Urinalysis, Body Fluids, Hematology, Chemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, and Immunohematology Flashcards

Flashcards containing key terms and definitions from lecture notes on Urinalysis, Body Fluids, Hematology, Chemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, and Immunohematology.

Nitrite Test

A positive nitrite test indicates the presence of bacteria capable of converting nitrates to nitrites, signifying a potential urinary tract infection.

Cystine Crystals

These hexagonal plate crystals are associated with cystinuria, a genetic disorder affecting amino acid transport.

Osmolarity

The most accurate measure for determining the kidney's ability to concentrate urine, valuable in renal concentration testing.

Transudates

Typically have a WBC count of less than 1000/µL, distinguishing them from exudates, which have higher counts due to inflammation.

Cholesterol Crystals

The presence of cholesterol crystals is most commonly associated with conditions that result in significant proteinuria, such as nephrotic syndrome.

Monosodium Urate Crystals

Are characteristic of gout and are typically identified in synovial fluid.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

The presence of phenylpyruvic acid produces a characteristic mousy odor in urine.

WBC Casts

The presence of WBC casts is a key differentiator between cystitis and pyelonephritis, indicating kidney involvement.

Amniotic Fluid

Testing for glucose and creatinine helps distinguish amniotic fluid from urine.

Paracentesis

The appropriate method for obtaining ascitic fluid for analysis when collecting ascites.

CSF/serum albumin index

Assesses the integrity of the blood-brain barrier; a high index suggests damage.

Ictotest

For confirming positive bilirubin results for accurate liver function assessment.

Acid Phosphatase

A specific marker for the presence of semen in body fluids.

Eosin Nigrosin

Used to differentiate live (unstained) and dead (stained) sperm when performing sperm viability stain.

Arginine Vasopressin

Regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys, influencing urine concentration.

Calcium Oxalate

Colorless, dumbbell-shaped crystals in alkaline urine.

Acholic Stool

Pale or clay-colored stool typically results from posthepatic biliary obstruction, indicating bile flow issues.

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase test

Essential for confirming hairy cell leukemia, distinguishing it from other hematological conditions.

Bite Cells

Indicative of G6PD deficiency and result from the oxidative damage to red blood cells.

Auer Rods

Cytoplasmic inclusions found in myeloid cells, most commonly associated with acute myelocytic leukemia, serving as a diagnostic feature.

Prussian Blue Stain

This stain is specifically used to identify iron-containing granules, helping to differentiate siderotic granules from basophilic stippling in red blood cells.

Pelger-Huet anomaly

Associated with hyposegmented neutrophils and is often benign.

The Kleihauer-Betke test (KB test)

Detects fetal cells in maternal blood to assess fetal-maternal hemorrhage, especially for Rh-negative mothers.

INR

A standardized measurement of blood clotting time, based on the Prothrombin Time (PT) test.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)

Indicates the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell, normal range 26 - 34 pg

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

Indicates the average hemoglobin concentration in RBCs, normal range 32 - 36 g/dL. Low MCHC indicates hypochromic anemia, while a high MCHC may suggest conditions like spherocytosis.

Protein C Deficiency

Protein C prevents excessive clotting by inactivating clotting factors. Inherited (gene mutation) or acquired (liver disease, vitamin K deficiency).

Anisocytosis

Different sizes of RBCs (small and large; microcytosis, macrocytosis) – common in anemia.

Total Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

A critical marker used in the detection and management of prostate carcinoma.

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Increases

Strongly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, a primary liver cancer.

Sodium Fluoride

Commonly used in plasma glucose analysis to inhibit glycolysis, thereby preserving the glucose level in the sample for accurate measurement.

Total Glycosylated Hemoglobin Levels

Reflect the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, providing insight into overall glucose management.

Aldolase and Creatine Kinase (CK)

Measuring both helps confirm the diagnosis of a case of suspected skeletal muscle disease, as these enzymes are released during muscle injury.

Iron-Binding Capacity

Magnesium carbonate is used to remove excess unbound iron, ensuring that the assay accurately reflects the iron-binding capacity of transferrin.

Total Protein

The Biuret reaction is the standard method for measuring total protein in serum, indicating protein concentration based on the presence of peptide bonds.

Chief Plasma Cation

Sodium is the primary cation in plasma, playing a crucial role in maintaining osmotic pressure and fluid balance in the body.

Coulometry

A technique used to measure chloride levels in sweat, which is particularly useful in diagnosing cystic fibrosis.

Lipase

The most specific enzyme for diagnosing acute pancreatitis, as it remains elevated longer than amylase in cases of pancreatic inflammation.

Erythrocytes

Primarily responsible for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the bloodstream.

Sodium

A chief plasma cation that is playing a crucial role in maintaining osmotic pressure and fluid balance in the body.

Hepatitis B

an enveloped DNA virus and is commonly transmitted through blood and body fluids.

Trichomonas vaginalis

transmitted through sexual contact, as it does not form cysts and relies on direct person-to-person transmission.

Gram-positive, catalase-negative cocci

that do not grow on MacConkey agar and form colonies at 6,800 CFU/mL should be further tested to identify the specific Streptococcus species.

Escherichia coli

is oxidase-negative, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is oxidase-positive, making them appropriate controls for testing oxidase production.

Enterobius vermicularis

eggs are commonly collected using scotch tape on the perianal area.

Fresh blood

typically less than 7 days old preferred for transfusions for infants.

U Antigen

Closely linked to the S and s antigens, cells negative for U will typically also lack reactivity with anti-S.

Kell Antigen

one of the most immunogenic antigens in the blood group systems, second only to the D antigen in the Rh system.

Spleen

primarily functions to filter and remove aging or damaged red blood cells from circulation.