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