Clinical Chemistry Vocabulary Flashcards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to clinical chemistry and their definitions to aid in exam preparation.

Clinical Chemistry

An area of chemistry that studies changes due to new methodologies and instrumentation.

Hemolysis

The breaking of red blood cells (RBCs) causing interference in laboratory test results.

Anticoagulant

A substance that prevents blood clotting; must be chosen wisely for accurate test results.

Whole Blood

The complete fluid containing cells and plasma; not treated with anticoagulants.

Plasma

The liquid portion of blood that prevents clotting using an anticoagulant.

Serum

The liquid portion of blood after coagulation has occurred; does not contain anticoagulant.

Glucose

A simple sugar, derived from dietary carbohydrates, and regulated by hormones in the body.

Insulin

A hormone secreted by the pancreas that promotes glucose entry into cells.

Hyperglycemia

An increased blood glucose level, often associated with diabetes.

Hypoglycemia

A decreased blood glucose level, typically below 50 mg/dL.

Gestational Diabetes

Diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy affecting how the body uses glucose.

Glycogen Storage Disease

A condition causing impaired breakdown of stored glycogen, leading to hypoglycemia.

Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)

Tests conducted at or near the site of patient care, often with simplified instruments.

Sodium

A major cation in extracellular fluid that maintains acid-base balance in the body.

Potassium

The major intracellular cation essential for muscle and heart activity.

Chloride

The most important anion that counterbalances sodium; important for carbon dioxide exchange.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

A waste product of protein metabolism measured to assess kidney function.

Creatinine

A product of muscle metabolism that is a key indicator of kidney function.

Liver Function Panel

A blood test that assesses how well the liver is working by measuring various substances.

Cardiac Panel

A test measuring cardiac biomarkers in blood to assess heart stress or injury.

Titration

A technique in analytical chemistry to determine the concentration of an unknown acid or base.