PMI: Laboratory Flashcards
Hematology Studies
Relate to the physical properties of blood
i.e. number of blood cells in the specimen, clotting and bleeding factors
Blood Chemistry Studies
Measure the amounts of certain substances in the body including electrolytes (Na, K, Cl), fats, proteins, glucose, and enzymes
Urine Studies
Performed on urine specimens to diagnose and monitor urinary tract disease.
Detect and monitor diseases related to the kidney (i.e. diabetic nephropathy, kidney stones, lupus)
Microbiology Studies
Identify microorganisms that cause disease and infection
Traditional Microbiology Studies
- Culture and Sensitivity
- Staining and Microscopy
- Biochemical Testing
Biochemical Testing
Using enzymes or other compounds that will cause reactions in a specific pathogen
Modern Microbiology Studies
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- Serology Tests
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Matching a tiny amount of DNA from an unknown pathogen with known pathogens including viruses, bacteria, and parasites
Serology Tests
Depend on antibody/antigen reactions, useful for microorganisms that cannot be cultured (i.e. bacteria that causes syphilis)
Antibodies
Substances produced by a person’s immune system to defend against infection
Antigen
Substances produced by microorganisms that trigger immune response in the body
autopsy
View of self (postmortem exam to determine cause of death or obtain evidence)
biopsy (Bx)
View of life (removal of living tissue from body to be viewed under microscope)
cytopathology
Study of (changes in) cells during disease
hematology
Study of blood
histopathology
Study of tissues in disease
Microbiology
Study of small life (microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites)
Pathology
Study of disease (causes of disease and death)
Virology
Study of viruses and viral disease (branch of microbiology)
Chemistry Panel
Series of tests performed on a blood sample that give information regarding multiple systems including kidneys, liver, and lungs
Provide glucose and protein levels
AKA comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC with diff)
Laboratory tests for basic blood screening that measures various aspects of erythrocytes (RBC), leukocytes (WBC), and thrombocytes (platelets)
Culture and Sensitivity (C&S)
Tests performed on sample to determine presence of pathogenic bacteria and cause of infection
Specimen is placed on medium for growth (culture)
If pathogenic bacteria grow, is then tested for antibiotic sensitivity to identity antibiotic that will provide most effective treatment
Genetic Testing
Examines DNA and can reveal changes in genes that may cause illness or disease
Specimen
Sample of blood, urine, or body tissue taken for medical testing (AKA collection sample)
