question 32

Urinalysis

Answer 32

The physical chemical and microscopic examination of the urine.