Text Book Glossary Flashcards
accuracy
a “quality control” term that refers to how close a lab result is to the actual value. measured by comparing test results is a specified lab to results obtained from an established standard. used with the term “prescision” to assess the quality & effect
ACD stands for what?
acid sitrate dextrose
acid citrate dextrose
an additive commonly used in specimen collection for blood donations to prevent clotting. It ensures that the red blood cells maintain their oxygen-carrying capacity.
active listening
a set of skills that enables an individual to become a more effective listener. Skills include concentrating on the speaker, getting ready to listen by clearing one’s mind of distracting thoughts, use of silent pauses when appropriate, providing reassur
additives
substances, such as gels, clotting activators, or anticoagulants, that are added in small amounts to specimen collection tubes to alter the specimen so as to make it appropriate for lab analysis or handling.
ACA stands for what?
Affordable Care Act
Affordable Care Act
the US health care reform law enacted in 2010, with three primary goals: 1) to provide affordable health insurance to more Americans. 2) to expand the Medicaid program to cover more poverty-stricken individuals 3) to support innovative medical care delive
age-specific care considerations
providing services that are age appropriate and consideration (eg, special considerations that are needed for different ages of children, such as toddler or teen, and also for geriatric patients). Factors typically relate to age-related fears/concerns, co
alcohol
a colorless liquid that can be used as an antiseptic
aliquot
a portion of a blood specimen that has been removed/separated from the original primary specimen tube after initial processing (centrifugation). Considered to be identical to all other portions of the original sample of serum, plasma, urine, and cerebros
Allen Test
procedure used prior to drawing specimens for arterial blood gases (ABGs) from the radial artery. It ensures that the ulnar and radial arteries are providing collateral circulation to the hand area.
Processes invloved in the Allen Test.
Compress arteries to the hand and empty the hand of arterial blood. Release the compression to see if circulation is immediately restored. A negative test indicates that collateral circulation is not sufficient and an alternative artery (brachial or fem
allergic reaction
a condition caused by an abnormal reaction of the body’s immune system to a foreign substance.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
a chronic neurodegenerative disease that causes the majority of cases of demential, or loss of intellectual abilities. It is more prevalent in older patients.
ambulatory care
health care services that are delivered in an outpatient or clinic or medical office setting. The term implies that the patients are able to ambulate (walk) to the clinic to receive the services
ASCLS stands for what?
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Scientists
American Society for Clinical Laboratory Scientists (ASCLS)
an international professional organization for laboratory personnel that provides continuing education and conference activities for laboratory professionals
ASCP stands for what?
American Society for Clinical Pathology
Americal Society for Clinical Pathology
professional organization offering clinical and research conferences, many types of continuing education activities, and ongoing certification programs. Certification is through the Board of Certification (BOC) for many types of laboratory professionals a
analyte
a substance being analyzed e.g., a chemical analysis
analytic phase
refers to the phase in laboratory testing in which the specimen is actually assessed or evaluated, and results are confirmed and reported.
anatomic pathology
a major area of laboratory services in which autopsies are performed and surgical biopsy tissues are analyzed
anemia
a medical condition in which there is a reduction in hemoglobin, thus lowering the O2 carrying capacity of blood cells
antecubital
the area of the forearm (around the crease of the elbow) most commonly used for selecting veins prior to venipuncture. The median cubital vein is the best anchored and least risk-prone vein for venipuncture in most patients
anterior
the front or ventral area of the body that includes the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis
anticoagulant
substance introduced into the blood or a blood specimen to prevent the clotting process
antiglycolytic agent
an additive used in blood collection tubes that prevents glycolysis
antimicrobial
a chemical or therapeutic agent that destroys microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi
antiseptic hand rub
a waterless antiseptic product that can be rubbed onto all surfaces of the hands to reduce the number of microorganisms present; the hands should be rubbed until the product has dried
antiseptic hand wash
soap and water or detergents containing an antiseptic agent used for washing the hands to reduce the risk of infection by destroying the microorganisms present
antiseptics
chemicals used to clean human skin by inhibiting the growth of and/or destroying microorganisms
examples of antiseptics
70% isopropyl alcohol chlorhexidine chlorine hexachlorophene chloroxylenol quarternary ammonium compounds iodine
aorta
the largest artery in the body
arrhythmia
an irregular heartbeat or rhythm
ABGs stands for what?
arterial blood gases
arterial blood gases (ABGs)
an analytical test that measures oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Provides useful information about respiratory status and the acid-base balance of ptients with pulmonary disorders
arterialized capillary blood
capillary specimens obtained from warmed sies. Since the pressure in arterioles is greater than in the venules, the capillaries tend to fill with a larger volume of arterial blood than venous blood
arterioles
smaller branches of arteries
artery
a blood vessel that carries highly oxygenated blood away from the heart. The only exceptions are the pulmonary arteries that carry deoxygenated blood from th heart to the lungs
aseptic
a degree of cleanliness that prevents infection and the growth of microorganisms. The technique to achieve this condition includes frequent use of hand hygiene procedures, use of barrier garments and personal protectie equipment (PPE), waste management of
assault
a legal term referring to the unjustifiable attempt to touch another person or the threat to do so in cercumstances that cause the other perso to believe that it will be carried out, or to cause fear. Touching a patient is permissible if proper consent
assessments
measurements or evaluations of factors that affect both the analytic (quantitative) and nonanalytic (qualitative) components of health care. Competency assessments measure an individual’s ability to perform specified job tasks
atria
the two upper chambers of the heart that recieve blood from the veins and force it into the ventricles. They are refered to as the right and left atria to indicate the side of the heart where each is located Singular: atrium
AF or A-fib stands for what?
atrial fibrillation
atrial fibrillation
a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to a variety of heart-related symptoms and complications and that may indicate not enough oxygen-rich blood is being pumped to the body
AED stands for what?
automated external defibrillator
automated external defibrillator (AED)
used to treat a sudden cardiac arrest, this portable device analyzes heart rhythm and, if needed, can send an electronic shock to the heart to restore normal heartbeats.
automated skin-puncture safety device
a singular-use apparatus that pierces the skin with a sterile lancet that then automatically retracts into a protective casing.
bacteremia
the presence of bacteria in the blood; an infection of the blood. Also refers to septicemia
basal state
refers to the patient’s condition in the early morning, approimately 12 hours after the last ingestion of food. In hospitals, most laboratory tests are analyzed on basal-state specimens
basilic vein
a vessel of the forearm that is acceptable for venipuncture; however other veins in the antecubital area are preferred because it lies in close proximity to the median nerve and brachial artery
battery
a complex legal term referring to intentionally touching another person without consent and /or beating or carrying out threatened physical harm.
beta-carotene
a photosensitive analyte that will decompose on exposure to light, so blood specimens being analyzed for this need to be appropiately protected
beveled
having a slanted surface, for 3example at the end point of a needle
bilirubin
a yellow pigment that normally occurs when RBCs breakdown. IT is measured to assess jaundice, anemia, or liver disease. It is a photosensitive analyte, so blood specimens for this test must be protected from light
blood
the circulating fluid and cells in the cardiovascular system
blood alcohol level
the concentration of alcohol in blood, also known as blood alcohol content (BAC)
bloodborn pathogens (BBPs)
pathogenic microorganisms, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans
blood cells
components of blood. The three main types of circulating blood cells are erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes
blood cultures
tests that aid in identifying the specific bacterial organism causing infections in the blood. In the case of a patient that is experiencing fever spikes, it is recommended that these specimens be collected before and after the fever spike, when bacteria
blood-drawing chair
a chair specifically designed to hold a patient comfortably and safely in a proper position during and after a blood collection procedure. The design typically includes movable armrests on both sides of the chair
blood sample
a portion of blood removed that is small enough so as not to cause harm to the patient
blood smear/film/slide
a thin layer of venous blood spread on a microscope slide. It is stained and viewed microscopically in a hematology laboratory to detect morphological abnormalities of blood cells
blood specimens
discrete portions of blood taken for laboratory analysis of one or more characeristics to determine the character of the whole body.
blood transfer device
a device or apparatus used to safely move blood from a syringe into an evacuated tube using the tube’s vacuum. This device protects the phlebotomist by reducing the risk of exposure to the blood.
BUN stands for what?
blood urea nitrogen
blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
an analytic testing procedure to determine the amount of urea in the blood
blood vessels
key componenets of the circulatory system. These vessels transport blood throughout the body
blood volume
the total amount of blood in an individual’s body. This is particularly important in pediatric phlebotomists, because withdrawing blood can cause a significant decrease in the total blood volume of a small infant, resulting in anemia. Is based on weight a
body planes
imaginary dividing lines of the body that serve as reference poin for describing distance from or proximity to different portions of the body. They include the sagittal, frontal, transverse, and medial planes.
brachial artery
an artery located in the cubital fossa of the arm that is used as an alternative site for ABG collections. Phlebotomists must be specially trained to perform collections from this site
bradycardia
a slower-than-normal heart rate, usually less than 60 BPM
breach of duty
a legal term refferring to an infraction, violation, or failure to perform an expected or mandated function
buffy coat
in blood specimens that contain anticoagulants, the WBCs and platelets form a thin white layer above the RBCs
butterfly needle
aka: blood collection set or winged infusion set. the most commonly used intravenous device. It is a stainless steelbeveled needle and tube with attached plastic wings on one end and a Luer fitting attached to the other. Most come with safety sheaths for
butterfly system
aka, winged infusion system or scalp needle set, this system can be used for difficult venipunctures due to small or fragile veins. The needle is typically smaller and has thin tubing or an evacuated tube system during venipuncture. Most models have needl
calcaneus
the heel bone
cannula
a tube that can be inserted into a cavity or blood vessel and used as a channel for transporting fluids. The term is most commonly used in dialysis for patients with kidney disease. It can be used to gain access to venous blood for dialysis or for blood c
capillary
a microscopic blood vessel that carries blood and links an arteriole to a venule
capillary action
a term used when referring to a microcollection procedures that indicated the free-flowing movement of blood into the capillary tube without the use of suction
capillary blood
a specimen from a skin puncture that contains a blend of blood from venules, arterioles, and tissue fluid
capillary blood gas analysis
using microcollection methods on infants (to heel site) to collect specimens for blood gas analyses; these analytical tests measure oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and provide useful info about respiratory status and the acid-base balance of patien
capillary tubes
disposable narrow-bore pipettes that are used for pediatric blood collections and/or microhematocrit measures. The tubes may be coated with an anticoagulant such as heparin and, for safety reasons, are usually made of plastic
cardiac cycle
one complete contraction and relaxation of the heart, or one pump, or one heartbeat
CPR stands for what?
cardiopulmonary resuscitation
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
the method used to revive the heartbeat and breathing of a patient whose heartbeat and respiration have stopped.
cardiovascular system
the body system that provides for rapid transport of water, nutrients, electrolytes, hormones, enzymes, antibodies, cells, and gases to all cells of the body. It includes the heart, vascular system, and blood.
catheter urine specimen
a urine specimen collected after a catheter is inserted into the bladder, using a sterile procedure
cause-and-effect diagrams (Ishikawa)
a quality improvement tool that uses diagrams to identify interactions between equipment, methods, people, supplies, and reagents
CDC stands for what?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
the federal agency responsible for monitoring morbidity (disease) and mortality (death) throughout the USA, promoting good health practices, and protecting the public from health, safety, and security threats
centrifugation
the process of separating cellular elements from the liquid portion of a blood specimen. It is done by spinning the specimen in a specially designed centrifuge
centrifugation phase
period of time when a blood specimen is inside that centrifuge
cephalic vein
a vein of the forearm that is acceptable for venipuncture
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
the fluid that surrounds the brain and meninges within the spinal column
CSF stands for what?
cerebrospinal fluid
chain of custody form (CCF)
part of the custody and control process that is typically used in drug testing. It requires specific documentation related to donor identification procedures; specimen collection steps; security for the collector, the donor, and the specimen; and tamperin
CCF stands for what?
Chain of Custody Form
chain of infection
the procss by which infections are transmitted; components include the source of the infection (nonsterile items, contaminated equipment, supplies), the mode of transportation (direct contact, airborn, medical instruments), and the suseptible host (patien
chlorhexidine
an antibacterial chemical used to clease he skin for venipuncture. Note: should NOT be used on infants younger than 2 months!
circadian
any biological process that occurs in a 24-hour rhythmic cycle
circulatory system
aka cardiovascular system, the body system referring to the heart, blood vessels, and blood; responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells and transporting carbon dioxide and wastes until they are eliminated; transports hormones, regulates b
citrate
a type of anticoagulant additive for blood collection tubes; prevents the blood clotting sequence by removing calcium and forming calcium salts
citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD)
an anticoagulant additive typically used for sp3ecimens collected for blood donations
CPD stands for what?
citrate-phosphate-dextrose
civil law
law that regulates disputes between private parties in which the plaintiff may sue for monetary damages
clean-catch midstream
a urine specimen that is used for detecting bacteria &/or for microscopic analysis. Normally the specimen should be free of contamination because the patients should be instructed to clean and decontaminate themselves prior to urination. The urine specime
cleanse/decontaminate
to clean the skin surface area with 70% isopropyl alcohol prior to a venipuncture or a fingerstick to remove dirt and microorganisms from the surface area of the skin and reduce the chances of transmitting an infection
clinical laboratory
a workplace where analytic procedures are performed on blood and bodily fluids for the detection, monitoring, and treatment of disease
CLIA stands for what?
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
federal guidelines that regulate all clinical laboratories across the US. Regulations apply to any site that tests human specimens, including small POLs, or screening tests done at the patient’s bedside
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
a nonprofit organization that recommends quality standards and guidelines for clinical laboratory procedures
CLSI stands for what?
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute
clinical pathology
major area of laboratory services in which blood and other types of body fluids and tissues are analyzed
coagulation
a phase in the blood-clotting sequence in which many factors are released and interact to form a fibrin meshwork, or blot clot
competency statements
performance expectations that include entry-level skills, tasks, and job roles
confidentiality
the protected right of the patient and duty of health care workers not to disclose any info aquired about a patient to those who are not directly involved with the care of the patient
constituents
chemical or cellular elements that make up blood
contaminated sharps
used objects that can penetrate the skin, including needles, scalpels, broken glass, broken capillary tubes, and exposed wires
contamination
the presence of blood or potentially infectious substances on an item or surface
continuous quality improvement (CQI)
a theoretical framework and management strategy to improve health care structures, processes, outcomes, and customer satisfaction. IT is ongoing and involved all levels of the administrative structure of an organization
CQI stand for what?
continuous quality improvement
creatinine clearance test
analytic procedure to determine whether or not the kidneys are able to remove creatinine from the blood
criminal actions
acts against the public welfare; these actions can lead to imprisonment of the offender
critical test result
a term that should be defined by each health care organization and typically includes test results that are abnormal, STAT test results, or othr results that require an immediate response
critical laboratory value
a laboratory result that indicates a pathophysiilogic state at such varience with normal as to be life threatening; these values should be defined and reported to the patient’s physician as soon as possible. AKA ‘critical value’ or ‘alert threshold’
culture
a system of values, beliefs (spiritual, family bonding), and practices (food, music, traditions) that influence an individual’s concept of reality.It influences decisions and behaviors in many aspects of life.
culture and sensitivity
a microbiologic test to determine the growth of infectious microoranisms in the bodily specimens, and to determine which antibiotics are the most theraputic and effective in killing the microorganism
CPT stands for what?
Current Procedural Terminology
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)
an alphanumeric coding system used to describe specific medical or laboratory tests, surgeries, evaluations, and other medical procedures performed by a healthcare worker on a patient. There are thousands of these codes, which are used for billing purpose
cyanotic
bluish discoloration in the skin due to oxygen deficiency
DOB stands for what?
date of birth
decontaminate
use physical or chemical means to remove or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item so that pathogens are no longer able to transmit disease.
defendant
an individual against whom a legal action or lawsuit is filed
dehydrated
lacking sufficient water or fluid
dehydration
loss of water from the body (due to conditions such as excessive sweating, reduced fluid intake, vomiting, or blood loss.)
diabetes mellitus
a metabolic disease in which carbohydrate utilization is reduced due to deficiency in insulin and characterized by hyperglycemia, glycosuria, water and electrolyt loss, ketoacidosis, and in serious conditions coma. In milder forms of noninsulin-dependent,
diagnostic test results
the results from all tests performed on the patient: laboratory, radiology, and so on
diastolic pressure
the pressure inside the arteries when the heart is resting and refilling between beats; the second (bottom) measure reported in a bloo pressure reading. AKA diastole
disease
a specific, measurable condition characterized by specific clinical symptoms, patient history, and laboratory or radiology results
differentials
a laboratory test that categorizes blood cells and any abnormalities present
digestive system
the body system comprised of organs in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that break down food chemically and physically into nutrients that can be absorbed by the boy’s cells and allow the elimination of waste products of digestion
disinfectants
chemical compounds used to remove or kill pathogenic microorganisms; typically used on medical instruments or countertops
disorder
a generic term referring to any pathologic condition of mind or body
disposable sterile puncture device or disposable sterile lancet
a sterile, sharp device, preferably retractable, and designed for single use in skin puncture collections. Should penetrate the skin at specified depths that are safe enough for withdrawing blood samples without causing complications or injuries
distal
furthest from the center of the body or from the point of attachment
diurnal rhythms
in contrast to nocturnal rhythms, these are variations in the body’s functions or fluids that occur during daytime hours or every 24 hours. AKA, circadian or “body clock” rhythms
dizziness or vertigo
lightheadedness, unsteadiness, spinning sensation, vertigo, or loss of balance
dorsal
the back, or posterior, areas of the body, including the cranial and spinal cavities
double bagging
the practice of using two trash bags for disposing of waste from patient’s rooms, particularly those in isolation
edema
swelling
edematous
describing a condition in which tissues contain excessive fluid that often results in localized swelling
electrocardiograph (EKG or ECG)
a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. Can help detect the cause of chest pain, determine if the walls of the heart are too thick, and see if medications or mechanical devices are working properly
EKG or ECG stand for what?
electrocardiograph
EMR stands for what?
electronic medical record
EHR stands for what?
electronic healthcare record
electronic medical record or electronic healthcare record
a computerized legal record for each patient that describes the patient’s visits, tests, procedures, and clinical progress
engineering controls
devices that isolate or remove bloodborne pathogen hazards from the workplace (eg, needleless devices) “Work practice” controls are activities that reduce exposure risk.
EPA stands for what?
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
the federal agency that, among other responsibilities, regulates the disposal of hazardous substances and monitors and regulates disinfectant products
ethics
a branch of philosophy that deals with distinguishing right from wrong and with moral consequences of human actions
EDTA stands for what? …I dare you to say it >:}
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)
an anticoagulant additive used to prevent the blood-clotting sequence by removing calcium and forming calcium salts. It prevents platelet aggregation and is useful for platelet counts and platelet function tests. Fresh samples are also useful for making b
EMLA stands for what?
eutectic mixture of local anesthetics
EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics)
a topical anesthetic that is an emulsion of lidocaine and prilocaine an can be applied to intact skin