Test 2: A-M Definitions Flashcards

1
Q

ABO Blood Group System

A

Four blood types, A, B, AB, and O, based on the presence or absence of two antigens identified as A and B.

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2
Q

Accession Number

A

A number generated by the laboratory information system (LIS) when the specimen request is entered into the computer.

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3
Q

Accession

A

The process of recording in the order received.

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4
Q

Acidosis

A

A dangerous condition in which the pH of the blood is abnormally low (acidic).

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5
Q

ACT

A

Activated clotting time

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6
Q

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT of PTT)

A

Test used to evaluate the function of the intrinsic coagulation pathway and monitor heparin therapy.

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7
Q

Additive

A

A substance (other than the tube stopper or coating) such as an anticoagulant, antiglycolytic agent, separator gel, preservative, or clot activator places within a tube or collection container. An additive can be a liquid, powder, or spray-dried coating.

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8
Q

Aerobic

A

With air.

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9
Q

Aerosol

A

A fine mist of the specimen.

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10
Q

AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein)

A

An antigen normally present in the human fetus that is also found in amniotic fluid and maternal serum. It is also present in certain pathological conditions in males and nonpregnant females.

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11
Q

Airborne Precautions

A

Precautions used in addition to standard precautions for patients known or suspected of being infected with microorganisms transmitted by airborne droplet nuclei.

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12
Q

Aliquot

A

A portion of a specimen used for testing.

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13
Q

Alkalosis

A

A dangerous condition in which the pH of the blood is abnormally high (alkaline).

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14
Q

Amniotic Fluid

A

Clear, almost colorless to pale-yellow fluid that fills the membrane (amnion or amniotic sac) surrounding and cushioning a fetus in the uterus.

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15
Q

Anabolism

A

A constructive process by which the body converts simple compounds into complex substances needed to carry our the cellular activities of the body.

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16
Q

Anaerobic

A

Without air.

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17
Q

Analyte

A

A general term for a substance undergoing analysis.

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18
Q

Anchor

A

To secure firmly, as in holding a vein in place by pulling the skin taut with the thumb.

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19
Q

Anemia

A

An abnormal reduction in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) in the circulating blood.

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20
Q

Antecubital Fossa

A

The area of the arm that is anterior to (in front of) and below the bend of the elbow, where the major veins for venipuncture are located.

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21
Q

Antecubital Veins

A

Major superficial veins located in the antecubital fossa.

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22
Q

Antibody

A

Protein substance manufactured by the body in response to a foreign protein or antigen and directed against it.

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23
Q

Anticoagulent

A

A substance that prevents blood from clotting.

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24
Q

Antigen

A

A substance that causes the formation of antibodies directed against it.

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25
Q

Antiglycolytic Agent

A

A substance that prevents glycolysis, the breakdown or metabolism of glucose (blood sugar) by blood cells - e.g., sodium fluoride.

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26
Q

Antimicrobial Removal Device (ARD)

A

Blood culture bottle containing a resin that removes antimicrobials (antibiotics) from a blood specimen.

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27
Q

Antimicrobial Therapy

A

Use of antibiotics to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

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28
Q

Antiseptics

A

A substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria and is used to clean the skin.

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29
Q

Aorta

A

The largest artery in the body, arising from the left ventricle of the heart; it is approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.

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30
Q

Arteries

A

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

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31
Q

Arterioles

A

The smallest branches of arteries, which join with the capillaries.

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32
Q

Arteriovenous (AV) Shunt

A

Surgical fusion or artificial connection of an artery and a vein. It is typically created to provide access for dialysis; included AV fistula and graft.

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33
Q

ASAP

A

As soon as possible.

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34
Q

Aseptic

A

Sterile or pathogen-free.

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35
Q

Atria

A

The upper receiving chambers on each side of the heart.

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36
Q

Bactermia

A

Bacteria in the blood.

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37
Q

Barcode

A

A series of black stripes and white spaces of varying widths that correspond to letters and numbers.

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38
Q

Barrel

A

A term for the cylindrical body of a syringe, which has graduated markings in either milliliters (mL) or cubic centimeters (cc).

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39
Q

Basal State

A

The resting metabolic state of the body early in the morning after fasting for a minimum of 12 hours.

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40
Q

Basilic Vein

A

Large vein on the inner side of the antecubital area that is the last choice vein for venipuncture.

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41
Q

Basophils (basos)

A

Normally the least numerous WBCs, they release histamine and heparin, which enhance the inflammatory response; identified by their large dark blue- staining granules, which often obscure a typically S-shaped nucleus.

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42
Q

Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP)

A

Term applied to infectious microorganisms in blood or other body fluids.

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43
Q

Bedside Manner

A

The behavior of a healthcare provider toward or as perceived by a patient.

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44
Q

Bevel

A

The point of a needle that is cut on a slant for ease of skin entry.

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45
Q

Bilirubin

A

A product of the breakdown of red blood cells.

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46
Q

Biohazard

A

Short for biological hazard; anything potentially harmful to health.

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47
Q

Biosafety

A

Term used to describe the safe handling of biologic substances that pose a risk to health.

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48
Q

Breach of Confidentiality

A

Failure to keep privileged medical information private.

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49
Q

BT

A

Bleeding time test.

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50
Q

B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

A

Cardiac hormone produced by the heart in response to ventricular volume expansion and pressure overload.

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51
Q

Buccal Swabs

A

Swabs of material collected from the inside of the cheek.

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52
Q

Butterfly

A

Another term for a winged infusion set.

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53
Q

Culture and Sensitivity (C&S)

A

Microbiology test that includes placing a specimen on special nutrient media which encourages the growth of microorganisms, identifying any that grow, and then performing sensitivity/antibiotic susceptibility testing to identify antibiotics that will be effective against them.

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54
Q

Calcaneous

A

Medical term for heel bone.

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55
Q

Capillaries

A

Microscopic one-cell-thick vessels that connect the arterioles and venules, forming a bridge between the arterial and venous circulations.

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56
Q

Carry-Over

A

Cross-contamination or transfer of additive from one tube to the next.

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57
Q

Catabolism

A

The process by which complex substances are broken down into simple ones, including the digestion of food.

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58
Q

Catheterized

A

Term describing a urine specimen collected from a sterile catheter inserted through the urethra into the bladder.

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59
Q

CBGs

A

Capillary blood gases (CBGs); blood gas determinations performed on arterialized capillary specimens.

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60
Q

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

A

The division of the U.S. Public Health Service charged with the investigation and control of disease with epidemic potential.

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61
Q

Central Processing

A

Screening and prioritizing area where specimens are received and prepared for testing.

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62
Q

Centrifuge

A

A machine that spins the blood tubes at a high number of revolutions per minute.

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63
Q

Cephalic Vein

A

The second choice antecubital vein for venipuncture, located in the lateral aspect of the antecubital fossa.

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64
Q

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A

Clear, colorless liquid that circulates within the cavities surrounding the brain and spinal cord; it has many of the same components as plasma.

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65
Q

Certification

A

Evidence that an individual has mastered fundamental competencies in a particular technical area.

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66
Q

Chain of Custody

A

Special strict protocol for forensic specimens that requires detailed documentation tracking the specimen from the time it is collected until the results are reported.

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67
Q

Chain of Infection

A

A number of components or events that, when present in a series, lead to an infection.

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68
Q

Clean Catch

A

Method of obtaining a urine sample so that it is free of contamination from the external genital area.

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69
Q

Clot Activator

A

A substance that enhances the coagulation process.

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70
Q

Coagulation

A

The blood clotting process.

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71
Q

Communicable

A

Able to spread from person to person, as a disease.

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72
Q

Concentric Circles

A

Circles with a common center; starting from the center and moving outward in ever widening arcs.

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73
Q

Confidentiality

A

The ethical cornerstone of professional behavior; the practice of regarding information concerning a patient as privileged and not to be disclosed to anyone without the patient’s authorization.

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74
Q

Contact Precautions

A

Precautions used in addition to standard precautions when a patient is known or suspected of being infected or colonized with epidemiologically important microorganisms that can be transmitted by direct contact with the patient or indirect contact with surfaces or patient care items.

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75
Q

Contact Transmissions

A

Transfer of an infectious agent to a susceptible host through direct or indirect contact.

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76
Q

Coronary Arteries

A

Arteries that branch off of the aorta just beyond the aortic semilunar valve that deliver blood to the heart muscle.

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77
Q

C-Reactive Protein

A

A beta globulin found in the blood that responds to inflammation and therefore can be used as a sensitive though nonspecific marker of systemic inflammation.

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78
Q

CPD

A

Citrate-phosphate-dextrose, an additive used in collecting units of blood for transfusion. Citrate prevents clotting by chelating calcium, phosphate stabilizes pH, and dextrose provides cells with energy ad helps keep them alive.

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79
Q

Crossmatch

A

A test to determine suitability of mixing donor and recipient blood.

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80
Q

Cyanotic

A

Marked by cyanosis or a bluish color from lack of oxygen.

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81
Q

Data

A

Information collected for analysis of computation.

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82
Q

Delta Check

A

Comparison of current results of a lab test with previous results for the same test on the same patient.

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83
Q

Differential (Diff)

A

A test in which the number, type, and characteristics of blood cells are determined by examining a stained blood smear under a microscope.

84
Q

Direct-Contact Transmission

A

Transfer of an infectious agent to a susceptible host though close or intimate contact, such as touching or kissing.

85
Q

Discard Tube

A

Also called a clear tube; a tube used to collect and discard approximately 5 mL of blood to prevent IV or tissue fluid contamination of a specimen.

86
Q

Disinfectants

A

Substance or solution used to remove or kill microorganisms on surfaces and instruments.

87
Q

Distal

A

Farthest from the center of the body, origin, or point of attachment.

88
Q

Diurnal

A

Happening daily.

89
Q

DNR

A

Do not resuscitate.

90
Q

Dot

A

Department of Transportation

91
Q

Droplet Precautions

A

Precautions used in addition to standard precautions for patients known or suspected of being infected with microorganisms transmitted by droplets (particles larger than 5 micro meters) generated when a patient talks, coughs, or sneezes and during certain procedures such as suctioning.

92
Q

Droplet Transmissions

A

Transfer of an infectious agent to the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, or conjunctiva of the eyes via infectious droplets (particles 5 micro meters in diameter or larger) generated by talking, coughing, sneezing of during procedures such as suctioning.

93
Q

Drug Screening

A

The practice of testing employees’ or athletes’ urine or blood to screen for illicit or illegal drugs.

94
Q

Due Care

A

The level of care that a person of ordinary intelligence and good sense would exercise under the given circumstances.

95
Q

Edema

A

swelling due to abnormal acumulation of fluid in the tissues

96
Q

EDTA

A

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, an anticoagulant that prevents coagulation by binding or chelating calcium; it is used for hematology studies because it preserves cell morphology and inhibits platelet clumping

97
Q

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)

A

An actual record of the electrical currents corresponding to each event in heart muscle contraction

98
Q

electrolytes

A

substances such as potassium or sodium that conduct electricity when dissolved in water

99
Q

endocardium

A

the thin inner layer of the heart

100
Q

enter key

A

button on keyboard for data input

101
Q

eosinophils (EOS)

A

WBCs that ingest and detoxify foreign protein, helping to turn off immune reactions; they increase with allergies and pinworm infesations and are identified by their beadlike, bright orange-red staining granules

102
Q

Epicardium

A

The thin outer layer of the heart

103
Q

Epidermis

A

The outermost and thinnest layer of the skin

104
Q

Epithelium

A

The avascular layer of cells that forms the epidermis and the surface layer of mucous and serous membranes

105
Q

Erythema

A

Redness

106
Q

Erythrocytes

A

RBCs; anuclear, diskpshaped blood cells whose main function is to carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissue cells and to transport carbon dioxide away from the cells to the lungs

107
Q

Ethanol (ETOH)

A

Abbreviation for ethanol or blood alcohol; ethyl or grain alcohol

108
Q

Evacuated Tube System (ETS)

A

A closed system in which the patients blood flows directly into a collection tube through a needle inserted into the vein

109
Q

Evacuated Tubes

A

Type of tube used in blood colelction that has a premeasured vacuum and is color-coded to denote the additive inside

110
Q

Exocrine Glands

A

Glands that secrete substances through ducts

111
Q

Expectorate

A

Spit; the act of forcibly ejecting saliva or other substances from the mouth

112
Q

Exsanguinate/Exsanguination

A

To remove all blood/blood loss to a point where life cannot be sustained

113
Q

External

A

on or near the surface of the body; superficial

114
Q

Fasting

A

no food or drink except water for approximately 12 hours

115
Q

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

A

A test that detects hidden (ocult) blood in stool (feces)

116
Q

Femoral Artery

A

Large artery located superficially in the groin, lateral to the pubic bone; it is the largest artery used for arterial puncture.

117
Q

Fibrinogen

A

Also called factor I; a protein found in plasma that is essential for the clotting of blood

118
Q

Fibrinolysis

A

Stage 4 of hemostasis; a process that results in the removal or dissolution of a blood clot once healing has occured

119
Q

Flanges

A

Extensions on the sides of an evacuated tube holder that aid in tube placement and removal

120
Q

Flea

A

Small metal bar that is inserted into the tube after collectino of a capillary blood gas specimen to aid in mixing that anticoagulant by means of a magnet

121
Q

Gauge

A

A number that relates to the diameter of the lumen of a needle

122
Q

Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)

A

A test used to diagnose carbohydrate metabolism problems

123
Q

Glycolysis

A

The breakdown or metabolism of glucose (blood sugar) by blood cells

124
Q

Glycosylated Hemoglobin

A

A substance that is increased in the RBCs of patients with diabetes mellitus and used as a retrospective index of glucose control over time

125
Q

Gonads

A

Glands that manufacture and store gametes and produce hormones that regulate the reproductive process

126
Q

Great Saphenous Vein

A

The longest vein in the body, located in the leg

127
Q

Guaiac Test

A

A test for hidden blood in feces; also called occult blood test

128
Q

Hardware

A

Computer equipment used to process data

129
Q

HBV

A

Hepatitis B Virus; the virus that causes hepatitis B

130
Q

Hematocrit (HCT)

A

percentage by volume of red blood cells in whole blood

131
Q

Hematoma

A

A wswelling or mass of blood (often clotted) such as that caused by blood leaking from a blood vessel during or following venipuncture

132
Q

Hemoconcentration

A

A decrease in the fluid content of the blood, with a subsequent increase in nonfilterable large molecule- or protein-based blood components such as red blood cells

133
Q

Hemoglobin

A

An iron-containing pigment in RBCs that enables them to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide and also gives them their red color

134
Q

hemolysis/hemolyzed

A

damage or destruction of RBCs adn release of hemoglobin into the fluid portion of a speciment, causing the serum color to range from pink (slight hemolysis) to red (gross hemolysis)/The condition of serum or plasma that contains hemoglobin from broken RBCs

135
Q

Hemopoiesis

A

Production and development of blood cells and other formed elements, normally in the boen marrow

136
Q

Hemostasis

A

Process by which the body stops the leakage of blood from the vascular system after injury; also known as the coagulation process

137
Q

hemostatic plug

A

blood clot formed from blood cells and platelets trapped in a network of fibrin strands

138
Q

Heparin lock

A

a catheter or cannuila with a stopcock or cap and a diaphragm to provide access for administering medication or drawing blood

139
Q

Heparin

A

Anticoagulant that prevents clotting by inhibiting thrombin formation

140
Q

HIPAA

A

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act - Requires all healthcare providers to obtain a patients consent in writing before disclosing medical information such as a patients test results, treatment or condition to any unauthorized person

141
Q

Histologic

A

Pertaining to the microscopic structure of tissue

142
Q

HMOs

A

Health maintenance organizations; group practices reimbursed on a prepaid, negotiated, and discounted basis of admission

143
Q

homeostasis

A

The “steady state” (state of equilibrium or balance) of the internal environment of the body, which is maintained through feedback and regulation in response to internal and external changes

144
Q

Hormones

A

powerful chemical substances that affect many body process

145
Q

Hospice

A

A type of care for patients who are terminally ill

146
Q

HUB

A

the end of the needle tha attaches to the blood collection device; also the threaded end of a tube holder where the needle attaches

147
Q

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)

A

Hormone that appears in both urine and serum beginning approximately 10 days after conception. HCG is the substance detected in pregnancy tests

148
Q

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

A

The virus that causes AIDS

149
Q

Hypodermic Needle

A

The type of needle used with the syringe system

150
Q

Hypothyroidism

A

A disorder characterized by insufficient levels of thyroid hormones

151
Q

HyperKalemia

A

A high concentration of potassium in the blood

152
Q

HypoKalemia

A

A low concentration of potassium in the blood

153
Q

Hypoxemia

A

A low level of oxygen in the blood

154
Q

Hypernatremia

A

A high level of sodium in the blood

155
Q

Hyponatremia

A

A low level of sodium in the blood

156
Q

Hypersecretion

A

Secreting too much

157
Q

Hyposecretion

A

Secreting too little

158
Q

Iatrogenic

A

An adjective used to describe an adverse condition brought on by the effects of treatment

159
Q

Icteric/Icterus

A

A term meaning “marked by jaundice”; used to describe serum, plasma, or urine specimens that have an abnormal deep-yellow to yellow-brown color due to high billirubin levels/Also called jaundice; a condition characerized by a hgigh bilirubin (a product of the breakdown of red blood cells) level in the blood, leading to desposits of yellow bile pigment in the skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae *whites of the eyes), giving the patient a yelllow appearance

160
Q

ID band/Bracelet

A

Identification band/bracelet

161
Q

Immune

A

protected from or resistant to a particular disease or infection because of the devolopment of antibody though vaccination or recovery from the disease

162
Q

Indwelling line

A

another name for central venous catheter (CVC)

163
Q

infection

A

Invasion of the body by a pathogenic microorganism, resulting in injurious effects or disease

164
Q

infectious agent

A

the pathogen responsible for causing an infection, also called a causative agent

165
Q

inferior

A

beneath, lower, or away from the head, also called caudal

166
Q

INR

A

international normalized ratio

167
Q

Integument

A

covering or skin

168
Q

interstitial fluid

A

fluid in the tissues spaces between the cells

169
Q

inflammation

A

tissue reaction to injury, such as redness or swelling

170
Q

informed consent

A

implies coluntary and competent permission for a medical procedure, test, or medication

171
Q

intravascular

A

within the blood vessels

172
Q

intravenous line

A

a catheter inserted into a vein to administer fluids and simply referred to as an IV

173
Q

isolation procedures

A

procedures intended to separate patients with certain transmissible infections from contact with others

174
Q

jaundice

A

also called icterus, a condition characterized by increased bilirubin 9 a product of the breakdown of red blood cells) in the blood, leading to the deposition of yellow bile pigment in the skin, mucous membranes, and sclarae (whites of the eyes) giving the patient a yellow appearance

175
Q

Joint Commission on the accredidation of healthcare organizations (JCAHO)

A

a voluntary, nongovernmental agency, presently referred to as the Joint Commission, charged with (among other things) established standards for the operation of healcare facilities and services

176
Q

K+

A

Potassium

177
Q

Kidneys

A

organs that form and excrete urine

178
Q

kinesics/kinesics slip

A

The study of nonverbal communication/ when the verbal and nonberbal messages do not match

179
Q

lancet

A

A sterile, disposable, sharp=pointed or bladed instrument that either punctures or makes an incision in the skin to obtain capillary blood specimens for testing

180
Q

leukocyte

A

WHC, nucleus-containign blood cels whose main function is to combat infection and remove disintegrated tissue

181
Q

leukopenia

A

an abnormal decrease of WBV in the circulating blood

182
Q

lipemia/lipemic

A

increased lipid content in the blood/describing serum or plasma that appears milky (cloudy white) or turbid due to high lipid content

183
Q

lis

A

laboratory information system

184
Q

liver

A

accessory organ of the digestive system the stores glycogen, detoxifies harmful substances, secretes bile, and breaks down protein

185
Q

luer adapter

A

in the luer-lok system, a device for connecting the syringe to the needle, when locked into place, it ensures a secure fit

186
Q

lumen

A

the inner space of a blood vessel or tube

187
Q

lymphocyte

A

normally the second most numerous WBV and the most numerous agranulocytes. Two main types of lymocytes are T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes

188
Q

Lysis/Lyse

A

Rupturing, as in the bursting of red blood cells/to kill or destroy, as in ruptred rs

189
Q

malpractice

A

a type of negligence committed by a professional

190
Q

mastectomy

A

breast excision or removal

191
Q

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

A

a written document containing general information as wella s precautionary and emergency information for any product with a hazardous warnign on the label

192
Q

medial

A

toward the midline or middle

193
Q

median cubital vein

A

the preferred vein for venipuncture, located in the middle of the anticubital fossa

194
Q

median cutaneous nerve

A

a major motor and sensory nerve in the arm that lies along the path of the brachial artery and near the basilic vein

195
Q

medical terminology

A

special vocabulary of the health professions

196
Q

metabolism

A

the sum of all the physical and chemical reactions necesary to sustain life

197
Q

microbe

A

short for microorganism; a microscopic organism or one that is not visible tot he naked eye

198
Q

microclot

A

a tiny clot or thrombus that may not be visible to the naked eye

199
Q

microcollection container

A

small plastic tubes used to collect the tiny amounts of blood obtained from capillary punctures; also called capillary tubes and microtubes and sometimes referred to as bullets bacause of their size and shape

200
Q

microhematocrit tubes

A

disposable, narrow-bore plastic or plastic clad glass capillary tubes that fill by capillary action

201
Q

midstream

A

term applied to urine collection in which the speciment is collected in the middle of urination rather than at the beginning or end

202
Q

military time

A

also called european time, based on a clock with 24 numbers isntead of 12, eliminating the need to designate am or pm

203
Q

mnemonic

A

memory-aiding code or abbreviation, as used in LIS, for example

204
Q

monocyte

A

normally the largest WBC and 1% to 7% of total WBC, they are mononuclear phagocytic cells and among the first lines of defense in the inflammatory process

205
Q

MR number

A

Medical record number used for patient ID

206
Q

multisample needle

A

a type of needle that allows multiple tubes to be collected with a single venipuncture

207
Q

myocardial infarction (MI)

A

heart attact or necrosis (death) of heart muscle from lack of oxygen