a person or organization that provides health care, such as a doctor, advanced practice nurse, clinic or agency.
provider
a type of medical care provided to patients who stay at a facility overnight.
inpatient
a type of medical care that does not require an overnight stay.
outpatient
a facility that primarily analyzes specimens sent from other locations.
Reference lab
in a clinical laboratory, the department concerned with analyzing specimens for the presence of particular chemicals.
Chemistry
a facility that collects and analyzes specimens from patients in order to provide doctors and other healthcare professionals with information.
clinical laboratory
a center that provides skilled care 24 hours a day to residents who live there.
long term care facility
official approval through a specific process.
accredit
a legal term that means someone can be held responsible for harming someone.
liability
in a clinical laboratory, the department concerned with analyzing specimens to study properties, diseases, or disorders of the blood.
Hematology
the process of blood clotting.
coagulation
the range of tasks a healthcare worker is allowed to perform according to state or federal law or to facility policy.
scope of practice
an independent, nonprofit organization that evaluates and accredits healthcare organizations.
Joint commission
a process used in healthcare to ensure skills are mastered for particular positions.
certification
in a clinical laboratory, the department concerned with the study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms.
Microbiology
in health care, processes put into place to document that standards are being met.
quality control
the smallest blood vessel; it carries oxygen and nutrients to and remove carbon dioxide and wastes from cells throughout the body.
capillary
an order for diagnostic tests to be completed.
requisition
showing sensitivity and having a sense of what is appropriate when dealing with others.
in a clinical laboratory, the department concerned with analyzing specimens to study the body’s response to disease.
Immunology
to release a patient from a medical facility.
discharge
in health care, ensuring that care is being provided according to facility policy and procedures, with results to meet expectations.
quality assurance
federal regulations regarding the staffing and operation of clinical laboratories.
CLIA - Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
a nonprofit organization that develops standards of practice for laboratories worldwide.
CLSI - Clinical Lab Standards Institute
in a clinical laboratory, the department concerned with the study of the causes and effects of disease.
Pathology