Measurements in Healthcare

These flashcards cover key concepts related to measurements in healthcare, including their importance, types, and practical applications in medical laboratory settings.

Why are accurate measurements crucial in healthcare?

Accurate measurements can be a matter of life and death, impacting diagnosis, treatment decisions, and patient outcomes.

What does a blood glucose level of 250 mg/dL indicate?

It indicates diabetes.

What can declining white cell counts signify in a patient undergoing chemotherapy?

It may indicate successful chemotherapy.

What is the normal arterial range for pH in blood according to blood gas analyzers?

7.35-7.45.

What SI unit is used for measuring mass?

Kilogram (kg).

What does the prefix 'micro-' (μ) signify in measurements?

It denotes very small measurements, often used for medication doses.

Which type of water is used for the most critical applications in the lab?

Type I water.

What is the typical purity range for laboratory grade chemicals?

95-99.9%.

What is the function of a reagent in the medical laboratory?

Reagents are substances used to cause or test for chemical reactions.

What must be done to prepare a buffer solution?

Select components, calculate concentrations, weigh and dissolve, check and adjust pH, and bring to the final volume.

What is photometry used for in laboratory measurements?

It measures how much light a substance absorbs at a specific wavelength.

What can poor water quality in a laboratory lead to?

It can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and potentially harmful treatment decisions.

What are the two main types of errors in measurement?

Systematic errors and random errors.

What is the purpose of using high-grade reagents in laboratory tests?

High-grade reagents reduce variability and increase reproducibility, leading to more accurate results.

How does pH affect enzyme functionality?

Most enzymes function optimally within narrow pH ranges; deviations can reduce activity or denature proteins.