Terms Flashcards
ASAP
As soon as possible
Biohazard
Anything that is a risk to organisms, such as ionizing radiation or harmful bacteria or viruses
Biologic Hazards
Also called biohazards; any risks to organisms, including ionizing radiation and harmful bacteria or viruses; any conditions or phenomena that increase the probability of harm
Blood Bank
A place where blood is collected from donors, types, separated into components, stored, and prepared for transfusion to recipients; a blood bank may be a separate free-standing facility, or part of a larger laboratory in a hospital
Blood Culture
A laboratory test used to check for bacteria or other micro-organisms in a blood sample
Blood Smear
A blood test performed on slides that gives information about the number and shape of blood cells
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
An OSHA-mandated set of requirements concerning protection against pathogenic micro-organisms that are transmitted via human blood and cause disease in humans; these pathogens include hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ( CPR )
A basic emergency procedure for life support is used in cases of cardiac arrest to establish effective circulation and ventilation in order to prevent irreversible cerebral damage resulting from anoxia
Catheter
A hollow, flexible tube that can be inserted into a vessel or cavity of the body to withdraw fluids
Chain of Custody
The chronological documentation (paper trail) showing the seizure, custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of specimens that may be used as evidence
Chemical Reagent Strip Testing
A method of urinalysis involving the use of plastic strips to which chemically specific reagent pads are affixed
Clean-Catch Midstream Specimen
A method of urging collection that may be ordered to diagnose urinalysis tract infections or to evaluate the effectiveness of drug therapy
Continuity of Care Document ( CCD )
A document that conforms to a standard, accepted format for electronically transmitting/sharing patient information securely and in a format that is easy to read and share among provider locations
Covered Entities
Those that must comply with HIPPA and provide health care services regularly, including health plans, health care clearing houses, and health care providers who transmit any health information in electronic form
Decontamination
The process of removing foreign material such as blood, body fluids, or radioactivity; it does not eliminate micro-organisms but is a necessary step preceding disinfection or sterilization
Defibrillator
A devise that delivers an electrical shock at a preset voltage to the myocardium; used for restoring the normal cardiac rhythm and rate when the heart has stopped beating, or is fibrillating
Dermal Puncture
Also known as a skin puncture; a procedure in which a finger or heel is lanced to obtain a small quantity of blood for testing; also called a capillary draw
Edema
A collection of fluid under the skin
EDTA
Ethlyenediaminetetraacetic Acid; used as an anticoagulant to keep blood specimens from clotting
Exposure Control Plan
An OSHA- compliant plan that explains ways to minimize or eliminate exposure of humans to blood-borne pathogens; in general, it should include its date of development, scope of information, universal precautions, engineering and work practice controls, personal protective equipment, and cover housekeeping, waste disposal, laundry, vaccinations with follow-up evaluations, communication, training and first aid
Fasting
Not eating or drinking for a period of time, generally at least 8 hours and often 12 hours
Hematocrit
The proportion of the blood that consists of packaged red blood cells, expressed as a percentage by volume; the hematocrit test measures the percentage of hematocrit in the blood
Hematoma
A collection of blood underneath the skin, also known as a bruise
Isopropyl Alcohol
An antiseptic agent that reduces the presence of micro-organisms on the skin
Medical Identification Number
Unique number that is established for a patient upon entry to the medical facility
Point of Care
At or near the site of patient care
Protected Health Information
As defined by HIPPA, any information, whether oral or recorded in any form, that is created or received by a health care provider; also related to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual, the provision of health care to an individual, or the payment for the provision of health care to an individual
Quality Control
A method of repeated assay of known standard materials and monitoring reaction parameters to ensure precision and accuracy
Palpate
To feel with the fingers
Phlebitis
Inflammation of a blood vessel
Random Specimen
A single urine specimen taken at any time
Recovery Position
One of a series of variations on a lateral recumbent or three quarters prone position of the body, into which an unconscious, but breathing casualty can be placed as part of first aid treatment
Requisition Form
Form on which tests are ordered; lists pertinent patient information and any special requirements for the test ordered
Sclerotic
Hardened, or veins that are hardened from repeated blood draws Stat- Immediately, often within 45 minutes to 1 hour of receipt in the laboratory Thrombotic - Containing blood clots
Sputum
Material coughed up from the lungs and expectorated through the mouth Stool - also called feces; waste or excrement from the digestive tract that is formed in the intestine and expelled through the rectum
Timed Specimen
Collected over a predetermined time period to obtain more specific information; such specimens are sometimes collected 2 hours after a meal to test for diabetes
Urine
The fluid secreted by the kidneys, transported by the ureters, store in the bladder, and voided through the urethra
