Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Services and Practices - Vocabulary Flashcards

Key terms and definitions from the lecture on clinical laboratory sections, personnel, tests, equipment, processes, and classifications.

Clinical Laboratory

A facility with multiple sections where specimens (blood, urine, etc.) are tested to diagnose and monitor diseases.

Pathologist

Licensed physician who oversees laboratory results, interprets tissue analyses, and signs off on results.

Medical Technologist (Clinical Laboratory Scientist)

Professional who performs complex laboratory tests and ensures accuracy and quality in the lab.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Assistant to MTs/pathologists; certified/registered; performs routine and support duties in the lab.

Phlebotomist

Professional trained to draw blood for tests, via venipuncture or arterial collection.

Cytotechnologist

Laboratory professional who examines cells for abnormalities; performs Pap tests.

Histotechnologist

Worker who prepares and stains tissue specimens for microscopic examination.

Nuclear Medical Technologist

Specialist who handles radiopharmaceuticals and radiation safety in nuclear medicine.

Toxicologist

Scientist who studies the effects of toxic substances on organisms.

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Field focusing on molecular techniques (e.g., PCR) for diagnostics and research.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

Technique to amplify DNA for detection and analysis.

Immunohistochemistry

Use of labeled antibodies to detect specific antigens in tissue samples.

Immunohematology

Blood banking specialty handling blood typing, antibodies, and transfusion components.

ABO Blood Typing

Classification of blood by A, B, and O antigens for transfusion compatibility.

Rh Typing

Determination of the Rh (D) antigen status for transfusion safety.

Blood Bank

Section that collects, types, screens, stores, and issues blood and components.

Crossmatching

Compatibility testing between donor blood and recipient to prevent transfusion reactions.

Hematology

Lab area dealing with blood cells; CBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, WBC differential, platelets.

Coagulation Studies

Tests that assess blood clotting factors and coagulation ability.

Clinical Chemistry

Section that analyzes blood/urine for soluble chemicals and waste products.

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)

Glucose measurement after fasting to evaluate diabetes risk.

HbA1c

Glycosylated hemoglobin; reflects average blood glucose over weeks to months.

Total Cholesterol

Overall cholesterol level in blood (includes HDL and LDL).

HDL

High-density lipoprotein; 'good' cholesterol.

LDL

Low-density lipoprotein; 'bad' cholesterol.

Triglycerides (TAG)

Blood fats; elevated levels indicate cardiovascular risk.

Uric Acid

Blood uric acid; elevated levels linked to gout and kidney disease.

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

Marker of kidney function measured in blood.

Creatinine

Kidney function marker; higher levels indicate impaired kidney function.

Albumin

Blood protein; indicator of nutrition status and liver function.

Total Protein (TP)

Sum of all plasma proteins in the blood.

Endocrinology

Lab subfield analyzing hormones (e.g., TSH, T3, T4, estrogen, prolactin, testosterone).

Thyroid Hormones (TSH, T3, T4)

Hormones used to assess thyroid gland function (TSH, triiodothyronine T3, thyroxine T4).

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Measuring drug levels to optimize therapy and ensure safety.

Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Internal processes to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results.

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

Ongoing efforts to improve lab processes and patient outcomes.

NEQAP (National External Quality Assurance Program)

National external proficiency testing program to benchmark lab performance.

Culture Media

Nutrient substances used to grow microorganisms in culture.

Anaerobic Jar

Container used to culture anaerobic bacteria by excluding oxygen.

Biosafety Cabinet II

Class II cabinet protecting personnel and environment when handling hazardous agents.

Bacteriology

Microbiology subdivision focused on identification and characterization of bacteria.

Mycobacteriology

Microbiology subdivision dealing with Mycobacterium species (e.g., TB).

Mycology

Study and identification of fungi.

Virology

Study and identification of viruses.

Microscopy and Staining

Visualizing microorganisms under a microscope after staining.

Papanicolaou (PAP) Test

Cytology test for cervical cancer using Pap stain.

H&E Stain

Hematoxylin and Eosin stain; standard stain in histology for tissue morphology.

Histopathology

Study of diseased tissue sections to diagnose disease under a pathologist.

Tissue Processing

Preparation steps (processing, embedding, sectioning, staining) for tissue slides.

Immunology and Serology

Tests of serum antibodies for infectious diseases (HBV, syphilis, HCV, dengue).

Hepatitis B Profile

Panel of tests to determine Hepatitis B infection/status.

Blood Typing and Compatibility Testing

Determining blood type and compatibility for transfusions; screening for antibodies.

RA 5527

Republic Act 5527: Medical Technology Act; governs licensure and practice in the Philippines.

Primary Category (Laboratory)

Licensed to perform basic, routine tests; smaller scale and space.

Secondary Category (Laboratory)

Hospital or non-hospital labs performing broader tests beyond primary scope.

Tertiary Category (Laboratory)

Labs licensed to perform all tests including immunology, microbiology, and advanced procedures; larger space.

Pre-analytic

Phase before testing: order receipt, patient preparation, specimen collection/transport.

Analytic

Phase of actual laboratory testing and analysis.

Post-analytic

Phase of reporting results and providing clinician recommendations.

Turnaround Time (TAT)

Time from specimen receipt to result delivery.

Hospital-based Laboratory

Laboratory located within a hospital providing inpatient/outpatient testing.

Floor Area Requirement

Minimum space requirement for lab sections (e.g., 60 square meters for tertiary labs).