PTMT - LYMPH & IMMU

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

A medical condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.

CBC and Diff (complete blood count and differential)

A blood test that provides information about the number and types of blood cells present in a person's bloodstream, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

CD4+ Cell (helper T cell)

A type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system by coordinating the immune response and helping other immune cells fight off infections.

CD8+ Cell (cytotoxic T cell)

A type of white blood cell that directly kills infected cells or cancer cells by releasing toxic substances.

CMV (cytomegalovirus)

A common virus that can cause mild to severe illness, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS.

Crypto (Cryptococcus)

A type of fungus that can cause severe lung infections or meningitis, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.

ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay)

A laboratory test used to detect and measure the presence of antibodies or antigens in a person's blood, often used for diagnosing HIV infection.

G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor)

A naturally occurring protein that stimulates the production of white blood cells called granulocytes, which play a crucial role in fighting off infections.

GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor)

A naturally occurring protein that stimulates the production of white blood cells called granulocytes and macrophages, which are important for immune defense.

GVHD (Graft-versus-host Disease)

A condition that can occur after a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, where the transplanted cells attack the recipient's tissues, leading to various complications.

HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy)

A combination of medications used to treat HIV infection by suppressing the replication of the virus and slowing down the progression of the disease.

Hct (hematocrit)

A blood test that measures the percentage of red blood cells in a person's blood, which can help diagnose anemia or other blood disorders.

HDN (hemolytic disease of the newborn)

A condition that occurs when a mother's antibodies attack and destroy the red blood cells of her fetus or newborn, often due to blood type incompatibility.

Hgb (hemoglobin)

A protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and helps transport carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

Histo (histoplasmosis)

A fungal infection caused by inhaling spores of the Histoplasma fungus, which can affect the lungs and other organs, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

A virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4+ cells, and can lead to the development of AIDS if left untreated.