Phlebotomy Tests Flashcards
ALT
Diagnoses blood disorders
ALT is a liver enzyme that is released when liver cells are damaged. Often used in routine checkup, and to test liver health. This is typically a fasting test
(ALT: alanine transaminase)
Amylase
Measures levels of Amylase in blood
Amylase is an enzyme that aids in digesting carbs. Typically used to find out if there is a condition of the pancreas or salivary glands. The enzyme is present in those organs, small amounts are normal
AST (SGOT)
Measures level of AST In Blood
AST is an enzyme found in the heart, liver, and muscles in high amounts. damage to these organs releases AST into the bloodstream
(AST: aspartate aminotransferse)
Apolipoprotein B (APOB)
protein that carries substances in your blood that make plaque, a waxy fat that can block arteries. Takes LDL and VLDL lipids where they need to go. Often preferred over lipid panel tests for diagnosing cardiovascular disease risk.
B-HCG QNT
Measures quantity of hCG levels to confirm pregnancy
hCG is a hormone that is made in the placenta. may also be used as a tumor marker in some cases
(hCG: human chronic gonadotropin)
Karyotype Genetic Test
Measures size, shape and number of chromosomes. Usually tested on individuals with genetic disorders that runs in your family or if planning or already pregnant.
Diagnoses: Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple myeloma, Anemia
Bilirubin Direct
Measures levels of bilirubin in blood
Bilirubin is a pigment that excretes from broken down RBCs that are removed from blood by liver & changes the chemical makeup so that it can be passed by urine & feces. if levels are high, your RBCs may be breaking down faster than normal or your liver isnt breakibg down waste properly
Ketones
Measures levels of acids that your body makes when it breaks down fat for energy. Ketones can build in blood and urine.
Diagnosis: A1c, Blood, Glucose, Type 1 & 2 diabetes
BMP & CMP
Basic Metabolic Panel
Checks fluid balance and levels of electrolytes in the body. Tests for the following:
-Glucose
-Calcium
-Sodium, potassium, Co2, chloride
-BUN, creatinine
CMP: Comprehensive metabolic panel aka BMP + liver enzymes
BNP/Pro-BNP
Measures levels of natriuretic proteins made by heart and blood vessels, used to test for heart faliure
BNP is a hormone released in the bloodstream when its workibg harder to pump blood
Pro-BNP is an “ingredient” for BNP, made in larger amounts when blood is working harder
one is more sensative than the other for certain groups
BUN
Measures levels of urea nitrogen in the blood
Urea nitrogen is a waste product removed from bloodstream by the kidneys. Higher levels may indicate poor kidney function. Typically part of CMP
Calcium
Measures levels of Ca+ in the blood
Ca is one of the most important minerals in the body. Necessary for nerves, heart, and muscles to function properly. Also helps vessels move blood throughout body & helps release hormones.
Abnormal levels may be indicative of bone disease, thyroid disease, & many others
Cardiac Risk ‘lipid’
Measures triglycerides + 4 different cholesterol measurements to determine risk of cardiovascular problems
Tests include the following:
- Total Cholesterol
- LDL Choles.
- HDL choles.
- VLDL choles.
- Triglycerides
Auto Diff vs Non-Auto Diff
Auto diff: automated technique to sort groups of WBCs
Non-Auto Diff: Visual examination for abnormalities and more specific differentiation that would otherwise not be routinely reported
CBC & Associated Terminology
- # of WBCs
- # of RBCs
- # of platelets
- # hemoglobin
- ratio of blood composed of RBCs (hematocrit)
High (Leukopenia) - Medication, infections, leukemia, severe stress, tissue damage
Low (Leukocytosis)- bone marrow failure, autoimmune diseases, long term infections, poor diet/nutrition
Cholesterol Total
Measures levels of cholesterol in blood
Made by liver & sourced from foods we eat.
The ‘total’ part measures:
LDL levels: bad cholesterol, main source of arterial blockage
HDL levels: good cholesterol, helps rid of bad cholesterol
Total cholesterol: combined act of the above two
Triglyceride levels: Type of fat found in blood. May inc. risk of heart disease
VLDL levels: another bad cholesterol, linked to plaque buildup in arteries
CK/CPK
Measures levels of CK in blood
CK is an enzyme that speeds up chemical reactions in the body, making energy. Mostly in skeletal muscles, some in heart, & small amounts in brain.
A small amount is typical, but high amounts may be indicative of muscle, heart, and tissue damage. Often used to monitor injuries and diseases that damage the above organs
(CK/CPK: Creatine kinase, creatine phosphokinase)
Creatinine
Measures levels of creatinine in the blood
Creatinine is normal waste product of the body. Made when muscle is used and some of it breaks down.
Increase in blood levels may be indicative of kidney problems
CRP
CRP is a protein made by the liver. Liver releases CRP into bloodstream if there is inflammation in the body.
May be indicative of a serious health condition causing chronic (long-term) inflammation such as autoimmune disorders & infections
(CRP: C-reactive protein)
D-dimer
D-dimer is a protein fragment that is made when a blood clot dissolves in the body. Otherwise typically not found in the body.
Often used to check for blood clots & high results may be indicative of blood clotting disorder such as DVT, PE, Stroke, DIC
Digoxin
Measures presence of Digoxin medication
Digoxin is used to manage/treat heart failure, abortion, & certain arrhythmias.
Drug class: Cardiac glycosides. Leads to better circulation & reduced swelling of extremities
Estradiol
Measures levels of hormone estradiol in the blood
Estradiol is one of the main types of estrogens. Released from ovaries & adrenal glands as well as placenta during pregnancy. Also produced in other parts of the body that causes tissue changes such as growth of womb, breast development, distribution of body fat, menopause, etc.
Also in small amounts in men to prevent early sperm death.
May be indicative of ovary, adrenal function, ovarian tumors, impoperly developed female characteristics, & to measure response to fertility treatments
Ferritin
Measures levels of protein ferritin in blood
Ferritin stores iron in the cells to be carried to the rest of the body. An abnormal result may be indicative of too much iron, anemia, liver diseases
Folate
Measures levels of folic acid in blood as well as other B9 vitamins.
Folate refers to this group of vitamins. Folic acid is a b9 vitamin that is important in RBC formation & healthy cell growth/function including DNA/RNA. This is done by breaking down carbs into sugars for energy. Aids in heart protection, hearing loss, and muscular degeneration in older groups, certain cancers.
Low levels may be a result of alcoholism, IBS, celiac disease, and certain medications
FSH
Measures levels of FSH
FSH is a hormone that plays a role in sexual development in children & fertility in adults.
Low FSH may be indicative of problems with pituitary gland, hypothalamus, reproductive glands
(FSH: follicule - stimulating hormones)
GGT (SGGT)
Measures levels of GGT in blood
GGT is an enzyme found in the body, mostly in the liver. GGT may leak into bloodstream if liver is damaged
High amounts leaked into bloodstream may be indicative of liver disease or damage to bile ducts (carry bile in and out of the liver)
(GGT: Gamma-glutamyl transferase)
Glucose
measures level of glucose in the blood
Glucose is a sugar the body breaks down for energy. insulin helps move glucose from bloodstream to cells
Too much glucose may be indicative of hyperglycemia, diabetes, issues with pancreas or adrenal glands
Too little is common in type 1 diabetes, & can cause brain damage and seizures
Haptoglobin
Measures levels of haptoglobin in the blood
HP is a liver protein, attaches to a certain type of hemoglobin, creating the hapto-hemoglobin complex that is quickly cleared from bloodstream by liver. Complex causes elimination of free hemoglobins to prevent o2 radicals that can severely alter protein structure
Hematocrit
Measures how much a persons blood is made up of RBCs
Measurement depends on size and quantity of cells
Low levels may be indicative of anemia
Too high may be indicative of polycythemia or erythrocytosis
Hemoglobin (Hgb)
Measures level of hemoglobin in blood
Hemoglobin is a protein within RBCs that carries oxygen from lungs to the rest of the body & returns Co2. Low iron levels prevent hemoglobin from attaching to RBCs and thus cannot carry oxygen
Abnormal results may be indicative of a blood disorder
Hepatic Panel
Measures levels of proteins and enzymes produced by the liver
Tests include the following:
-Albumin
-Total Protein
-ALP, ATT, AST,GGT enzymes
-Bilirubin
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
- PT
HgB A1C
Measures percentage of RBCs with glucose-coated hemoglobin
Glucose is a sugar that sticks to hemoglobin over the course of 2-3 months.
Insulin
Measures levels of Insulin in blood
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas used to transport glucose to the bloodstream
High levels (Hyperglycemia): Brain malfunction
Low levels: Diabetes, pre-diabetes
Iron/Iron binding TIBC
Measures levels of Iron in bloodstream
TIBC (Total iron binding capacity): measures how well iron attaches to protein for transportation
LDH
Measures levels of LDH in blood
LDH is an enzyme that breaks down carbs for cell energy, esp in physical exercise. Abnormal results at rest may show sign of tissue damage. Lactic acid is used for cell respiration & molecule signaling
(LDH: lactic acid dehydrogenase)
Lead
Measures levels of lead levels in the body
lead is a heavy metal that is not safe to be found in blood
High levels may cause kidney and liver damage and lead poisoning
Lipoprotein A
Molecule made up of fat & proteins that can build up in the arteries, similar to LDL in structure. They carry cholesterol to the cells via arteries
Magnesium
Measures levels of magnesium in the blood
Magnesium is an essential charged mineral (electrolyte) that helps your muscles, nerves and heart function. Magnesium levels in the body are controlled through the kidneys and intestines.
Mercury
Measures levels of mercury in the blood
High levels can cause effects on the nervous system primarily. Often occurs when eaten heavy metals or too much shellfish with high mercury levels in it
Monogam
PHI
Measures 3 types of prostate specific antigens (PSA’s) to detect prostate cancer
1. Total PSA
2. Free PSA
3. (-2) proPSA
Levels above a certain threshold may be indicative of prostate cancer if antigens are released into the bloodstream
Phosphorus
Measures amount of phosphate in the blood
Phosphate is an electrolyte you get from foods, and level is controlled by kidneys and intestines. P levels are also linked to your Ca2+(inc. in blood CA levels create dec. in phosphate levels), vit D (helps your body use phosphate), and parathyroid hormones (PTH)
Potassium
Measures amount of K in the blood
K is an electrolyte required by cells, nerves, heart, and muscles to properly function. Often used to monitor or diagnose kidney diseases high blood pressure, and heart disease
Hyperkalemia: High K levels
HypoKalemia: Low K levels
Progesterone
Measures progesterone levels in the blood
Prog. is a hormone mainly made by the ovaries. Low levels can be helpful in determining female infertility, and high levels for someone that isn’t pregnant is helpful in diagnosing issues in adrenal glands in both men and women. Also determines pregnancy risk and miscarriage risk
Platelet count & terms for high and low platelet count
Measures amount of platelets in blood
Platelets are cells that help the blood clot.
Too few can be signs of cancer, infections, other health problems
Too many can put someone at risk for blood clots or stroke
Thrombocytopenia: lower P count
Thrombocytosis: higher P count
Platelet function test
measures ability for platelets to form clots
Closure time: measures how long it takes for blood sample to plug hole in a tiny tube
Viscoelastometry: measures strength of blood clot
Platelet aggregometry: group of tests used to measure how well platelets clump together (aggregate)
Lumiaggregometry: Measures Amt of light produced when certain substances are added to blood sample. looks for defects in platelets
Flow Cytometry: Looks for protein on surface of platelets, can diagnose platelet disorders
Bleeding time: measures art of time for bleeding to stop on a small cut made in the forearm. Not as common today
Prolactin
prolactin is a pituitary hormone, main role to signal breast tissue to grow during pregnancy & make milk
Hyperprolactinemia: higher than normal levels, can affect ovary function, erectile dysfunction in men, etc. Can be caused by benign tumor in gland, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, etc.
PSA Screen/Diagnosis
Measures levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen in the blood
PSA is a protein made by prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system.
Typically used to screen for prostate cancer
PT/INR
PT measures how long it takes for a clot to form in a blood sample.
INR: results may be used to create an (I)international (N)ormalized (R)atio, makes it easier for providers to compare & understand results
Prothrombin is a protein made by liver. One of several clotting(coagulation) factors.
Also used to check if medicine that prevents blood clots is working normally (for those with high clotting & need to prevent clogging arteries/veins)
PT vs. PTT
PT: detects abnormalities in the extrinsic and common pathways of the coagulation cascade
PTT: detects abnormalities in the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade
Reticulocyte count
Checks to make sure your bone marrow is making the right amount of RBCs
Reticulocytes are immature RBCs, made in the bone marrow and sent to the blood.
Too few: tissues are not getting enough oxygen
Too many: blood clots
Sedimentation rate (ESR)
Measures how quickly RBCs settle in a test tube in one hour
The father the RBCs have fallen, the greater the inflammatory response
T3 Total
T3: triiodothyronine
Used to help diagnose thyroid disease
T3 is one of the hormones made by the thyroid gland
A total test measures the amount of free T3 (active form that enters tissues where needed) & bound T3 (attached to certain proteins which prevent it from entering your tissues). Most T3 is bound
Can diagnose hyperthyroidism
T4/ T4 free
T4: Thyroxine
Used to help diagnose thyroid conditions
T4 is the second of two thyroid hormones
Free T4 is the active form that enters tissues where needed, bound T4 are attached to proteins which is prevented from entering your tissues
Can diagnose hypo and hyperthyroidism
Triglyceride
Measures amount of fat in blood
Triglycerides are used for E. Can help decide if you need to take action to lower your risk for heart disease
TSH
TSH: thyroid stimulating hormone
Measures levels of this hormone that is made in the pituitary gland, and the TSH tells your thyroid how much hormone to make.
Type & Screen
Pre-surgical test to determine your blood type in case you need a transfusion
Uric Acid
uric acid is a normal waste product your body makes when it breaks down purines. purines are a chemical that come from cells when they die. It is then filtered out by the kidneys. If there is too much build up in the blood, it can cause needle-shaped crystals in/around the joints (Gout) and kidney stones
Vitamin B12
B12: cobalamin
measures how well b12 is absorbed by the body.
b12 + folate test for certain types of anemia
Vitamin D
Before your body can use vit-D, your liver changes it into another form called 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD). This is what the test is really measuring. The kidney uses 25(OH)D to make ‘active vit-D’, which lets your body use Ca+ to build bone and other cell functions
WBC count
Measures count of the 5 different types of WBCs.
A high count is usually sign on an infection. Other immune disorders such as cancer and AIDS can attack these WBC and decrease the count below normal
