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Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)

Testing conducted at or near the site of patient care.

Critical Value

A laboratory result that is significantly abnormal and may indicate a life-threatening situation.

Calibration

The process of adjusting the accuracy of a test instrument.

Quality Control (QC)

Procedures to ensure that laboratory tests are performed correctly and reliably.

Reference Range

A set of values used as a comparison for test results.

Proficiency Testing

A type of testing that evaluates the performance of clinical laboratories by comparing results with peers.

Internal Control

Controls included within a test kit to verify the test is functioning correctly.

External Control

Controls that are tested similarly to patient specimens to ensure accuracy.

Laboratory Assistant

A person who supports laboratory operations such as sample preparation under supervision.

Phlebotomist

A trained professional who draws blood from patients for laboratory testing.

Hematology

The branch of medicine focused on blood and its disorders.

Serology

The study of serum and immune responses in the body.

Whole Blood

Blood that includes all of its components: red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma.

GLUCOSE (mg/dL)

A measure of sugar in the blood, critical for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

A blood test that measures glucose, calcium, and electrolytes.

Quality Management (QM)

Processes that ensure high standards of quality in laboratory services.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)

A hormone tested in pregnancy tests, indicating pregnancy.

Prothrombin Time (PT)

A blood test that measures how long it takes blood to clot.

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)

A test used to assess coagulation pathways and monitor heparin therapy.

Total Cholesterol

The total amount of cholesterol in the blood, important for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that carry an electric charge, crucial for various bodily functions.

Troponin I

A cardiac marker used to diagnose myocardial infarction.

INR

International Normalized Ratio; a standardized measure for PT results.

Accrediting Organizations

Institutions that evaluate and certify clinical laboratories based on quality and compliance.

Near Patient Testing

Another term for point-of-care testing; diagnostics performed close to the patient.

Bedside Testing

Testing conducted at the patient's bedside, often using portable equipment.

Patient Care Technician

A professional who assists nurses and doctors in providing patient care.

Portable Devices

Small testing machines that can be moved to different locations for immediate testing.

Occupational Settings

Work environments where point-of-care tests may be performed.

Quality Assessment Criteria

Standards used to evaluate the quality and reliability of testing.

Chain of Custody

A process of maintaining and documenting the handling of specimens to prevent contamination.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often analyzed in medical tests.

Specimen Collection

The process of gathering samples for diagnostic testing.

Environmental Regulations

Laws governing exposure to hazardous substances in the laboratory.

Documentation

The recording of test results and processes for clarity and regulatory compliance.

Accreditation Requirements

Standards that laboratories must meet to receive certification for quality and safety.

Laboratory Reporting Form

A document used to report laboratory test results to patients or healthcare providers.

Testing Material Preparation

The process of readying instruments and materials for accurate testing.

Kits and Reagents

Collections of tools and chemicals used for conducting tests.

Specimen Preparation

Steps taken to process samples before testing.

TAT of Results

Turnaround Time; the time taken to obtain test results.

Rapid Test Kits

Quick testing devices that provide results in a short time frame.

Obtain Informed Consent

The process of ensuring patients understand and agree to the medical procedures performed.

Quality Management System (QMS)

A system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies.

Regulatory Compliance

Adherence to regulations set by authorities for safety and quality in healthcare.

Competency Testing

Assessment of a person's ability to perform specific tasks or functions.

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)

Regulations that ensure quality laboratory testing.

Microscopy Procedures

Laboratory techniques involving the use of microscopes for analysis.

Documentation Standards

Guidelines determining how results and processes should be recorded.

Quality Control Documentation

Records that track quality checks performed in the testing process.