Vocabulary Flashcards
Antigen
Any substance that induces an immune response
Amniocentesis
A needle puncture into the uterine cavity to remove amniotic fluid, the fluid that surrounds the unborn babe
Antibody
An immunoglobulin (protein) produced by the body that reacts with and neutralizes an antigen ( usually a foreign substance)
Bacteriology
The study of bacteria and the diseases they produce
Biopsy
Tissue removed from a living body for examination
Clean catch
A method of obtaining a urine specimen using a special cleansing technique, also called mid-stream urine
Culture and sensitivity
The growth of a micro-organism in a special media followed by a test to determine the antibiotic to which they best respond
Cytology
The study of cells
Daily lab test
Tests which are ordered once by the doctor but are ordered to be done everyday until discontinued by the doctor
Differential
Identification of the types of white cells going in the blood
Dipstick urine
The visual examination of urine using a special chemically treated stick
Electrolytes
A group of tests done in the chemistry department which usually include sodium, potassium chloride and bicarbonate
Erythrocytes
A red blood cell
Fasting
No solid foods by mouth
Lumbar puncture
A procedure used to remove cerebral spinal fluid from the spinal canal
Mycology
The study of fungi and fungal diseases
Occult blood
Blood that is undetectable to the eye
Pap smear
A test used to detect cancerous cells in the female genital tract: body secretions, excretions and tissue scrapings can also be studied by the Pap smear staining method
Postprandial
After eating
Paracentisis
A surgical puncture and drainage of a body count
Pathology
The study of body changes caused by diseases
Plasma
The fluid portion of the blood in which the cells are suspended. It contains a clotting factor called fibrinogen
Random specimen
A body fluid sample which can be collected at any time
Reference range
Range of normal values for a laboratory test result
