Medical Terminology: Blood and Lymphatic System Tests, Imaging, and Procedures

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering diagnostic laboratory tests, blood indices, imaging procedures, and surgical terms related to the blood and lymphatic systems.

blood chemistry

Test of the fluid portion of blood to measure the amounts of its chemical constituents (e.g., glucose and cholesterol).

blood chemistry panels

Specialized batteries of automated blood chemistry tests performed on a single sample of blood; used as a screen for disease or to target specific organs or general conditions (e.g., metabolic panel, lipid panel, and arthritis panel).

basic metabolic panel (BMP)

Battery of tests used as a general screen for disease; includes tests for calcium, carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$), chloride, creatinine, glucose, potassium, sodium, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN).

comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

Tests performed in addition to the basic panel for expanded screening: albumin, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, protein, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

blood culture

Test to determine if infection is present in the bloodstream by isolating a specimen of blood in an environment that encourages the growth of microorganisms; the specimen is observed, and the organisms that grow in the culture are identified.

CD4 cell count

A measure of the number of CD4 cells (a subset of T lymphocytes) in the blood; used in monitoring the course of HIV and in timing the treatment of AIDS; the normal adult range is 600-1500 cells in a given volume of blood.

erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

Timed test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle through a volume of plasma.

partial thromboplastin time (PTT)

Test to determine coagulation defects, such as platelet disorders.

thromboplastin

Substance present in tissues, platelets, and leukocytes that is necessary for coagulation.

prothrombin time (PT)

Test to measure activity of prothrombin in the blood.

prothrombin

Protein substance in the blood that is essential to the clotting process.

complete blood count (CBC)

A common laboratory blood test performed as a screen of general health or for diagnostic purposes and typically includes component blood tests.

white blood count (WBC)

A count of the number of white blood cells in a given volume of blood obtained via manual or automated laboratory methods.

red blood count (RBC)

A count of the number of red blood cells in a given volume of blood obtained via manual or automated laboratory methods.

hemoglobin (HGB or Hgb)

A test to determine the blood level of hemoglobin (expressed in grams).

hematocrit (HCT or Hct)

A measurement of the percentage of packed red blood cells in a given volume of blood.

blood indices

Calculations of RBC, HGB, and HCT results to determine the average size, hemoglobin concentration, and content of red blood cells to classify an anemia.

mean corpuscular (cell) volume (MCV)

Calculation of the volume (size) of individual red blood cells using HCT and RBC results: $\text{MCV} = \frac{\text{HCT}}{\text{RBC}}$.

mean corpuscular (cell) hemoglobin (MCH)

Calculation of the content (weight) of hemoglobin in the average red blood cell using HGB and RBC results: $\text{MCH} = \frac{\text{HGB}}{\text{RBC}}$.

mean corpuscular (cell) hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)

Calculation of the average hemoglobin concentration in each red blood cell using HGB and HCT results: $\text{MCHC} = \frac{\text{HGB}}{\text{HCT}}$.

differential count

Determination of the number of each type of white blood cell (leukocyte) in a stained blood smear; each type is counted and reported as a percentage of the total examined.

red cell morphology

As part of identifying and counting the white blood cells, the condition, size, and shape of red blood cells in the background of the smeared slide are noted (e.g., anisocytosis, poikilocytosis).

platelet count (PLT)

Calculation of the number of thrombocytes in the blood; the normal adult range is 150,000-450,000 platelets in a given volume of blood.

bone marrow aspiration

Needle aspiration of bone marrow tissue for pathologic examination.

bone marrow biopsy

Pathologic examination of bone marrow tissue.

lymphangiogram

An x-ray image of a lymph node or vessel obtained after injection of a contrast medium.

computed tomography (CT)

Full body x-ray CT images are used to detect tumors and cancers such as lymphoma.

positron-emission tomography (PET)

Scanning technique combining nuclear medicine and computed tomography technology to produce images of anatomy and metabolic function within the body; useful in determining the recurrence of cancers or to measure response to therapy; commonly used in evaluating lymph.

bone marrow transplant

Transplantation of healthy bone marrow from a compatible donor to a diseased recipient to stimulate blood cell production.

lymphadenectomy

Removal of a lymph node.

lymphadenotomy

Incision into a lymph node.

lymph node dissection

Removal of possible cancer-carrying lymph nodes for pathologic examination.

splenectomy

Removal of the spleen.

thymectomy

Removal of the thymus gland.