Ch 44 Diagnostic Testing

What two tests are commonly used in screening for anemia?

Hemoglobin and hematocrit

What test is used for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus?

Glucose tolerance test (GTT)

Name two immunology tests that may be performed in a Physician's Office Laboratory (POL).

Mononucleosis testing and allergy testing

What are the proper units of measurement for reporting hemoglobin and hematocrit results?

Hemoglobin is reported as g/dL; hematocrit is reported as a percent (%).

What are the signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock, and what is the immediate treatment?

Signs/Symptoms: Intense anxiety, weakness, sweating, and shortness of breath. Treatment: An injection of adrenaline (epinephrine).

When performing intradermal allergy tests, what is the standard dosage range of the antigen introduced into the skin?

0.01 mL to 0.02 mL (using a sterile technique).

If a patient (like Rosa) presents with fatigue and short breath, and her hemoglobin test result is 6.0 g/dL, what does this indicate and what actions should be taken?

This is a panic value that requires immediate medical attention. The patient must remain in the office while the findings are reported immediately to the provider for further investigation and assessment.

Polycythemia

An abnormal increase in all blood cells.

Wheal

A localized, temporary swelling of the skin (often itchy), typically seen during allergy scratch tests.

Antibody

A protein substance carried by cells to counteract the effects of an antigen.

Immune

Protected or exempt from disease.

Venom

A poisonous toxin produced by several groups of animal species.

Histamine

A substance released in allergic and inflammatory reactions.

Systemic

Of or pertaining to the whole body.

Antigen

An immunizing agent that produces antibodies.

Extract

A substance distilled or drawn out of another substance.

Epstein-Barr virus

The virus that causes infectious mononucleosis.

RAST (Radioallergosorbent Test)

A type of blood test used to determine what substances a person is allergic to (allergy test).

Hemoglobin A1C

a blood lab test that measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months

• helps to diagnose diabetes and monitor its management.

• A higher A1C percentage indicates poorer blood sugar control and a greater risk of diabetes-related health issues.

Normal Male Hemoglobin

13–17 g/dL

Normal Female Hemoglobin

12–16 g/dL

Normal Male Hematocrit (Hct)

42–52%

Normal Female Hematocrit (Hct)

36–48%

Normal Male RBC Count

4.5 to 6.0 million/cubic mm

Normal Female RBC Count

4.0 to 5.5 million/cubic mm

Normal White Blood Cell (WBC) Count

4,500–11,000

Normal Glucose (Fasting)

Below 126 mg/dL fasting (Screening value for diabetes is below 126 mg/dL)

Normal Cholesterol (Fasting)

Below 200 mg/dL fasting

Normal Male Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

0–10 mm/hr

Normal Female Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

0–20 mm/hr

What is the rule of thumb formula to estimate Hematocrit from Hemoglobin?

Hematocrit = Hemoglobin x 3 + 3

Identify whether these critical values are Normal or a Panic Value: 1. Male Hemoglobin: 10 g/dL | 2. Sodium (Na): 160 mEq/L | 3. Potassium (K): 6.0 mEq/L

All three are Panic Values that require immediate attention by a health care provider.

Hematocrit

the percentage of red blood cells in your blood, which is important for carrying oxygen throughout your body

Complete blood count CBC

a blood test that measures the number and size of different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets

• it helps diagnose various health conditions, such as anemia, infections, and blood cancers

Hemoglobin determination

a blood test that measures the amount of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues

• It is commonly used to diagnose anemia or other blood disorders as part of a complete blood count (CBC) test

Hematocrit determination

measures the percentage of red blood cells in your blood

• is important for assessing your overall health and diagnosing conditions like anemia or polycythemia

• This test is typically part of a complete blood count (CBC) and involves drawing a blood sample from a vein

Red blood cell (RBC) count

measures the number of red blood cells in your blood, which are essential for transporting oxygen throughout your body

• This test is often part of a complete blood count (CBC) and can help diagnose various health conditions, including anemia

White blood cell (WBC) count

a blood test that measures the number of white blood cells in your blood, which are crucial for fighting infections and maintaining your immune system

• Normal WBC counts typically range from 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter of blood

Platelet count

a blood test that measures the number of platelets in your blood, which are essential for blood clotting

• A normal platelet count typically ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood

Prothrombin Time (PT)

a blood test that measures how long it takes for blood to clot

• helps to assess the clotting ability of blood and monitor patients on blood-thinning medications like warfarin

• Normal PT results typically range from 11 to 13.5 seconds

• the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is used to standardize results across different labs.

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

a blood test that measures eight substances, including glucose, electrolytes, and kidney function markers, to assess your body's chemical balance and metabolism

• It's often used to check overall health, diagnose conditions, or monitor chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney disease

Electrolyte Panel

a blood test that measures the levels of key electrolytes in your body, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride

• This test helps identify imbalances that can indicate health issues like dehydration, kidney disease, or heart problems

Lipid Profile

a blood test that measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels to assess cardiovascular disease risk

• It typically includes measurements of total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides

Liver Panel

a blood test that measures various substances produced by the liver, including enzymes and proteins, to assess liver health and function

• It helps in diagnosing liver diseases, monitoring existing conditions, and checking for potential liver damage from medications or other factors

Renal Panel

aka kidney function test

a series of tests that assess how well your kidneys are working by measuring waste products and electrolyte levels in your blood

• It is used to diagnose, screen for, or monitor kidney disease and can help identify potential kidney impairment

Thyroid Function Panel

a blood test that measures hormones produced by the thyroid gland, including TSH, T3, and T4, to assess how well the thyroid is working and to diagnose conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism

• This panel helps healthcare providers understand thyroid health and guide treatment if necessary

immunoglobin E (IgE)

a type of antibody produced by the immune system that plays a crucial role in fighting parasitic infections and is also involved in allergic reactions

• It helps the body recognize and respond to allergens, which can lead to symptoms ranging from mild allergies to severe anaphylaxis

Skin Prick Test

a method used to identify allergies by placing a small amount of allergen on the skin and pricking it to allow the substance to enter just below the surface

• If you are allergic, a raised, itchy bump (wheal) will appear at the test site within 15 to 20 minutes

Intradermal Injections

a medical procedure where a substance is injected into the dermis, the layer of skin just below the epidermis

• This method is often used for vaccinations and allergy tests, as it can provide a stronger immune response compared to other injection methods

Skin Patch Test

a diagnostic procedure used to identify specific substances that cause allergic reactions on the skin, particularly contact dermatitis.

• During the test, small amounts of potential allergens are applied to patches placed on the skin, usually on the back, and reactions are monitored over several days