Biomedical Study Guide

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to biomedical practices, focusing on laboratory specimens and their implications.

Occult Stool

Refers to hidden blood in feces not visible to the naked eye; detected using the guaiac test or fecal occult blood test.

Best time to collect Sputum Culture

Early morning before eating or brushing teeth when mucus is thicker and more concentrated.

Throat Culture Swab Area

Swab the tonsillar area and the back of the throat, avoiding contact with the tongue or cheeks.

Iodine and Contrast Media

Contrast media often contains iodine; patients allergic to iodine or shellfish may react to it.

Specimen Labels

Should include patient's full name, date of birth, collection date and time, test type, and collector's initials.

Midstream Urine

A clean catch urine sample collected midway through urination to avoid contamination.

Stool Specimen for Lab

Specimens for ova and parasites or C. diff should go to the lab immediately as delay can alter results.

Bright Red Blood in Stool

Indicates bleeding in the lower GI tract, such as from hemorrhoids or rectal bleeding.

Black Tarry Stool

Indicates digested blood from an upper GI bleed, such as from a stomach or duodenal ulcer.