Lab Basics & Safety
Facilities where diagnostic testing of specimens is performed.
Clinical laboratories
The simplest form of testing, done within ambulatory settings.
CLIA-Waived
Test used to look for blood in the patient’s stool.
Fecal Occult Blood
_____ is the #1 cause of lab errors.
Specimen labeling
Test that uses a Snellen chart. It looks for myopia (near-sightedness).
Distance vision testing
Forms used to request laboratory tests.
Lab requisitions
You should always use ____ precautions when handling specimens.
Universal (treat specimen as infectious)
and standard (hand-washing)
Test used to screen for O2-carrying protein in whole blood.
Hemoglobin
Mistakes that occur before testing begins.
Preanalytical phase errors
Test that records the movement of the tympanic membrane.
Tympanometry
Department that examines cells under a microscope
Cytology
The method used to track specimen handling for legal purposes.
Chain of custody
The best time to perform a urine pregnancy test is ____, because the urine is more concentrated.
Results that are so out of range, it can be life-threatening.
Critical Values
T/F A wheal developing following a scratch allergy test is expected.
False
Department that deals with chemicals found in blood, CSF, urine, joint fluid, & lipid panels.
Chemistry
___ is required to be on the outside of the package if you are sending a specimen in the mail.
Biohazard Identification
You understand that any cultures collected must be done using _____ technique.
Sterile
You need to collect a lipid panel on a patient. You understand this is a _____ type of lab test.
Chemistry
A noninvasive test that detects the lung’s ability to function by measuring how fast and much a person can move air in & out.
Spirometry/Pulmonary function test
Steps used to ensure test accuracy and reliability. Checking an expiration date is an example.
Quality Control
This form must be completed by the patient giving the specimen within chain of custody.
Consent
Test used to evaluate long-term blood sugar control.
Hemoglobin A1C
You are reviewing your patient's lab values. The white blood cells (WBCs) are 27,000. You should ____.
Notify provider immediately
(Then, document both the communication and what to do after.)
The amount of air left in your lungs after a maximal exhalation.
Residual Volume (RV)
(Normal is 75-120%)