Principles of Medical Laboratory Science II

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from 'Principles of Medical Laboratory Science II' to aid in exam preparation.

Pre-analytical phase

Everything that must be done before performing the test, including patient identification and sample collection.

Primary tube

The tube that receives blood directly during collection, containing the original, unprocessed blood sample.

Secondary tube

The tube used for processing the specimen after the primary tube, considered for transporting or testing separated serum or plasma.

Aliquoting

The process of dividing a serum sample into smaller portions for various tests while maintaining proper labeling.

Clotting requirements

Protocols to allow blood to clot before centrifugation for serum tests, typically waiting 10-15 minutes.

Anticoagulant

A substance used to prevent blood from clotting, essential for plasma or whole blood tests.

Hemoconcentration

Increased concentration of larger molecules and formed elements in the blood due to prolonged tourniquet application.

Overcentrifugation

Centrifuging a sample too long or before clotting occurs, leading to separation issues and potential sample degradation.

Hemolysis

Destruction of red blood cells that can occur during specimen collection or processing, causing inaccurate test results.

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

A system used to send test results electronically to the medical staff for inpatient management.

Post-analytical phase

Actions taken after the test is performed, including validating results and ensuring accurate reporting.

Venipuncture technique

A method of accessing a vein to draw blood, which includes proper needle placement and tube selection.

Light-sensitive analytes

Substances like bilirubin that can be degraded by light exposure, requiring special protection during handling.

Diurnal variation

Changes in analyte concentration based on the time of day when a specimen is collected.

Sclerosed veins

Veins that are hardened or blocked, making them difficult for blood collection.