Principles of Medical Laboratory Science II

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the Principles of Medical Laboratory Science course.

Pre-examination (Pre-analytical)

Everything that must be done before performing the test that impacts sample accuracy.

Doctor's request

Always confirm which test(s) are being requested before proceeding.

Patient identification

Validate with the patient by confirming their name and other identifiers.

Correct sample collection

Ensure the correct type of sample (venous, capillary, arterial) and order of draw are followed.

Primary tube

The tube that receives the blood directly during collection.

Secondary tube

A tube that stores, transports, or tests the separated serum or plasma.

Centrifugation

The process used to separate serum from cells after clotting.

Clotting Requirements

Allow blood to clot for 10-15 minutes for serum tests before centrifugation.

Anticoagulants

Substances like EDTA, heparin, or citrate used to prevent clotting in plasma tests.

Sample aliquoting

Dividing a serum sample into smaller portions for testing.

Sample integrity

Maintaining the viability and consistency of the sample until examination.

Analytical phase

All procedures during the sample testing process.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

The established procedures to follow for consistent test execution.

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

A system for electronically sending test results to the appropriate personnel.

Post-examination (Post-analytical)

Everything that must be done after performing the test, including reporting results.

Result validation

Checking accuracy, correct units, and consistency of test results.

Hematoma

An accumulation of blood within the tissues that can affect test results.

Collapsing vein

Occurs due to excessive vacuum or patient dehydration; requires special techniques to avoid.

Hemoconcentration

An increased concentration of blood constituents due to prolonged tourniquet application.

Evaporation

The loss of specimen constituents due to uncapped specimens.

Microbial contamination

Bacterial contamination that can occur during specimen collection and storage.

Anticoagulant contamination

Cross-contamination of additives between tubes, affecting test results.

Quality assurance

Processes to ensure samples meet standards before collection or analysis.

Phlebotomy

The practice of drawing blood for testing and analysis.

Venipuncture

The process of accessing a vein to draw blood.

Needle bevel

The angled part of the needle that should remain in the vein during puncture.

Capillary blood

Blood collected from a capillary source, usually via a finger or heel stick.

Arterial blood

Blood drawn from an artery, typically for tests assessing oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

Sample transport

The process of carrying specimens to the testing area while maintaining integrity.

Serum separator tube

A tube that allows serum to be separated from cells after clotting.

Total Protein

A blood measurement potentially increased by hemoconcentration due to prolonged tourniquet use.

Hemolysis

Destruction of red blood cells leading to the release of hemoglobin into the serum.

Specimen storage

Storing specimens properly after collection until testing can occur.

Reagent

A substance used in a chemical reaction to detect variations in samples.

Test request form

The document that outlines which tests are to be conducted on a patient.

Aliquoting method

The method of dividing a sample into smaller portions for analysis.

Sample viability

The ability of a collected sample to remain suitable for testing.

Clotting time

The time required for blood to clot, generally before centrifugation.

Patient identifiers

Information such as name, age, and date of birth used to verify patient identity.

Puncture site choices

Factors to consider when selecting a site for venipuncture.

Butterfly needle

A specialized needle used for drawing blood from small veins.

Syringe method

A technique for drawing blood when using a syringe instead of vacutainer.

First aid for hematoma

Apply pressure to the site after puncture to prevent or manage hematoma.

Turn-off procedure for IVs

Always turn off IVs at least 2 minutes before collecting blood from the same arm.

Tourniquet application time

Best practice is no longer than 1 minute to avoid hemoconcentration.

Immediate testing

Testing specimens as soon as possible after collection for accurate results.

Timing of collection

Consideration of when to collect samples based on biological variation.

Specimen processing

Steps taken to prepare and treat specimens before analysis.

Multiple attempts

Phlebotomists are generally limited to two attempts for drawing blood.

Sample contamination

Products or factors that can alter the chemical composition of collected specimens.

Cleaning techniques

Methods to ensure that all equipment used in specimen collection is clean.

Sample accuracy

Ensuring that all sample results reflect the true state of the patient's health.

Trace elements

Specific mineral nutrients that can be tested in blood specimens.

Reference ranges

The normal values of tests against which patient results are compared.

Biochemistry tests

Tests designed to measure the chemical elements of blood.

Immunochemistry tests

Test that looks at immune responses through blood analysis.

Hematology tests

Tests performed to check components of blood.

Transfusion protocols

Procedures to follow when patients receive blood from others.

Sample condition

The physical state of the sample upon collection.

Technical skills for phlebotomists

Skills required to effectively draw blood and handle specimens.

Patient care considerations

Taking into account the comfort and well-being of patients during procedures.

Communication skills

The ability to clearly convey information to patients and team members.

Patient history relevance

Importance of understanding patient background for accurate testing.

Public health regulations

Laws that govern laboratory operations to protect community health.

Pathology tests

Tests that analyze diseases or conditions through examination of tissues.

Experimental controls

Measures put in place to ensure scientific tests yield reliable results.