Nature of the Clinical Laboratory

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, terminology, and definitions from the clinical laboratory lecture notes.

Clinical Laboratory

An essential component of health institutions where specimens are processed, analyzed, preserved, and disposed.

Clinical Pathology

Diagnosis and treatment of diseases via laboratory testing of blood and body fluids.

Anatomic Pathology

Diagnosis of diseases through microscopic examination of tissues and organs.

Automation

Use of technology in laboratories to make testing less laborious and reduce turnaround time.

Turnaround Time (TAT)

The time taken to complete a test and report results.

Government-owned Laboratory

Laboratories operated by national or local government facilities.

Privately-owned Laboratory

Laboratories operated by individuals, corporations, or organizations.

Primary Category Laboratory

Basic, routine laboratory testing facility with minimal equipment and space requirements.

Secondary Category Laboratory

Facilities conducting laboratory tests in primary category plus routine clinical chemistry tests.

Tertiary Category Laboratory

Facilities offering all services in the secondary category plus specialized testing in areas like immunology and microbiology.

National Reference Laboratory

Labs that provide special diagnostic functions, referral services, and assist with research.

Clinical Chemistry

Section of a laboratory that quantifies soluble chemicals for diagnosing medical conditions.

Microbiology

Study and identification of microorganisms in specimens.

Hematology

Study of blood and its components, including cell enumeration and coagulation studies.

Clinical Microscopy

Examination of urine and stool samples to determine various health conditions.

Blood Bank

Specialized section for blood typing, compatibility testing, and antibody screening.

Immunology

Study and analysis of serum antibodies for infectious agents.

Serology

Branch of laboratory medicine focusing on immune responses and antibodies in serum.

Histopathology

Microscopic examination of tissue samples for disease diagnosis.

Immunohistochemistry

Technique combining anatomical and biochemical methods to detect antigens in tissues.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify DNA fragments for analysis.

Pre-analytic Phase

Initial stage of the laboratory cycle involving request receipt and specimen handling.

Analytic Phase

The stage of the laboratory cycle where testing and analysis occurs.

Post-analytic Phase

The final stage involving the transmission of test results.

Quality Assurance

Systematic processes to ensure reliability and accuracy of laboratory results.

Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Daily activities to control variables affecting test results.

External Quality Assurance (EQA)

System evaluating laboratory performance through inter-laboratory comparisons.

National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI)

Designated NRL for Hematology and Coagulation quality assurance.

Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM)

Designated NRL for Microbiology and Parasitology testing.

Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP)

NRL for Clinical Chemistry testing for various analytes.

East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC)

NRL focused on drug abuse screening.

San Lazaro Hospital STD-AIDS Cooperative Center Laboratory (SACCL)

NRL for infectious immunology testing.

Clinical Enzymology

Branch of clinical chemistry focused on enzyme quantification for diagnostics.

Electrolytes Analysis

Measurement of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and chloride in blood.

Antibody Screening

Test to identify specific antibodies in the blood sample.

Serofuge

Device used to separate serum from blood samples.

Biosafety Cabinet

Specialized laboratory equipment used to protect the user and the environment.

Specimen Transport

Process of moving collected samples to the laboratory securely and efficiently.

Blood Typing

Test to determine an individual's blood group.

Compatibility Testing

Determining if blood from a donor is suitable for a recipient.

Antigen

Substance that triggers an immune response.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Antibodies derived from a single clone of cells, used for specific detection in assays.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

Determining the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics.

Quality Control

Procedures used to maintain the accuracy of laboratory testing.

Sample Preparation

The process of making samples suitable for testing.

Microscopy

Technique used to view small structures using a microscope.

Flow Cytometry

A technology used to analyze the physical and chemical characteristics of particles in a fluid.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature.

Specimen Collection

The process of obtaining samples from patients for laboratory testing.

Pathogen

Microorganism that can cause disease.

Specimen Labeling

Identification of samples to prevent mix-ups.

Health Institutions

Facilities providing health services, including hospitals and laboratories.

Microscopic Examination

Inspecting samples under a microscope to diagnose diseases.

S/E Analysis

Stool examination for nutrients, pathogens, and other conditions.

Fecalysis

Laboratory analysis of stool for disease diagnosis.

Viral Agents Testing

Screening for viral infections in patients.

Serological Tests

Blood tests to detect antibodies or antigens.

Analytic Variables

Factors influencing the accuracy of test results during analysis.

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQA)

Ongoing efforts to improve products, services, or processes in laboratories.

External Quality Assessment Program (EQAP)

Program providing consistent evaluation of laboratory performance.

Autoclave

Device for sterilizing equipment and materials using high-pressure steam.

Incubator

Equipment for growing and maintaining microbiological cultures.

Hematocrit Centrifuge

Device used to separate blood components via centrifugation.

Centrifuge

Equipment used to separate fluids of different densities.

Laboratory Request

Formal request for laboratory testing submitted by healthcare providers.

Specimen Processing

Handling and preparing samples after collection.

Patient Preparation

Instructions given to patients prior to specimen collection.

Test Result Transmission

Process of communicating laboratory results to healthcare providers.

Microorganisms Identification

Determining the types of microbes present in a sample.

Internal Quality Control

Procedures implemented to ensure reliable test results within the laboratory.

Clinical Laboratory Act of 1966

Law regulating the operation, maintenance, and registration of clinical laboratories in the Philippines.

Rules and Regulation Governing Clinical Laboratories

Administrative order detailing operational guidelines for clinical labs.

Turnaround Time Management

Strategies to minimize delays in test result reporting.

Bacteriology

Branch of microbiology focused on the study of bacteria.

Mycology

Branch of microbiology focusing on fungi.

Virology

Branch of microbiology that deals with viruses.

Quality Management System

A formalized system to ensure consistent quality in laboratory operations.

Specimen Integrity

The condition of a sample that affects the accuracy of test results.