Laboratory tests, chemistries and symbols

arterial blood gas

blood drawn from an artery--evaluates whether there is adequate oxygenation in the bloodstream

acute care panel

a collection of chemistry tests that is also known as an electrolyte panel

blood urea nitrogen

CRE and BUN usually indicates renal (kidney) failure if high

culture and sensitivity

ordered to check for bacterial growth; if there see what antibiotic is appropriate in killing the bacteria. Can take up to 72 hours to get this result

complete blood count

blood test that evaluates the blood's capacity to carry oxygen and cells that fight off infection

chemistry

denotes lab tests used to measure blood chemistry levels. Can order a chem. 24 is is most tests, or a chem. 12 which is a shorter test

cerebral spinal fluid

a test called a spinal tap is performed to check for meningitis

chest X ray

diphtheria, perfussis, tetanus

• a vaccination for these diseases; today doctors call it DTP
• pertussis is known as whooping cough

fasting blood sugar

patient has not had anything to eat since the previous midnight

hematocrit

a blood level that is usually evaluated as part of a CBC it looks at the volume of blood in relation to the volume of cells

hemoglobin

Part of a red blood cell and is responsible for carrying oxygen

electrolytes

a laboratory blood test usually contains potassium (K+), sodium (Na), chloride (C), carbon dioxide (CO2) and sometimes glucose (Glu)

ova and parasites

usually denotes a lab test performed on fecal matter (stool, bowel movement)

oxygen

red blood cells

also known as erythrocyte

tuberculosis

a contagious disease of tuberculosis

urinalysis

a laboratory test of urine that looks for protein, specific gravity, sugar, pH and other chemistries

white blood cells

3 common WBCs are: lymphs-denotes virus, bands -denotes bacteria and eosinophils - denotes an allergic reaction

calcium

chloride

creatinine

along with BUN it indicates renal (kidney) failure if high

iron

glucose

potassium

sodium

sodium bicarbonate

usually studied as part of an ABG (arterial blood gas) & is indicative of the patient's pH acid base balance