Principles of Medical Laboratory Science Practice 2 - Flashcards

Flashcards for reviewing Point-of-Care Testing, Phlebotomy, Specimen Collection, Occupational Risks, and Diseases of the 21st Century

Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)

Specimen analysis performed outside the traditional clinical laboratory setting to save time, enabling immediate sample processing at the bedside or physician's office.

Advantages of POCT

Cheaper and quicker than traditional methods, useful in resource-limited settings, reduces preanalytical errors, requires small sample volumes, is easy to use, provides rapid data, and reduces patient hospital stay.

Disadvantages of POCT

Potential inaccuracy, operator-dependent quality, difficulty integrating results with hospital systems, narrower analyte measuring range, and reliance on trained personnel.

'REASSURED' Criteria by WHO

Real-time connectivity, Ease of specimen collection, Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Robust and rapid, Equipment-free, Deliverable to those who need the test.

Pre-Analytical Stage (POCT)

The stage before running the test, involving specimen collection, transport, preparation, and loading, where errors may occur due to lack of patient preparation, improper technique, or incorrect additives.

Analytical Stage (POCT)

The actual testing sequence, where errors can arise from uncalibrated or expired devices, low battery, power outage, or incorrect timing.

Post-Analytical Stage (POCT)

The phase after testing is complete, when errors such as misreporting or delaying critical results can occur.

Invasive POCT Devices

Single-use strips or cartridges (e.g., dipsticks), test kits (e.g., pregnancy tests), and quantitative tests with monitoring devices (e.g., glucometers).

Non-Invasive POCT

Devices like pulse oximeters, transcutaneous bilirubin meters, non-invasive hemoglobin monitors, and GlucoWatch Biographer.

Blood Vessels

Arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins, which transport blood throughout the body.

Three Major Layers of Blood Vessels

Tunica intima (innermost), tunica media (thickest in arteries), and tunica externa (outer layer in veins).

Antecubital Fossa

The preferred site for venipuncture, containing the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels by contracting vascular smooth muscle, leading to increased blood pressure.

Vasodilation

The widening of blood vessels due to relaxation of the blood vessel’s muscular walls, leading to decreased blood pressure.

Phlebotomy

From the Greek words 'phlebos' (vein) and '-tomia' (cutting), referring to the act of drawing blood from the circulatory system for analysis or treatment.

Antiglycolytic Agent

An additive used in blood collection to inhibit glucose use by blood cells (e.g., sodium fluoride).

Anticoagulant Agent

An additive used in blood collection to prevent clotting (e.g., EDTA, citrate, oxalate, heparin).

Thixotropic Gel Separator

Inert material in blood collection tubes that creates a barrier between liquid and cells after centrifugation.

Order of Draw

The sequence for collecting blood samples into different tubes to avoid cross-contamination of additives.

Common antiseptics used for blood collection

70% isopropyl alcohol, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine or tincture of iodine.

Sharps Disposal Containers

Containers used for disposal of used needles, lancets, and other sharp objects to prevent injuries.

Tourniquet

A device used to restrict blood flow during venipuncture, placed 3-4 inches above the collection site.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Pathogenic microorganisms carried in blood that can cause diseases, such as HBV, HCV, and HIV.

Exposure Control Plan (ECP)

A written plan to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Universal Precautions

Treating all blood and body fluids as if they are contaminated.

CD4 T-Cell

The target immune cell of HIV, which is destroyed when the virus infects the t-cells leading to immune dysfunction.

Bioterrorism

The deliberate release of viruses, bacteria, or other germs to cause mass illness or death.

Enveloped Viruses

Viruses containing an external membrane layer that they obtain from the host cells to protect and attach to other host cells, such as HIV and coronaviruses

Clinical Specimen

A portion or quantity of human material tested to determine the presence or absence of microorganisms or analytes.

2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate and 70% Isopropyl Alcohol

A recommended and effective antiseptic in blood banking phlebotomy