Week 13 Flashcards
antinuclear antibody
a diagnostic test that measures blood levels of antibodies, which are often present in persons with rheumatic disease
blood chemistry study
a procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body
- unusual (higher or lower than normal) amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that makes it
blood lipid profile
measures the levels of each type of fat in your blood
- total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and others
BNP testing
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) testing is a blood test that shows the level of the hormone BNP. BNP is released from the ventricles (pumping chambers of the heart) in response to increased wall tension that occurs with heart failure.
complement
a blood test that measures the level of complement, a group of proteins in the blood
- low levels of complement in the blood are associated with immune disorders
CBC
measures the size, number, and maturity of the different blood cells in a specific volume of blood
- RBC > hemoglobin portion of the CBC measures the oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells while the hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood
- WBC > increased numbers of white blood cells, therefore, may indicate the presence of an infection; decreased levels may indicate certain rheumatic diseases or reaction to medication
- Platelets > performed to check for a blood infection
creatinine
a blood test to evaluate for underlying kidney disease
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
blood test to help detect the presence of inflammation or an infection
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
a measurement of how quickly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube
When swelling and inflammation are present, the blood’s proteins clump together and become heavier than normal. Thus, when measured, they fall and settle faster at the bottom of the test tube. Generally, the faster the blood cells fall, the more severe the inflammation.
fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
a test to check stool (solid waste) for blood that can only be seen with a microscope
Small samples of stool are placed on special cards and returned to the doctor or laboratory for testing.
genetic studies
diagnostic tests that evaluate for conditions that have a tendency to run in families
hematocrit
measures the number of red blood cells present in a sample of blood
Low levels of red blood cells = anemia
- common in people with inflammatory arthritis and rheumatic diseases
liver function tests
tests can also distinguish between acute and chronic liver disorders and between hepatitis and cholestasis
Serum bilirubin test:
This test measures the levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced by the liver and is excreted in the bile. Elevated levels of bilirubin may indicate an obstruction of bile flow or a problem in the processing of bile by the liver.
Serum albumin test:
This test is used to measure the level of albumin (a protein in the blood) and aides in the diagnosis of liver disease.
Serum alkaline phosphatase test:
This test is used to measure the level of alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme) in the blood. Alkaline phosphatase is found in many tissues, with the highest concentrations in the liver, biliary tract, and bone. This test may be performed to assess liver functioning and to detect liver lesions that may cause biliary obstruction, such as tumors or abscesses.
Serum aminotransferases (transaminases): This enzyme is released from damaged liver cells.
Prothrombin time (PTT) test:
The prothrombin time test measures how long it takes for blood to clot. Blood clotting requires vitamin K and a protein that is made by the liver. Prolonged clotting may indicate liver disease or other deficiencies in specific clotting factors.
Alanine transaminase (ALT) test:
This test measures the level of alanine aminotransferase (an enzyme found predominantly in the liver) that is released into the bloodstream after acute liver cell damage. This test may be performed to assess liver function, and/or to evaluate treatment of acute liver disease, such as hepatitis.
Aspartate transaminase (AST) test:
This test measures the level of aspartate transaminase (an enzyme that is found in the liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart, skeletal muscle, and red blood cells) that is released into the bloodstream after liver or heart problems.
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase test:
This test measures the level of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (an enzyme that is produced in the liver, pancreas, and biliary tract). This test is often performed to assess liver function, to provide information about liver diseases, and to detect alcohol ingestion.
Lactic dehydrogenase test: This test can detect tissue damage and aides in the diagnosis of liver disease. Lactic dehydrogenase is a type of protein (also called an isoenzyme) that is involved in the body’s metabolic process.
5’-nucleotidase test:
This test measures the levels of 5’- nucleotidase (an enzyme specific to the liver). The 5’- nucleotidase level is elevated in persons with liver diseases, especially those diseases associated with cholestasis (disruption in the formation of, or obstruction in the flow of bile).
Alpha-fetoprotein test:
Alpha-fetoprotein (a specific blood protein) is produced by fetal tissue and by tumors. This test may be performed to monitor the effectiveness of therapy in certain cancers, such as hepatomas.
Mitochondrial antibodies test:
The presence of these antibodies can indicate primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis, and certain other autoimmune disorders.
peripheral blood smear
a sample of blood is checked for blast cells, number and kinds of white blood cells, number of platelets, and changes in the shape of the blood cells
rheumatoid factor (RF)
detects whether rheumatoid factor is present in the blood, an antibody found in most people with rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other rheumatic diseases
