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Phleb Glossary!
For Tulsa Tech K.Emmen Class
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| accuracy | a "quality control" term that refers to how close a lab result is to the actual value. measured by comparing test results is a specified lab to results obtained from an established standard. used with the term "prescision" to assess the quality & effect |
| ACD stands for what? | acid sitrate dextrose |
| acid citrate dextrose | an additive commonly used in specimen collection for blood donations to prevent clotting. It ensures that the red blood cells maintain their oxygen-carrying capacity. |
| active listening | a set of skills that enables an individual to become a more effective listener. Skills include concentrating on the speaker, getting ready to listen by clearing one's mind of distracting thoughts, use of silent pauses when appropriate, providing reassur |
| additives | substances, such as gels, clotting activators, or anticoagulants, that are added in small amounts to specimen collection tubes to alter the specimen so as to make it appropriate for lab analysis or handling. |
| ACA stands for what? | Affordable Care Act |
| Affordable Care Act | the US health care reform law enacted in 2010, with three primary goals: 1) to provide affordable health insurance to more Americans. 2) to expand the Medicaid program to cover more poverty-stricken individuals 3) to support innovative medical care delive |
| age-specific care considerations | providing services that are age appropriate and consideration (eg, special considerations that are needed for different ages of children, such as toddler or teen, and also for geriatric patients). Factors typically relate to age-related fears/concerns, co |
| alcohol | a colorless liquid that can be used as an antiseptic |
| aliquot | a portion of a blood specimen that has been removed/separated from the original primary specimen tube after initial processing (centrifugation). Considered to be identical to all other portions of the original sample of serum, plasma, urine, and cerebros |
| Allen Test | procedure used prior to drawing specimens for arterial blood gases (ABGs) from the radial artery. It ensures that the ulnar and radial arteries are providing collateral circulation to the hand area. |
| Processes invloved in the Allen Test. | Compress arteries to the hand and empty the hand of arterial blood. Release the compression to see if circulation is immediately restored. A negative test indicates that collateral circulation is not sufficient and an alternative artery (brachial or fem |
| allergic reaction | a condition caused by an abnormal reaction of the body's immune system to a foreign substance. |
| Alzheimer's disease (AD) | a chronic neurodegenerative disease that causes the majority of cases of demential, or loss of intellectual abilities. It is more prevalent in older patients. |
| ambulatory care | health care services that are delivered in an outpatient or clinic or medical office setting. The term implies that the patients are able to ambulate (walk) to the clinic to receive the services |
| ASCLS stands for what? | American Society for Clinical Laboratory Scientists |
| American Society for Clinical Laboratory Scientists (ASCLS) | an international professional organization for laboratory personnel that provides continuing education and conference activities for laboratory professionals |
| ASCP stands for what? | American Society for Clinical Pathology |
| Americal Society for Clinical Pathology | professional organization offering clinical and research conferences, many types of continuing education activities, and ongoing certification programs. Certification is through the Board of Certification (BOC) for many types of laboratory professionals a |
| analyte | a substance being analyzed e.g., a chemical analysis |
| analytic phase | refers to the phase in laboratory testing in which the specimen is actually assessed or evaluated, and results are confirmed and reported. |
| anatomic pathology | a major area of laboratory services in which autopsies are performed and surgical biopsy tissues are analyzed |
| anemia | a medical condition in which there is a reduction in hemoglobin, thus lowering the O2 carrying capacity of blood cells |
| antecubital | the area of the forearm (around the crease of the elbow) most commonly used for selecting veins prior to venipuncture. The median cubital vein is the best anchored and least risk-prone vein for venipuncture in most patients |
| anterior | the front or ventral area of the body that includes the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis |
| anticoagulant | substance introduced into the blood or a blood specimen to prevent the clotting process |
| antiglycolytic agent | an additive used in blood collection tubes that prevents glycolysis |
| antimicrobial | a chemical or therapeutic agent that destroys microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi |
| antiseptic hand rub | a waterless antiseptic product that can be rubbed onto all surfaces of the hands to reduce the number of microorganisms present; the hands should be rubbed until the product has dried |
| antiseptic hand wash | soap and water or detergents containing an antiseptic agent used for washing the hands to reduce the risk of infection by destroying the microorganisms present |
| antiseptics | chemicals used to clean human skin by inhibiting the growth of and/or destroying microorganisms |
| examples of antiseptics | 70% isopropyl alcohol chlorhexidine chlorine hexachlorophene chloroxylenol quarternary ammonium compounds iodine |
| aorta | the largest artery in the body |
| arrhythmia | an irregular heartbeat or rhythm |
| ABGs stands for what? | arterial blood gases |
| arterial blood gases (ABGs) | an analytical test that measures oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Provides useful information about respiratory status and the acid-base balance of ptients with pulmonary disorders |
| arterialized capillary blood | capillary specimens obtained from warmed sies. Since the pressure in arterioles is greater than in the venules, the capillaries tend to fill with a larger volume of arterial blood than venous blood |
| arterioles | smaller branches of arteries |
| artery | a blood vessel that carries highly oxygenated blood away from the heart. The only exceptions are the pulmonary arteries that carry deoxygenated blood from th heart to the lungs |
| aseptic | a degree of cleanliness that prevents infection and the growth of microorganisms. The technique to achieve this condition includes frequent use of hand hygiene procedures, use of barrier garments and personal protectie equipment (PPE), waste management of |
| assault | a legal term referring to the unjustifiable attempt to touch another person or the threat to do so in cercumstances that cause the other perso to believe that it will be carried out, or to cause fear. Touching a patient is permissible if proper consent |
| assessments | measurements or evaluations of factors that affect both the analytic (quantitative) and nonanalytic (qualitative) components of health care. Competency assessments measure an individual's ability to perform specified job tasks |
| atria | the two upper chambers of the heart that recieve blood from the veins and force it into the ventricles. They are refered to as the right and left atria to indicate the side of the heart where each is located Singular: atrium |
| AF or A-fib stands for what? | atrial fibrillation |
| atrial fibrillation | a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to a variety of heart-related symptoms and complications and that may indicate not enough oxygen-rich blood is being pumped to the body |
| AED stands for what? | automated external defibrillator |
| automated external defibrillator (AED) | used to treat a sudden cardiac arrest, this portable device analyzes heart rhythm and, if needed, can send an electronic shock to the heart to restore normal heartbeats. |
| automated skin-puncture safety device | a singular-use apparatus that pierces the skin with a sterile lancet that then automatically retracts into a protective casing. |
| bacteremia | the presence of bacteria in the blood; an infection of the blood. Also refers to septicemia |
| basal state | refers to the patient's condition in the early morning, approimately 12 hours after the last ingestion of food. In hospitals, most laboratory tests are analyzed on basal-state specimens |
| basilic vein | a vessel of the forearm that is acceptable for venipuncture; however other veins in the antecubital area are preferred because it lies in close proximity to the median nerve and brachial artery |
| battery | a complex legal term referring to intentionally touching another person without consent and /or beating or carrying out threatened physical harm. |
| beta-carotene | a photosensitive analyte that will decompose on exposure to light, so blood specimens being analyzed for this need to be appropiately protected |
| beveled | having a slanted surface, for 3example at the end point of a needle |
| bilirubin | a yellow pigment that normally occurs when RBCs breakdown. IT is measured to assess jaundice, anemia, or liver disease. It is a photosensitive analyte, so blood specimens for this test must be protected from light |
| blood | the circulating fluid and cells in the cardiovascular system |
| blood alcohol level | the concentration of alcohol in blood, also known as blood alcohol content (BAC) |
| bloodborn pathogens (BBPs) | pathogenic microorganisms, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans |
| blood cells | components of blood. The three main types of circulating blood cells are erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes |
| blood cultures | tests that aid in identifying the specific bacterial organism causing infections in the blood. In the case of a patient that is experiencing fever spikes, it is recommended that these specimens be collected before and after the fever spike, when bacteria |
| blood-drawing chair | a chair specifically designed to hold a patient comfortably and safely in a proper position during and after a blood collection procedure. The design typically includes movable armrests on both sides of the chair |
| blood sample | a portion of blood removed that is small enough so as not to cause harm to the patient |
| blood smear/film/slide | a thin layer of venous blood spread on a microscope slide. It is stained and viewed microscopically in a hematology laboratory to detect morphological abnormalities of blood cells |
| blood specimens | discrete portions of blood taken for laboratory analysis of one or more characeristics to determine the character of the whole body. |
| blood transfer device | a device or apparatus used to safely move blood from a syringe into an evacuated tube using the tube's vacuum. This device protects the phlebotomist by reducing the risk of exposure to the blood. |
| BUN stands for what? | blood urea nitrogen |
| blood urea nitrogen (BUN) | an analytic testing procedure to determine the amount of urea in the blood |
| blood vessels | key componenets of the circulatory system. These vessels transport blood throughout the body |
| blood volume | the total amount of blood in an individual's body. This is particularly important in pediatric phlebotomists, because withdrawing blood can cause a significant decrease in the total blood volume of a small infant, resulting in anemia. Is based on weight a |
| body planes | imaginary dividing lines of the body that serve as reference poin for describing distance from or proximity to different portions of the body. They include the sagittal, frontal, transverse, and medial planes. |
| brachial artery | an artery located in the cubital fossa of the arm that is used as an alternative site for ABG collections. Phlebotomists must be specially trained to perform collections from this site |
| bradycardia | a slower-than-normal heart rate, usually less than 60 BPM |
| breach of duty | a legal term refferring to an infraction, violation, or failure to perform an expected or mandated function |
| buffy coat | in blood specimens that contain anticoagulants, the WBCs and platelets form a thin white layer above the RBCs |
| butterfly needle | aka: blood collection set or winged infusion set. the most commonly used intravenous device. It is a stainless steelbeveled needle and tube with attached plastic wings on one end and a Luer fitting attached to the other. Most come with safety sheaths for |
| butterfly system | aka, winged infusion system or scalp needle set, this system can be used for difficult venipunctures due to small or fragile veins. The needle is typically smaller and has thin tubing or an evacuated tube system during venipuncture. Most models have needl |
| calcaneus | the heel bone |
| cannula | a tube that can be inserted into a cavity or blood vessel and used as a channel for transporting fluids. The term is most commonly used in dialysis for patients with kidney disease. It can be used to gain access to venous blood for dialysis or for blood c |
| capillary | a microscopic blood vessel that carries blood and links an arteriole to a venule |
| capillary action | a term used when referring to a microcollection procedures that indicated the free-flowing movement of blood into the capillary tube without the use of suction |
| capillary blood | a specimen from a skin puncture that contains a blend of blood from venules, arterioles, and tissue fluid |
| capillary blood gas analysis | using microcollection methods on infants (to heel site) to collect specimens for blood gas analyses; these analytical tests measure oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood and provide useful info about respiratory status and the acid-base balance of patien |
| capillary tubes | disposable narrow-bore pipettes that are used for pediatric blood collections and/or microhematocrit measures. The tubes may be coated with an anticoagulant such as heparin and, for safety reasons, are usually made of plastic |
| cardiac cycle | one complete contraction and relaxation of the heart, or one pump, or one heartbeat |
| CPR stands for what? | cardiopulmonary resuscitation |
| cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) | the method used to revive the heartbeat and breathing of a patient whose heartbeat and respiration have stopped. |
| cardiovascular system | the body system that provides for rapid transport of water, nutrients, electrolytes, hormones, enzymes, antibodies, cells, and gases to all cells of the body. It includes the heart, vascular system, and blood. |
| catheter urine specimen | a urine specimen collected after a catheter is inserted into the bladder, using a sterile procedure |
| cause-and-effect diagrams (Ishikawa) | a quality improvement tool that uses diagrams to identify interactions between equipment, methods, people, supplies, and reagents |
| CDC stands for what? | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | the federal agency responsible for monitoring morbidity (disease) and mortality (death) throughout the USA, promoting good health practices, and protecting the public from health, safety, and security threats |
| centrifugation | the process of separating cellular elements from the liquid portion of a blood specimen. It is done by spinning the specimen in a specially designed centrifuge |
| centrifugation phase | period of time when a blood specimen is inside that centrifuge |
| cephalic vein | a vein of the forearm that is acceptable for venipuncture |
| cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) | the fluid that surrounds the brain and meninges within the spinal column |
| CSF stands for what? | cerebrospinal fluid |
| chain of custody form (CCF) | part of the custody and control process that is typically used in drug testing. It requires specific documentation related to donor identification procedures; specimen collection steps; security for the collector, the donor, and the specimen; and tamperin |
| CCF stands for what? | Chain of Custody Form |
| chain of infection | the procss by which infections are transmitted; components include the source of the infection (nonsterile items, contaminated equipment, supplies), the mode of transportation (direct contact, airborn, medical instruments), and the suseptible host (patien |
| chlorhexidine | an antibacterial chemical used to clease he skin for venipuncture. Note: should NOT be used on infants younger than 2 months! |
| circadian | any biological process that occurs in a 24-hour rhythmic cycle |
| circulatory system | aka cardiovascular system, the body system referring to the heart, blood vessels, and blood; responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells and transporting carbon dioxide and wastes until they are eliminated; transports hormones, regulates b |
| citrate | a type of anticoagulant additive for blood collection tubes; prevents the blood clotting sequence by removing calcium and forming calcium salts |
| citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) | an anticoagulant additive typically used for sp3ecimens collected for blood donations |
| CPD stands for what? | citrate-phosphate-dextrose |
| civil law | law that regulates disputes between private parties in which the plaintiff may sue for monetary damages |
| clean-catch midstream | a urine specimen that is used for detecting bacteria &/or for microscopic analysis. Normally the specimen should be free of contamination because the patients should be instructed to clean and decontaminate themselves prior to urination. The urine specime |
| cleanse/decontaminate | to clean the skin surface area with 70% isopropyl alcohol prior to a venipuncture or a fingerstick to remove dirt and microorganisms from the surface area of the skin and reduce the chances of transmitting an infection |
| clinical laboratory | a workplace where analytic procedures are performed on blood and bodily fluids for the detection, monitoring, and treatment of disease |
| CLIA stands for what? | Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments |
| Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) | federal guidelines that regulate all clinical laboratories across the US. Regulations apply to any site that tests human specimens, including small POLs, or screening tests done at the patient's bedside |
| Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) | a nonprofit organization that recommends quality standards and guidelines for clinical laboratory procedures |
| CLSI stands for what? | Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute |
| clinical pathology | major area of laboratory services in which blood and other types of body fluids and tissues are analyzed |
| coagulation | a phase in the blood-clotting sequence in which many factors are released and interact to form a fibrin meshwork, or blot clot |
| competency statements | performance expectations that include entry-level skills, tasks, and job roles |
| confidentiality | the protected right of the patient and duty of health care workers not to disclose any info aquired about a patient to those who are not directly involved with the care of the patient |
| constituents | chemical or cellular elements that make up blood |
| contaminated sharps | used objects that can penetrate the skin, including needles, scalpels, broken glass, broken capillary tubes, and exposed wires |
| contamination | the presence of blood or potentially infectious substances on an item or surface |
| continuous quality improvement (CQI) | a theoretical framework and management strategy to improve health care structures, processes, outcomes, and customer satisfaction. IT is ongoing and involved all levels of the administrative structure of an organization |
| CQI stand for what? | continuous quality improvement |
| creatinine clearance test | analytic procedure to determine whether or not the kidneys are able to remove creatinine from the blood |
| criminal actions | acts against the public welfare; these actions can lead to imprisonment of the offender |
| critical test result | a term that should be defined by each health care organization and typically includes test results that are abnormal, STAT test results, or othr results that require an immediate response |
| critical laboratory value | a laboratory result that indicates a pathophysiilogic state at such varience with normal as to be life threatening; these values should be defined and reported to the patient's physician as soon as possible. AKA 'critical value' or 'alert threshold' |
| culture | a system of values, beliefs (spiritual, family bonding), and practices (food, music, traditions) that influence an individual's concept of reality.It influences decisions and behaviors in many aspects of life. |
| culture and sensitivity | a microbiologic test to determine the growth of infectious microoranisms in the bodily specimens, and to determine which antibiotics are the most theraputic and effective in killing the microorganism |
| CPT stands for what? | Current Procedural Terminology |
| Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) | an alphanumeric coding system used to describe specific medical or laboratory tests, surgeries, evaluations, and other medical procedures performed by a healthcare worker on a patient. There are thousands of these codes, which are used for billing purpose |
| cyanotic | bluish discoloration in the skin due to oxygen deficiency |
| DOB stands for what? | date of birth |
| decontaminate | use physical or chemical means to remove or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item so that pathogens are no longer able to transmit disease. |
| defendant | an individual against whom a legal action or lawsuit is filed |
| dehydrated | lacking sufficient water or fluid |
| dehydration | loss of water from the body (due to conditions such as excessive sweating, reduced fluid intake, vomiting, or blood loss.) |
| diabetes mellitus | a metabolic disease in which carbohydrate utilization is reduced due to deficiency in insulin and characterized by hyperglycemia, glycosuria, water and electrolyt loss, ketoacidosis, and in serious conditions coma. In milder forms of noninsulin-dependent, |
| diagnostic test results | the results from all tests performed on the patient: laboratory, radiology, and so on |
| diastolic pressure | the pressure inside the arteries when the heart is resting and refilling between beats; the second (bottom) measure reported in a bloo pressure reading. AKA diastole |
| disease | a specific, measurable condition characterized by specific clinical symptoms, patient history, and laboratory or radiology results |
| differentials | a laboratory test that categorizes blood cells and any abnormalities present |
| digestive system | the body system comprised of organs in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that break down food chemically and physically into nutrients that can be absorbed by the boy's cells and allow the elimination of waste products of digestion |
| disinfectants | chemical compounds used to remove or kill pathogenic microorganisms; typically used on medical instruments or countertops |
| disorder | a generic term referring to any pathologic condition of mind or body |
| disposable sterile puncture device or disposable sterile lancet | a sterile, sharp device, preferably retractable, and designed for single use in skin puncture collections. Should penetrate the skin at specified depths that are safe enough for withdrawing blood samples without causing complications or injuries |
| distal | furthest from the center of the body or from the point of attachment |
| diurnal rhythms | in contrast to nocturnal rhythms, these are variations in the body's functions or fluids that occur during daytime hours or every 24 hours. AKA, circadian or "body clock" rhythms |
| dizziness or vertigo | lightheadedness, unsteadiness, spinning sensation, vertigo, or loss of balance |
| dorsal | the back, or posterior, areas of the body, including the cranial and spinal cavities |
| double bagging | the practice of using two trash bags for disposing of waste from patient's rooms, particularly those in isolation |
| edema | swelling |
| edematous | describing a condition in which tissues contain excessive fluid that often results in localized swelling |
| electrocardiograph (EKG or ECG) | a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. Can help detect the cause of chest pain, determine if the walls of the heart are too thick, and see if medications or mechanical devices are working properly |
| EKG or ECG stand for what? | electrocardiograph |
| EMR stands for what? | electronic medical record |
| EHR stands for what? | electronic healthcare record |
| electronic medical record or electronic healthcare record | a computerized legal record for each patient that describes the patient's visits, tests, procedures, and clinical progress |
| engineering controls | devices that isolate or remove bloodborne pathogen hazards from the workplace (eg, needleless devices) "Work practice" controls are activities that reduce exposure risk. |
| EPA stands for what? | Environmental Protection Agency |
| Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | the federal agency that, among other responsibilities, regulates the disposal of hazardous substances and monitors and regulates disinfectant products |
| ethics | a branch of philosophy that deals with distinguishing right from wrong and with moral consequences of human actions |
| EDTA stands for what? ...I dare you to say it >:} | ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid |
| EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) | an anticoagulant additive used to prevent the blood-clotting sequence by removing calcium and forming calcium salts. It prevents platelet aggregation and is useful for platelet counts and platelet function tests. Fresh samples are also useful for making b |
| EMLA stands for what? | eutectic mixture of local anesthetics |
| EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) | a topical anesthetic that is an emulsion of lidocaine and prilocaine an can be applied to intact skin |
| evacuated tube system | method of blood collection using double-sided needles whereby the needle is attached to a holder/adapter and allows for multiple specimen tube fills and changes without blood leakage |
| vacuum tube system | method of blood collection using double-sided needles whereby the needle is attached to a holder/adapter and allows for multiple specimen tube fills and changes without blood leakage |
| exposure control plan | a document required in health facilities that details the process for medical treatment, prophylaxis, &/or follow-up an employee has been exposed to potentially harmful or infectious substances (eg, in the case of a percutaneous needlestick injury) |
| extrinsic factors | substances involved in the clotting process that are stimulated when tissue damage occurs |
| What are the tempuratures for freezing, boiling, and normal body temperature on the Fahrenheit scale? | Freezing = 32 Boiling = 212 Body = 98.6 |
| fasting | refers to no ingestion of food or drinks (except for water) |
| fasting blood tests | tests performed on blood taken from a patient who has abstained from eating and drinking (except water) for a particular period of time |
| feathered edge | a term used to describe blood smears on microscopic slides; it is a visible curved edge that thins out smoothly and resembles the tip of a bird's feather |
| femoral artery | located in the groin area of the leg and lateral to the femur bone, it is th largest artery used as an alternative site for ABG collections. Phlebotomists must be specially trained to perform collections from this site. |
| FUO stands for what? | fevers of unknown origin |
| fevers of unknown origin (FUO) | indicates the patient has an undiagnosed infection, which usually results in ordering blood cultures |
| fibrin | a substance that forms a blood clot |
| fibrinolysis | the final phase of the hemostatic process whereby repair and regeneration of the injured blood vessel occurs and the clot slowly begins to dissolve or break up (lyse). |
| fistula | an artificial shunt or passage, commonly used in the arm of a patient undergoing kidney dialysis; the vein and artery are fused through a surgical procedure. Only those trained can collect from this site |
| fomites | inanimate objects that can harbor infectious agents and transmit infections (e.g., literally anything you touch on a regular basis, dipshit.) |
| frontal plane | an imaginary plane (flat surface), running longitudinally, that divides the body into anterior and posterior sections. |
| guage number | refers to the size (diameter) of the internal bore of a needle. The larger the number, the smaller the bore size, and vice versa. |
| gauze or "2x2" | loosely woven material used for cleansing skin, bandages, and dressings. When used for phlebotomy procedures, they should be sterile or chemically clean. |
| geriatric | refers to an older patient |
| gestational diabetes | diabetes that begins during pregnancy (often in the second and third trimester). It occurs in 1 to 4 percent of pregnancies and usually subsides after delivery. |
| GTT stands for what? | glucose tolerance test |
| glucose tolerance test (GTT) | a diagnostic test for detecting diabetes. The test is performed by obtaining blood and urine specimens at timed intervals after fasting, then after ingesting glucose. Each specimen is analyzed for its glucose content to determine if the glucose level retu |
| glycolytic inhibitor | an additive used in blood collection tubes that prevents glycolysis |
| glycolysis | the breakdown of sugar |
| granulocytes (basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils) | mature leucocytes in the circulating blood; when stained and veiwed microscopically, granules are shown to be present. |
| nosocomial infections | infections aquired after admission into a health facility |
| HIA stands for what? | health care-aquired infection |
| HIA health care-aquired infection | infections aquired after admission into a health facility |
| HIPAA stands for what? | Health Insurance Portability and Accountablility Act |
| heelstick | a pediatric phlebotomy procedure that requires puncturing the skin of specified areas of an infant's heel with a device that controls for the depth of the puncture. The designated areas should reduce the risk of bone injuries or complications such as infe |
| hematocrit | a commonly ordered laboratory test to assess the circulatory system; it describes the concentration of RBCs and therefore provides an indirect measure of the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood |
| hematology | the study of blood |
| hematoma | a localized leakage of blood into the tissues or into an organ. In phlebotomy, it can occur as a result of blood leakage during the vein punture, thereby causing a bruise (BTW, it is just a super-specific term for BRUISE!!) |
| hematopoiesis | the process of blood cell formation that occurs in the bone marrow |
| hemoconcentration | increased localized blood concentration of large molecules such as proteins, cells, and coagulation factors. This can be caused by excessive application of a tourniquet. |
| hemoglobin | the molecules that carry oxygen and carbon dioxide in the RBCs |
| Hemoglobin A1c | a point-of-care testing procedure for maintenance of blood glucose levels using an analyzer |
| hemolysis | a rupture of lysis of the blood cells |
| hemorrhage | excessive or uncontroled bleeding |
| hemostasis | maintenance of circulating blood in the liquid state and retention of blood in the vascular system by prevention of blood loss |
| heparin | an anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting by inactivating thrombin and thromboplastin, the blood-clotting chemicals in the body |
| histograms | bar graphs often used as quality improvement tools |
| holder / adapter | plastic apparatus needed in specimen collection using the evacuated tube method. It secures the sterile, double-pointed needle: one end of the needle goes into the patient's vein, and on the other end of the needle is placed an evacuated tube |
| home healthcare services | provision of health care services in a patient's home under the direction of a physician. |
| homeostasis | means literally "remaining the same" also referred to as a steady-state condition, it is a normal state that allows the body to stay in a healthy balance by continually compensating with necessary changes |
| hospice | a program of facility for the care of terminally ill patients and support of their family or caregivers |
| HIV stands for what? | human immunodeficiency virus |
| hypoxia | a condition in which body tissues are not receiving enough oxygen |
| iatrogenic anemia | a types of induced blood loss resulting in anemia that occurs when too much blood is withdrawn in a short period of time; a patient who has this may require a blood transfusion |
| illness | a subjective, nonmeasurable term for any departure from wellness (eg, pain, suffering, distress) |
| immunology | the study of immunity and diseases of the immune system |
| implied consent | a complex legal term that varies from state to state in its interpretation. Basically, it designates conditions and situations when a patient does not or cannot provide consent but treatment is provided based on consent that can be inferred or assumed bec |
| incision | a cut into the skin. The term is used to describe the puncture made by an automatic skin puncture device. |
| infection control programs | guidelines designed to address surveillance, reporting, isolation procedures, education, and management of community-aquired and healthcare-associated infections. |
| informed concent | a complex legal term that basically refers to voluntary permission given by a patient to allow touching, examination, &/or treatment by healthcare workers after the patient has been given info about the procedures and potential risks and consequences. It |
| inpatients | hospitalized patients |
| insulin | a hormone produced by the pancreas that is released into the blood-stream to facilitate glucose absorption from the blood into the tissues where it is used for energy. When not produced or when production is impaired, blood glucose levels increase because |
| integumentary system | the body system referring to skin, hair, sweat and oil glands, teeth, and fingernails; involved in protective and regulatory functions |
| ICD stands for what? | International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems |
| International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems (ICD) | an internationally accepted system of diagnostic codes for classifying diseases based on body system or medical conditions or symptoms. Maintained by the World Health Organization |
| interstitial | a term describing the space between tissues and/or organs |
| interstitial fluid | minute amounts of liquid forming in gaps between layers of tissue; a natural component of capillary blood. aka:tissue fluid |
| tissue fluid | minute amounts of liquid forming in gaps between layers of tissue; a natural component of capillary blood. aka interstitial fluid |
| intravenous | within a blood vein |
| intravenous catheter | (aka, an IV) a vascular access device inserted into a blood vessel for administration of medications and nutrients and for blood collection. |
| intrinsic system | part of the coagulation process that involves the clotting factors contained in the blood |
| invasive | description for medical procedures whereby a medical instrument is inserted directly into a body cavity or organ, (eg, withdrawing spinal fluid) |
| iodine | a nonmetallic element or solution of iodine in alcohol (tincture of iodine, a 2% solution) that is used as an antiseptic. Some patients are allergic! |
| isolation procedures | methods used to protect individuals from patients with infectious diseases. Categories of isolation are based on the mode of transmission and include airborn, droplet, and contact precautions. |
| The Joint Commission | an independent, nonprofit organization that sets quality standards for health care. |
| judicial law | the system of courts, laws, and legal processes designed to resolve disputes |
| lancet/lancing device | a sharp apparatus or blade used to puncture or cut through skin for the purpose of aquiring a capillary blood specimen. The prefferred device is a sterile, single-use retractable safety mechanism that performs a puncture of predetermined depth |
| lateral | a directional term meaning toward the sides of the body or the sides of a body part |
| liable | a legal term that refers to a legal obligation that exists when damage occurs |
| light sensitive | describes some chemical constituents of laboratory specimens (bilirubin, vitamin B12, carotene, folate, urine porphyrins) that decompose if exposed to light and therefore should be protected/covered during transportation and handling. Aka, photosensitive |
| lipemic | describes serum that has a cloudy or milky appearance, usually due to a temporarilty elevated lipid level after the ingestion of fatty foods |
| lithium iodoacetate | an antiglycolytic agent and anticoagulant; not to be used for hematology testing or enzymatic determinations |
| litigation process | legal actions to determine a decision in court. Many malpractice cases are negotiated prior to a courtroom trial, and settled out of court. |
| lymphatic system | the body system responsible for maintaining fluid balance, providing a defense against disease, and absorption of fats and other substances from the bloodstream |
| lymphocyte | a type of white blood cell that is nongranular in appearance; plays a role in immunity and in the production of antibodies |
| lymphostasis | an obstruction and/or lack of flow of the lymph fluid |
| lysis | tearing or rupturing of cells; often refers to breakage of red blood cells |
| malice | a legal term referring to a reckless disregard for the truth committed with the intention of doing injury o another person (eg, slander) |
| malpractice | a legal term referring to improper or unskillful care of a patient by a health care provider, or any professional misconduct, unreasonable lack of skill, or infidelity in professional or judiciary duties; often described as "professional negligence." |
| mastectomy | removal of a breast |
| medial | a directional term meaning toward the midline of the body |
| median cubital vein | the forearm vein that is most commonly used for venipuncture. |
| Medicaid | a shared federal and state funded program designed to provide health insurance for individuals with low incomes. Coverage and services vary from state to state. |
| medical record | definitiv documents, paper record or electronic medical record (EMR), that contains a chronological log of a patient's care. It must include any info that is clinically significant or relevant to the patient's care. |
| Medicare | federal program designed to provide health insurance for older patients and members of special groups defined by law |
| melanin | pigment in the skin that provides color and protects underlying tissues from aborbing ultraviolet rays |
| meningitis | an inflammation of the meninges (the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord) |
| metabolism | the critical chemical processes in the body that allow the formation or breakdown of substanced (eg, proteins) for the purpose of producing and using energy and maintaining life. |
| microbiology | the study of microorganisms |
| microcollection | a proess by which small amounts of blood are collected in small containers or tubes using specially designed devices |
| microcontainers | specialized collection devices designed for small quanitites of blood; some containing anticoagulants. These devices are typically used for pediatric or geriatric patients with fragile or inaccessible veins, and/or for fingersticks |
| microorganisms | living organisms that are too small to see with the naked eye such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi |
| misdemeanor | a legal term referring to many types of criminal offenses that are not serious enough to be classified as felonies |
| mode of transmission | refers to the method by which pathogenic agents are transmitted (eg, direct contact, air, medical instruments, other objects, and other vectors) |
| monocytes | a types of white blood cell that is nongranular and plays a role in the body's immune system defenses |
| multiple-sample needles | used with the evacuated tube method of blood collection, these needles are attached to a holder/adapter and allow for multiple specimen tube fills and changed without blood leakage |
| muscular system | the body system comprised of all muscles of the body |
| NAACLS stands for what? | National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences |
| National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) | an organization that accredits educational programs in clinical laboratory sciences, including phlebotomy |
| NFPA stands for what? | National Fire Protection Association |
| National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) | the trade association that has developed the labeling system for hazardous chemicals, including those used in healthcare |
| NPA stands for what? | NAtional Phlebotomy Association |
| National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) | a professional organization for phlebotomists that offers continuing educational activities and a certification examination for phlebotomists |
| needless system | a device that does not use needles for procedures that are normally associated with needle use. This includes collection of bodily fluids or withdrawal of body fluids after initial venous or arterial access is performed. It refers to procedures that have |
| negligence | a legal term referring to the failure to act or perform duties according to the standards of the profession |
| neonatal screening | typically refers to mandatory laboratory testing of infants for specified disorders such as PKU (phenylketonuria) and hypothyroidism. There is wide variability in what tests are required by each state. |
| neonate | a newborn infant; term used during the first 28 days after birth |
| nervous system | the body system that includes organs that provide communication within the body, sensations, thoughts, emotions, and memories |
| nothing by mouth (NPO) | medical instructions for the patient to be restricted from intake of food, medications, and/or liquids by mouth. |
| NPO stands for what? | nil per os nothing per mouth |
| occluded veins | closed or constricted veins |
| occult blood | (don't be a dumbass) analysis that detects hidden (occult) blood in the stool |
| occupational exposure | contact via skin, eye, mucous membrans, or parenteral with potentially infectious materials as a result of an individual's work duties |
| OSHA stands for what? | Occupational Safety and Health Administration |
| Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) | an agency of the US Department of Labor requiring employers to provide a safe work environment including measures to protect workers exposed to biological and occupational hazards |
| osteochondritis | inflamation of the bone and its cartilage |
| osteomyelitis | inflamation of the bone due to bacterial infection |
| osteoporosis | a condition of the bone whereby the mineral density is reduced, making the bone more fragile |
| outcomes | a quality improvement term referring to what is accomplished for the patient (healing, return to wellness, or return to normal functions). Poor patient outcomes have been described as the "5 Ds" |
| List the 5 Ds | death, disease, disability, discomfort, and dissatisfaction |
| overnight specimen | a urine specimen collected immediately after waking up in the morning. AKA, first morning specimen |
| oxalates | anticoagulants that prevent blood-clotting sequence by removing calcium and forming calcium salts |
| panic value | aka critical laboratory value |
| pathogenesis | the origin of a disease |
| pathogenic agents | disease-causing bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites that are transmitted by direct contact, air, medical instruments, other objects, and other vectors |
| pathology | the study of all aspects of disease and abnormal conditions of the body |
| patient-focused testing | laboratory services usually designed around a team concept and focused on convenience to the patient |
| Patient's Bill of Rights | a statement developed to affirm the rights of patients. Key elements invlove the right to respectful and considerate care; accurate info about diagnoses, treatment, and prognoses; informed concent; refusal of treatment; privacy; confidentiality; advance |
| peak | a term used for theraputic drug monitoring to describe the blood sample that is taken when the drug is at its highest concentration in the patient's serum |
| percutaneous | through the skin |
| peripheral circulation | vascular circulation of blood to the arms, hands, legs, and feet |
| PPE stands for what? | Personal protective equipment |
| petechiae | minute, pinpoint hemorrhagic spots in the skin that may be indicative of a coagulation abnormality. For phlebotomists, it should be a warning sign that the patient may bleed excessively |
| PKU stands for what? | phenylketonuria |
| phenylketonuria (PKU) | a congenital disorder, usually diagnosed at birth, that can cause brain damage resulting in severe retardation, often with seizures and other neurologic abnormalities |
| photosensitive | sensitive to light |
| POL stands for what? | physician's office laboratory |
| physician's office laboratory (POL) | nonhospital laboratories usually based in a physician's office/clinic at the private practice |
| plaintiff | a legal term referring to the person who initiates a lawsuit or legal action |
| plasma | the liquid portion of the blood in which blood cells are suspended |
| platelets are also known as what? | thrombocytes |
| thrombocytes are also known as what? | platelets |
| platelets (thrombocytes) | blood cells that aid in blood clot formation |
| pleural fluid | fluid from the lung cavity |
| pneumatic tube systems | a transportation system used in many healthcare facilities for specimens and paper-based documentation. |
| point-of-care | the location where patient care is taking place, eg, the patient's bedside, at ancillary or mobile sites, or in the patient's home. |
| point-of-care testing (POCT) | refers to tests and procedures that are actually performed at the patient's bedside or at any other point-of-care. The tests are not sent to a lab; rather, they are rapid methods designed to produce quick results on site. |
| porphyrins | a type of photosensitive analyte |
| postcentrifugation phase | the period of time after a specimen has been certrifuged but before serum or plasma has been removed for testing |
| posterior | the back (or dorsal) area of the body that includes the cranial and spinal cavities |
| postprandial glucose test | a glucose test performed after ingestion of a meal; useful for screening patients for diabetes because glucose levels in serum specimens drawn two hours after a meal are rarely elevated values two hours after a meal. |
| precentrifugation phase | period of time after a blood sample has been collected but before centrifugation |
| preevacuation | vacuum within a blood collection tube that is created during the tube manufactoring process |
| preexamination (preanalytical) phase | a lab testing phase in which tests are ordered and specimens are collected and prepared for testing. |
| preexamination phase variables | Patient: fasting versus nonfasting, stress, availability Transportation: specimen leakage, tube breakage, excessive shaking Specimen processing: centrifugation, delays, contamination, exposure to heat or light Specimen: hemolysis, inadequate volume, in |
| premature infant | an infant born before 37 weeks of gestation (normal is 40 weeks) |
| primary tube | a tube containing the patient's blood sample |
| PT stands for what? | proficiency testing |
| proficiency testing (PT) | testing that is part of the quality management of lab services and involves subscribing to an outside sourse to provide "unknown" or "blind" specimens to see how one lab's results compare with another's. It is part of the accrediting process for most labs |
| protective environment aka reverse isolation | precautionary measures and procedures designed to protect patients who are particularly susceptible to or at increased risk of aquiring infections. (eg, patients with low WBC counts, burns, &/or immunosuppressed or bone marrow transplant |
| proximal | nearest to the center of the body or to the point of attachment |
| pulmonary arteries | the arteries that carry deoxygenated blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs. |
| pulmonary circuit | the circulatory pathway by which blood leaves the heart and enters the right and left pulmonary arteries |
| pulmonary veins | these are the only veins that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. |
| qualitative tests | aka, screening tests tests to detect the presence or absense of a substance. (Do you have something in your system or not? Like a drug test.) |
| quality | refers to a specimen that is correctly identified, collected, and transported |
| quality control material | daily controls that are used in analytic testing to determine acceptable ranges of test results (i.e., tolerance limits) |
| quantitative tests | aka, confirmatory tests tests to detect the exact measurement or quantity of substance in the specimen (how much of that booze you drank is still coursing through you?) |
| radial artery | located on the thumb side of the wrist, this artery is most commonly used to collect blood specimens for ABGs. Must be specially trained to do it. |
| red blood cells | blood cells that funcion to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body |
| erythrocytes are also known as? | red blood cells |
| red blood cells are alo known as? | erythrocytes |
| reference ranges | when referring to lab values, these are lab test value ranges that are considered within "normal" limits. aka, referrence intervals |
| respiratory system | a body system comprised of anatomical structures and organs that assist in respiration or breathing (nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs) |
| sagittal plane | an imaginary plane, running longitudinally, that divides the body into right and left halves |
| sample | one or more parts (blood or tissues) taken from a system (the patient's body), and intended to provide info on the system |
| sample integrity | quality or completeness of a blood sample |
| sclerosed veins | veins that have become hardened |
| secondary tube / specimen | a tube or specimen containing removed plasma/serum (an aliquot) after specimen centrifugation of a primary tube containing the patient's blood sample |
| separated plasma / serum | a plasma or serum that has been removed or separated from contact with blood cells. It is referred to as an aliquot. It can be removed from the primary tube after centrifugation using a pipette, or separated from cellular contact with a chemical or physic |
| septicemia | formerly called "blood poisoning" the term means the presence of toxins or multiplying bacteria in the blood |
| serum | when blood is allowed to clot, sera (fluid portion) separates from the blood cells that form a fibrin clot. It contains the same constituents as plasma except that the clotting factors are contained within the blood clot |
| SST stands for what? | serum separation tube |
| serum separation tube (SST) | a tube that contains a polymer barrier that is present in the bottom of the tube |
| skeletal system | a body system comprised of all the body's bones and joints |
| skin puncture | aka dermal puncture a cut into the skin or dermis |
| dermal puncture | a cut into the skin or dermis |
| sodium fluoride | an additive (antiglycolytic agent) present in specific blood collection tubes that is used for glycolytic inhibition tests |
| sodium polyanethole sulfonate (SPS) | an additive typically used in blood culture bottles to prevent clotting |
| SPS stands for what? | sodium polyanethole sulfonate |
| specimen | the discrete portion of a body fuild (blood or urine) or tissue taken for examination, study, or analysis of one or more characteristics (analytes), to determine the character of the whole |
| specimen integrity | theundisturbed wholeness of a high-quality blood sample that can be adversely affected or compromised by the method of transport, timing delays, temperature, agitation, exposure to light, and centrifugation methods |
| specimen rejection | the judgement that is specimen is unacceptable with regard to the suitability of the specimen for testing or when it may not be used for lab analyses |
| stakeholders | individuals, groups, organizations, &/or communities that have an interest in or are influenced by health care survices. They can be internal to the organization or external. |
| standard of care | the practices or guidelines that a reasonably prudent person in a similar job or profession or level of training would follow in any particular circumstance. |
| SOP stands for what? | standard operaing procedures |
| standard operating procedures (SOP) | instructions to achieve uniform or consistent performance of a function |
| standard precautions | a set of safeguards designed to reduce the risk of transmission of microorganisms. guidelines apply to all patients and all body fluids, nonintact skin, and mucous membranes and include the use of barrier protection (such as gloves, gowns, masks, protect |
| STAT | designation for an emergency situation that requires immediate action. In the case of blood collection and analysis, tests that are ordered as such should be given the highest priority for collection, delivery to the lab, analysis, and reporting. (deriv |
| steady state | also referred to as homeostasis, it is a condition that allows the normal body to stay in balance by continually compensating for any disturbanced with changes neccessary to restore the normal status, thereby remaining in a healthy condition |
| sterile technique | the use of procedures that produce an aseptic condition (ie, free from all living microorganisms and their spores.) |
| superficial | near the surface of the body (eg, "superficial" veins show up easily on the skin) |
| superior vena cava | one of the two large veins that brings oxygen-poor blood from the body to the heart. It carries blood from the head, arms, and upper body (the "inferior" vena cava carries blood from the lower body) |
| supine | lying face upward |
| suprapubic specimen | an uncontaminated urine specimen obtained by aspirating urine from the patient's bladder through the abdominal wall |
| suseptible host | a component in the chain of infection; the degree to which an individual is at risk for aquiring an infection. Factors affecting susceptibility are age, drug use, degree nd nature of the patient's illness, and status of the patient's immune system |
| syncope | the transient (and frquently sudden) loss of consciousness due to a lack of oxygen to the brain (fainting) and resulting in an inability to stay in an upright position. |
| synoval fluid | fluid in the joint cavities |
| syringe method | a method whereby a syringe is used to collect blood, which is then placed in a transfer device for safety moving the blood from the syringe into collection tubes |
| systemic ciruit | a part of the cardiovascular system that carries blood to the tissues of the body |
| systolic pressure | the pressure inside the arteries when the heart is contracting and pumping blood; usually the first (top) measure reported in a blood pressure reading. aka, systole |
| tachycardia | a faster than normal heart rate when a patient is at rest, usually more than 100 BPM (It's normal to increase during exercise, etc) |
| test panel | a preselected list of tests performed at one time to check for abnormalities |
| TDM stands for what? | therapeutic drug monitoring |
| therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) | testing procedures to evaluate drug levels in a patient's blood. This is valuable for drug dosage and to monitor the patient for a variety of other factors such as clinical effectiveness or toxicity. |
| therapeutic phlebotomy | the removal of blood for therapeutic reasons (eg, in conditions where there is an excessive production of blood cells) |
| thermolabile | redily destroyed or deactivated by heat; a term applied to constituents that degrade if exposed to warm tmperatures |
| thrombi | blood clots formed somewhere within the cardiovascular system; they may occlude a vessel or attach to the wall of a vessel |
| timed specimen | a test is ordered to be drawn at a particular time or during a particular time span such as 8 hours or 24 hours. |
| tissue (interstitial) fluid | |
| transmission-based precautions | categories of precautionary measures based on the route of transmission of disease. Three types are airborne, droplet, and contact precautions |
| transverse plane | an imaginary plane running horizontally that divides the body into upper and lower sections |
| trough | a term used for therapeutic drug monitoring to describe the blood sample that is taken just prior to the next dose, or when the drug is theoretically at the lowest concentration in the patient's serum |
| turbid | cloudy or milky in appearance |
| turnaround time (TAT) | the time it takes for a blood specimen to be ordered, collected, transported, processed, analyzed, and a result reported |
| ulna | a thin, long bone in the forearm, located opposite the thumb |
| universal precautions | refers to an infection control concept of bloodborne disease control, requiring that all human blood and other potentially infectious materials be treated as if known to be infectious for HIV, HBV, HCV, or other bloodborne pathogens, regardless of the per |
| urinary system | a body system of organs and processes enabling the production and elimination of urine. Comprised of kidneys, ureters, the bladder, and the urethra |
| vascular | referring to a network of blood vessels that includes veins, arteries, and capillaries |
| vasoconstriction | a rapid construction of the blood vessels to descrease blood flow to the area |
| vein | a blood vessel that carries deoxygenated blood toward the heart after O2 has been offloaded to the tissues, and CO2 has been picked up by the RBCs. The exception is the pulmonary veins that carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart |
| venae cavae | the largest veins of the body; they carry blood from the body back to the heart. |
| venipuncture | withdrawing a venous (from a vein, not an artery) blood sample using a needle attached to an evacuated tube system or other collection devices. |
| ventral | the front, or anterior, area of the body including the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cavities |
| ventricles | the two lower chambers of the heart. They are referred to as the right and left ventricles to indicate the side of the heart where each is located |
| venules | smaller veins that flow into larger veins |
| virology | the study of viruses |
| virulence | the degree to which an organism (bacterium or virus) is infectious or potentially infectious. |
| visceral (nonstriated, smooth, involuntary) muscles | muscles that line the walls of internal structures (eg, veins and arteries) |
| volume | space occupied by a liquid and usually measured in liters or milliliters |
| white blood cells (leukocytes) | blood cells that provide for defense against infectious agents |
| white blood cells are also known as? | leukocytes |
| winged infusion system | also called a butterfly set or scalp needle set, the system can be used for difficult venipunctures due to small or fragile veins. The needle is typically smaller, and it has a thin tubing with a Luer adapter at the end so that it can be used with a syrin |
| work practice controls | practices that diminish the likelihood of exposure to hazards by altering the manner in which the work i performed (eg, prohibiting the recapping of needles with a two-handed approach) |
| zone of comfort | the area of space surrounding a person/patient that is considered "private or personal"; if a stranger (phlebotomist) gets too close to the individual, they may begin to feel uncomfortable |
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