A handy reference
Medical Technology Terminologies
- a
- Absolute lymphocytosisrefers to the condition wherein there is an increase in lymphocyte count beyond the normal range.
- Absolute polycythemiais wherein more erythrocytes are produced than normal and their count is truly elevated.
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)is the final stage of infection with HIV wherein, the immune system if severely damaged that they can an increasing number of severe illnesses, called opportunistic illnesses.
- Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)- is a screening test used in the laboratory in order to determine a possible bleeding disorder or blood clot; to help investigate recurrent miscarriages, for monitoring of unfractionated heparin anticoagulant therapy, and this test is also indicated as part of an evaluation before(...)
- Activation unitrefers to the combination of complement proteins which include C1, C4b and C2b-that forms the enzyme, C3 convertase, whose substrate is C3.
- Adhesivenessit is the process where the platelets stick to other structures such as the blood vessel wall.
- Affinityit refers to the strength of the reaction between a single antigenic determinant and a single combining site on the antibody.
- Alloantibodyare antibodies that are directed against the alloantigens introduced to the body by transfusion or pregnancy.
- Alloantigenrefers to the antigen that is derived from other members of species of host.
- Allogenicrefers to different individuals of the same species.
- Alpha-fetoproteinis a major plasma protein that is normally made by the liver in a developing fetus and the portion of a developing embryo that is similar to the yolk cavity in bird eggs.
- Aminoaciduriasare disorders that cause increased amino acids in the urine.
- Amniocentesisa procedure being used in order to look for certain types of birth defects.
- Anamnestic antibody responsealso called the secondary response, is a short, prolonged, with a higher level of antibodies for a longer period of time, and the antibody predominant in this response is IgG due to the subsequent exposure to a previously encountered, recognized foreign antigen.
- Anaplastic tumorrefers to the tumor that is poorly differentiated by cell type but is similar to embryonic or fetal tissue.
- Aneuploidyrefers to the abnormal number of chromosomes such as having a single extra chromosome, or a missing chromosome.
- Angiotensinis a peptide hormone whose function is to cause vasoconstriction and increase in blood pressure
- Anisochromia- refers to the variation in the color density of red blood cells, which indicates unequal hemoglobin content among the erythrocytes.
- Anisocytosis- is the medical term that is being used for having red blood cells that are unequal in size.
- Antecubital fossais the small triangular depression in the arm which is formed by the connection of the humerus with the radius and ulna of the forearm. This site is the one commonly used in venipuncture.
- Anti-human globulin testis a test being performed in order to detect clinically significant unexpected antibodies that have coated cells either in vitro or in vivo.
- Antigen switchingis a defense mechanism invoked by parasites that involves variable synthesis of surface antigens to evade an immune response by the host.
- Antigenic driftis the term that is used to indicate a gradual continuous ongoing process that results in the emergence of new strain variants.
- Antigenic shiftrefers to the sudden change in the antigen by which an novel strain of virus is evolved which acquires the capability of infecting human beings.
- Antihemophilic factor- also known as coagulation factor VIII
- Antineoplastic agentare substances with reactive properties whose main goal is to eliminate the cancer cells without affecting normal tissues.
- Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodyare autoantibodies that are directed against the the antigens found in the cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils and monocytes.
- Antinuclear antibody-an autoantibody that attacks the proteins inside the cells and is most often found in SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) along with other autoimmune disorders.
- Antinuclear factorrefers to the factor in the serum that acts against the cellular nucleus.
- Antioncogenea gene that suppresses a tumor and guard against unregulated cell growth.
- Antiparietal antibodyrefers to an antibody that is directed against the cells of the stomach.
- Antiphospholipid syndromeis an autoimmune, hypercoagulable state caused by antibodies against the cell-membrane phospholipids that provokes thrombosis in both veins and arteries, as well as pregnancy-related complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery, or severe preeclampsia.
- Antithrombin III-is an alpha-2 globulin that circulates in the plasma and it inactivates several enzymes of the coagulation cascade.
- Anuriarefers to the nonpassage of urine
- Arterial bloodis the oxygenated blood found in left chambers of the heart, pulmonary vein and in the arteries.
- Arthrocentesisis a medical procedure wherein a syringe is used to collect synovial fluid from a joint capsule.
- Arthrus reactiona rare adverse reaction after vaccination with large and more severe local reactions, belonging to Type III hypersensitivity reaction.
- Artifactsare artificial particles that can occur due to errors during the blood handling or during the collection of the sample.
- Ascitesrefers to the accumulation of protein containing (ascitic) fluid within the abdomen
- Ataxiarefers to the inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements such as walking, or picking up objects.
- Ataxia-telangiectasiais a rare inherited disorder that affects the nervous system, the immune system and other body parts.
- Atopic eczemais a very common, often chronic skin disease that makes you skin red and itchy.
- Autoantigenrefers to an antigen belonging to the host that normally does not elicit an immune response.
- Autosomesrefers to any chromosome in a eukaryotic cell that is not a sex chromosome.
- Aviditythis refers to the overall strength of binding between the multivalent antigens and antibodies.
- Avidityis a measure of the overall strength of binding between multivalent antigens and antibodies.
- Axial skeletonrefers to the bones of the head and trunk of the body.
- b
- B cell diseaserefers to the diseases that are associated with B- lymphocytes such as CLL.
- Bacteremiarefers to the bacteria in the bloodstream
- Base pair
- Basilic veinis the vein which is the third choice in venipuncture because it is more difficult to find than the other veins and it is close to the artery, nerves and tendons which makes an increased possibility of injury to the patient.
- Benigna non malignant tumor that does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
- Bernard-Soulier syndrome- is a rare inherited disorder that is characterized by unusually large platelets, low platelet count, and prolonged bleeding time.
- Beta-thalassemia- is an inherited blood disorder wherein the body has a problem in the synthesis of the beta chain of hemoglobin resulting in variable phenotypes ranging from severe anemia to clinically asymptomatic individuals.
- Biasrefers to the difference between a measurement and true value;may be constant or proportionate and may adversely affect the test results.
- Bicarbonateis a major extracellular buffer in the body and helps regulate body pH and is necessary for various metabolic reactions in the body.
- Bilirubinis a yellowish substance in the blood and comes from the breakdown of red blood cells in the body.
- Bioavailabilityrefers to the relative amount of the drug administered that reaches the systemic circulation.
- Biofilmthis refers to a collective of one or more types of microorganisms that can grow on living or inert surfaces and surround themselves with secreted polymers.
- Biohazardis anything harmful and is a biological material that poses harm to the health of other living organisms. Examples include blood, bodily fluids and medical wastes.
- Biosafety cabinetis a portable safety station used to protect personnel against biohazardous or infectious agents and to help maintain quality control of the material being worked with as it filters both the inflow and exhaust air.
- Biosafety levelare a series of protections designed prevent harm to laboratory personnel, as well as the surrounding environment and community.
- Biosecuritythese are precautionary measures that are being followed in order to stop the spread or introduction of harmful organisms to human, animal and plant life.
- Bioterrorismalso known as biological attack is the intentional release of viruses, bacteria or other germs that can cause illness or death and damage livestock.
- Bipolar stainingrefers to the distinctive safety pin appearance of Yersinia pestis by the use of a polychromatic stain such as Wayson or Wright-Giemsa stain.
- Biuretare pipettes that look like a graduated cylinder with a stopcock at the bottom.
- Blast- this refers to the most immature form of a cell.
- Blast crisis- is wherein there are more than 20% of blasts in the blood or bone marrow of patients with a treated leukemia previously in remission.
- Blastoconidiumis one of the three types of vegetative “spore” arising directly from the vegetative mycelium; budding form, an example of such is seen in yeasts.
- Blepharitisrefers to the inflammation of the eyelids in which they become red, irritated and itchy and dandruff-like scales form on the eyelashes.
- Blood-brain barrieris a highly selective semipermeable border of endothelial cells responsible for the protection of pathogens and circulating toxins that could cause brain infections, while at the same time allowing vital nutrients to reach the brain.
- Bloodborne pathogenrefers to pathogenic microorganisms found in blood that can cause disease in humans.
- Bone marrow- is the spongy or viscous tissue that fills the inside of your bones. The two types of bone marrow include: red bone marrow, which is responsible for the production of blood cells; and yellow marrow which helps store fat.
- Bordet-Gengou potato infusion agaris used for the detection and isolation of Bordetella pertussis from clinical specimens.
- Botulinum toxinis the neurotoxic protein that is primarily produced by Clostridium botulinum.
- Botulismis a rare but serious illness that is caused by the ingestion of preformed toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum.
- Brill-Zinsser diseaseis the revival of epidemic typhus years after the initial attack. The agent that causes epidemic typhus remains viable for many years and then when the host defenses are down, it is reactivated causing recurrent typhus.
- Broth mediais a liquid medium without agar and is used to detect small numbers of aerobes, anaerobes, and microaerophiles.
- Buffered charcoal yeast extract (BCYE)is the recommended medium that is being used for the selective cultivation of Legionella species.
- Buffy coat- the part of an anticoagulated blood that contains white blood cells and platelets.
- Burkitt’s lymphomais a rare form of fast-growing B-cell non-hodgkin lymphoma that may affect the jaw, central nervous system, bowel movement, kidneys, ovaries, or other organs.
- Bursa of Fabricusis a pouch from the dorsal part of the cloaca in birds, that becomes the site of formation of lymphocytes with B cell characteristics.
- Burst-forming-unit-erythroidrefers to the earliest erythroid precursor that eventually differentiates into erythrocytes.
- c
- C-reactive protein (CRP)is protein made by the liver whose circulating concentrations rise in response to inflammation.
- Cabot rings- are thin, threadlike, ring-shaped, figure 8 shaped inclusions seen in stained red blood cells. Chediak-Higashi anomaly- is a rare, inherited autosomal recessive disorder that is characterized by the presence of large granules and inclusion bodies in the cytoplasm of white blood(...)
- Cachexiarefers to a medical condition that causes extreme weight loss and muscle wasting, and can include loss of body fat.
- Calcitonina hormone that is being produced in the thyroid gland; and is important in the regulation of the blood’s calcium and phosphate levels.
- CAMP testis the test that is being used for the presumptive identification of Streptococcus agalactiae in the laboratory. A positive result is determined by enhanced, arrowhead, beta-hemolysis at the junction of the two organisms.
- CAP- (College of American Pathologists)is the worlds leading organization of pathologists.
- Capillary bloodis blood that is collected from the capillary beds that consists of the smallest veins and arteries of the circulatory system.
- Capnophilesrefers to microorganisms that require a higher atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide to grow.
- Capsidrefers to the protein shell covering a virus.
- Capsuleorganelle in some prokaryotic cells such as bacterial cell located outside the cell wall of a bacteria. The capsule helps the bacteria to evade phagocytosis, helps the bacteria to adhere to surfaces and it preserves nutrients or protection against dessiccation.
- Capture assayis an immunoassay that uses two antibodies. The first antibody binds with the solid phase; the second antibody has an enzyme label and acts as an indicator.
- Carbonic anhydraseis an enzyme that aids in the conversion of carbon dioxide to carbonic acid and bicarbonate ions.
- Carcinogenrefers to any substance that promotes carcinogenesis, or the formation of cancer
- Catarrhal phasethis refers to the first stage of whooping cough and in this phase, the symptoms are mild and may go unnoticed.
- Cationis a positively charged ion, with fewer electrons and protons; and they migrate towards the direction of the cathode because of their positive charge.
- CD markersare useful cell markers that are used in the identification and characterization of leukocytes.
- CD4are white blood cells that play an important role in the immune system and fight infection.
- Celiac diseaseis a serious autoimmune disease that occurs due in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.
- Cell-mediated immunityis the type of immunity which is mediated by the activated antigen-specific T cells.
- Cell significance errorrefers to the error wherein more than one cell passes through the aperture of an impedance cell-counting instrument at the same time.
- Cellulitisis a common, potentially serious bacterial skin infection that involves deep tissues; can be accompanied by bacteremia or sepsis.
- Cellulitisrefers to the inflammation of the the subcutaneous tissue and occurs mainly due to staphylococcus, or streptococcus entering through a crack or break in the skin.
- Centrifugationis a technique that is being used in the laboratory and is achieved by applying centrifugal force and promote accelerated settling of particles in a solid-liquid mixture.
- Centriolesis a small structure made up of microtubules which exists as part of the centrosome, which helps organize microtubules of the body.
- Centrosomeis the area of the cell wherein it serves as the main microtubule organizing centers for animal cells.
- Cephalic veinis the second vein of choice in venipuncture and is a superficial vein of the upper limb and it is the one of the two main veins of the arm.
- Cerebral ventricleare four interconnected cavities of the brain lined by ependymal cells and filled by CSF, spinal cord, and cauda equina.
- Cerebrospinal fluidis a clear, colorless bodily fluid that is found in the brain and the spinal cord. It serves various purposes for the brain and spinal cord which include: buoyancy, protection, prevention of brain ischemia, homeostasis and for the clearing of wastes.
- CFU-GMrefers to colony-forming-unit-granulocyte-macrophage.
- CHrefers to the constant region of the heavy chain gene of an immunoglobulin.
- Chain of custodyis the process of the documentation in the laboratory and is done in order to ensure the reliability of the reported results
- Chancreis a soft painless genital lesion that is the predominant lesion of primary syphilis.
- Chancroidsexually transmitted disease caused by infection with Haemophilus ducreyi. It is a highly contagious, painful genital ulcer that may be accompanied by inguinal lymphadenopathy.
- Check cellsare cells that are being used in the verification of negative results obtained in indirect or direct antiglobulin tests.
- Chemical hygiene planis a written program developed in order to ensure that the employees are protected from harm due to chemicals.
- Chimerismrefers to a condition wherein a person has not only one, but two complete genomes in their body.
- Chlamydiais a common sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by the obligate intracellular organism Chlamydia trachomatis, which has a biphasic developmental cycle.
- Chloromarefers to a rare malignant tumor that is made up of granulocyte precursor cells.
- Choleragenis the enterotoxin that is produced by Vibrio cholerae; it is also known as cholera toxin.
- Chromatidrefers to one of two identical halves of a replicated chromosome.
- Chromatina mass of genetic material composed of DNA and proteins that condense to form chromosomes during the eukaryotic cell division.
- Chromoblastomycosisis a chronic fungal infection of the skin and the subcutaneous tissues caused by traumatic inoculation of a specific group of dematiaceous fungi through the skin.
- Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD)is a rare inherited primary immunodeficiency disease where certain cells involved with immunity are unable to destroy bacteria and hence, the patient suffers repeated bacterial infections.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)- is a type of cancer that affects a type of leukocyte called a lymphocyte.
- Chyleis a milky appearing bodily fluid consisting of lymphatic fluid and chylomicrons.
- Ciguaterais a food poisoning that is caused by eating a fish that is contaminated by ciguatera toxin.
- Circulating anticoagulantsthey are usually autoantibodies that mature spontaneously and decrease the activity of a specific clotting factor.
- Citrate testis a test that is being done in order to test an organism’s ability to utilize citrate as a source of energy.
- Class switchingis a mechanism that changes a B cells production of antibody from one class to another.
- Clinitestis a reagent tablet that is being used in order to detect reducing substances such as various sugars.
- CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standard’s Institute)is a non-profit organization that provides standards and guidelines for medical healthcare professionals through its unique consensus process.
- Coefficient of variationrefers to the measure of the dispersion of data points around the mean.
- Coincidencerefers to the event wherein, one cell is within the boundaries of the aperture at the same time, only a single pulse is counted.
- Collagenis a structural protein that is found in skin, tendons, bone and cartilage.
- Collagen diseaserefers to diseases of the skin, tendons, bone and cartilage, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Combined scatter histogramis a histogram that includes both the forward and right angle-scatter information.
- Commensalrefers to an organism living in a relationship in which one organism derives food or other benefits from another organism without hurting or helping it.
- Commensalismrefers to the type of relationship between two living organisms wherein one organism benefits from the other without harming it.
- Commission on Office Laboratory Accreditationa clinical laboratory education, consultation, and accreditation organization.
- Common immunocyterefers to any cell of the lymphoid series that can react with an antigen to produce an antibody or participate in cell-mediated reactions.
- Competitive immunoassayis a type of immunoassay that is based upon the competition of labeled and unlabeled ligand for a limited number of antibody binding sites.
- Complement fixationis a technique being used in order to detect and quantify antibody that serology does not agglutinate or precipitate when reacted with its antigen. If complement is fixed by a specific antigen-antibody reaction, it will be unable to combine with the indicator system.
- Complement systemis a part of the immune system that refers to a series of proteins that play a critical role in inflammation and defense against bacterial infections.
- Compliancerefers to the adherence to the established laws.
- Componentsare constituents of blood, separated from whole blood that are used in tranfusion.
- Constitutional aplastic anemiais a syndrome that is characterized by chronic pancytopenia with or without severe definite congenital anomalies in which there is evidence of a constitutional origin.
- Contact group- this group of coagulation factors interact in vitro to initiate coagulation on artificial surfaces through activation of factor XI.
- Continuous bacteremiaa bacteremia that occurs when organisms that are coming from an intravascular source and are consistently present in the bloodstream.
- Convalescenceis a phase that is marked by the complete resolution of clinical signs of the illness, injury or surgery.
- Convertaserefers to an enzyme that is associated with the complement system.
- Cooley’s anemia- refers to the most severe form of beta thalassemia and persons affected have the two defective beta hemoglobin genes.
- Cooperativityrefers to a form of allosteric regulation that can amplify enzyme activity.
- Corrected count incrementrefers to the measure of the anticipated increase in the platelet count following a platelet transfusion.
- Corticotropinreleasing hormone- a hormone made by the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of corticotropin by the anterior pituitary gland.
- Cortisola steroid hormone that is being produced by the adrenal glands and this hormone regulate blood sugar levels, body metabolism and is best known for helping fuel your body’s “fight or flight” instinct in a crisis.
- Coulters principle- is a method of cell counting that is based on measurable changes in electrical impedance produced by nonconductive particles suspended in an electrolyte.
- Countercurrent multiplicationrefers to the process by which a small osmolality difference, at each level of the outer medulla, between fluid flows in ascending and descending limbs of the loops of Henle, is multiplied by the countercurrent flow configuration to establish a large axial osmolality difference from 300 mOsm/L(...)
- Creeping eruptionis a human skin infection that is caused by hookworms.
- Critical valuesare values in the laboratory that are grossly abnormal and outside the normal range to a degree that may constitute an immediate health risk to the individual or require immediate action on the part of the ordering physician.
- Cross-reactivityhappens when an antibody raised against one specific antigen has a competing high affinity toward a different antigen.
- Crossing overrefers to the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes that results in recombinant chromosomes.
- Crystal-induced arthritisis caused by the accumulation of MSU,CPPD,BCP, including hydroxyapatite and calcium oxalate crystals in the joints of persons with gout or pseudogout.
- Cystinosisrefers to the rare genetic disorder wherein there is accumulation of the amino acid cystine within cells, forming crystals that can build up and damage the cells.
- Cystinuriais a disease wherein there is high concentrations of cystine in the urine, leading to the formation of cystine stones in the kidneys, ureter, and bladder.
- Cystitisis the inflammation of the bladder caused a bladder infection. Common causes of cystitis include Escherichia coli infection, exposure to chemotherapy drugs, radiation, prolonged exposure to catheters and may also be a result of a complication to other disorders.
- Cytokinesisrefers to the part of cell division where the cytoplasm splits in two and the cell divides.
- Cytopathic effectrefers to the morphological changes occuring in cells due to viral infections.
- d
- D-xylose absorption testis a test that determines how the body’s ability to absorb xylose. It measures the xylose level in the blood and urine after a standard amount is ingested in order to evaluate the person’s ability to absorb carbohydrates in general.
- Dacryoadenitisrefers to the inflammation of the lacrimal glands.
- Dacryocystitisrefers to the infection or inflammation of the nasolacrimal sac.
- Dane particlethe infectious particle found within the body of an Hepatitis B infected patient.
- Darkfield microscopya specialized type of microscope that is used to examine live microorganisms that are invisible in the ordinary light microscope, cannot be stained by standard methods, or so are distorted by staining that their characteristics then cannot be identified.
- Darting motilityis a type of movement pattern that is one of the characteristics of Campylobacter spp.
- Definitive hosta host in which a parasite reaches sexual maturity and undergoes sexual reproduction.
- Degranulationis the loss of the granules such as in your basophil when an antigen bind to two adjacent IgE antibody molecules located on the surface of mast cells.
- Delayed hypersensitivityis a hypersensitivity reaction that involves sensitized T lymphocytes rather than antibodies.
- Deletionis a type of mutation that involves the loss of a genetic material.
- Delta agentrefers to a viral infection caused by the hepatitis D virus, and causes symptoms only in people who have hepatitis B infection.
- Delta checkis a quality control tool in the laboratory wherein the laboratory test result of the patient is being compared in the previous ones.
- Delta granule- is a type of storage granule that is found in mature platelets.
- Dendogramis a diagram that shows the interrelationships between a group of organisms.
- Deoxyhemoglobin- refers to the form of hemoglobin without oxygen.
- Department of Health and Human Servicesis a cabinet-level executive branch of the department of the U.S federal government and its goal is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services, and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine,(...)
- Dermatophytea pathogenic fungus that infects the keratinized parts of the body (skin, hair, and nails).
- Diabetes mellitus (DM)a disorder wherein the glucose levels are abnormally high due to insufficient insulin production to meet its needs.
- Diagnosisthe process in which the nature of a disorder, or a disease is determined.
- Diapedesis- is the event wherein the leukocytes migrate from the blood circulation to the sites of inflammation or tissue injury and in the recirculation of lymphocytes from the blood to the lymphatic compartment.
- Diarrhearefers to the increase in the frequency of bowel movements or a decrease in the form of stool that may be due to bacteria,parasite,problems in the GIT, food intolerances, antibiotics etc.
- Differential centrifugation
- Differential mediamedia that is designed to inhibit the growth of some organisms while encouraging the growth of others.
- Dilutionrefers to the addition of a solvent, which decreases the concentration of the solute in the solution and may reduce the interfering substances to a point where it no longer interferes with the test.
- Dilution factorrefers to the ratio of the concentrated stock being used or stock solution to the total volume.
- Direct antiglobulin test (DAT)is a test used primarily to determine whether red blood cells have been coated in vivo with immunoglobulin, complement, or both.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC- is a serious coagulation disorder that is characterized by systemic activation of blood coagulation, which results in the generation and deposition of fibrin, leading to microvascular thrombi in various organs and contributing to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.
- Distal convoluted tubuleis the nephron segment that lies immediately downstream of the macula densa, and is responsible for the reabsorption of calcium,sodium,and chloride and regulates the pH of urine by secreting protons and absorbing bicarbonate.
- Diverticulitisrefers to the inflammation of the pouches that can form in your intestines.
- Dot blota technique being used in order to determine the presence of protein of interest in a sample.
- Dot blotis a simple and quick technique that is being used to determine if your antibodies and detection system are effective.
- Down syndromerefers to the medical condition wherein the person has an extra chromosome.
- Downey cellsrefers to the early classification system of certain forms of variant lymphocytes.
- Drug absorptionrefers to the process wherein the drug moves from its site of delivery into the bloodstream.
- Drug distributionrefers to the circulation and diffusion of a drug to and from the blood and various tissues of the body and the relative proportions if drug in the tissues.
- Drug eliminationrefers to the irreversible clearance of a drug from the body by a variety of mechanisms.
- Drugs of abuserefers to the use of drugs, inappropriately or illegally for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain.
- Dural sinusesare venous channels found between the endosteal and meningeal layers of dura mater in the brain. Its primary function is to drain all the venous blood within the cranial cavity and deliver it back to the cardiovascular circulation, via the internal jugular vein below the jugular foramen, which(...)
- Dysenteryis a type of intestinal inflammation that results in severe diarrhea containing mucus and/or blood in the feces which if untreated is often fatal.
- Dyserythropoiesisrefers to the defective development of the white blood cells.
- Dyspnearefers to shortness of breath, or difficulty in breathing.
- Dysproteinemiais a state that is characterized by abnormal, often excessive, synthesis of Ig molecules or subunits.
- e
- Eclampsiais a severe toxic complication of preeclampsia.
- Ecthyma gangrenosumis a cutaneous skin infection most commonly associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia.
- Ectoparasitea parasite that lives on the external surface of another living organism.
- Eczemaan inflammatory condition that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated.
- Edemathis refers to the swelling and puffiness in different areas of the body when too much fluid becomes trapped in the tissues of the body, particularly the skin.
- Edema factoris a protein secreted by Bacillus anthracis, and is one of the three proteins that make up the anthrax toxin.
- EDTA- also known as Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is the most commonly used anticoagulant utilized for routine hematology.
- Efflux pumpsare transport proteins which force out toxic substrates from within cells into the external environment.
- El Toris a strain of Vibrio cholerae that belong to the serotype O1.
- Electrolyterefers to the electrically charged materials and compounds that help for the normal functioning of the body.
- Elek testa test being done in order to determine whether or not a strain of Corynebacterium diptheriae is toxigenic.
- Elementary bodyis the metabolically nonreplicating infectious particle form of Chlamydia.
- Elutionrefers to the removal of antibodies bound to red cell membrane. The objective is to recover the antibody in a usable form.
- Emerging pathogensrefers to the pathogens whose incidence is increasing following its appearance in a new host population or whose incidence is increasing in an existing population as a result of long-term changes in its underlying epidemiology.
- Emerging zoonosesa zoonosis that is newly recognized or newly evolved.
- Empyemaa collection of pus in the pleural cavity, which is the area between your lungs and the inner surface of your chest wall.
- Endemic syphilisan infection that is very similar to syphilis but is not sexually transmitted. It is caused by the Treponema pallidum subsp. endemicum spirochaete bacterium.
- Endocrine glandare ductless internal glands of secretion and they secrete their products,hormones, directly into the blood.
- Endocytosis- refers to the process in which the plasma membrane captures small molecules, macromolecules, with the subsequent formation of membrane-bound vacuoles within the cytoplasm.
- Engineering controlsrefers to objects that are being used in the workplace that isolate or remove a hazard, reducing the risk of exposure.
- Enteric feveris a systemic disease that is caused by the Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi bacteria.
- Entericsare a large, heterogenous group of gram-negative rods whose natural habitat is the intestinal tract.
- env generefers to a viral gene of a retrovirus such as HIV that encodes for a polyprotein that contains numerous glycosylation sites.
- Enzymeare biological catalysts that hasten up chemical reactions that take place within the cells in our body.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)is a technique being used in order to measure antibodies, antigens, proteins and glycoproteins in biological samples.
- Epitopealso known as antigen determinant is the part of an antigen molecule to which an antibody attaches itself.
- Erysipelasis a bacterial skin infection that affects upper dermis that characteristically extends into the superficial cutaneous lymphatics.
- Erysipeloidis an acute bacterial infection of traumatized skin and other organs caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.
- Erythrocyte- also known as red blood cells, are anucleate , biconcave cells, filled with hemoglobin, that is responsible for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and tissues.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)- also known as sed rate is a test that is performed to measure how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of the test tube that contains a blood sample.
- Escharis a dead tissue found in a full thickness wound that sheds or falls off from the skin.
- Estimated glomerular filtration rateis a test that measures your level of kidney function and determine your stage of kidney disease. The physician can do this by calculating it from the results of your blood creatinine test, your age, body size and gender.
- Etiologic agentrefers to a microorganism causing a disease.
- Evacuated tube systemis a process of blood collection that is the standard equipment for routine venipuncture.
- Exanthemis any eruptive skin rash that is often related to a viral infection.
- Exchange transfusionrefers to the procedure which involves removal of patient’s blood completely and replacement with fresh blood or plasma of the donor.
- Exocrine glandthey are glands that have ducts and secrete materials onto some surface- generally the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or respiratory epithelium.
- f
- F-testis a statistical test that is being used in order to compare two or more groups of data.
- Fab fragmentsthese represent the antigen binding fragment of an intact antibody containing both the variable and constant regions of both heavy and light chains.
- Factor His a major regulator of complement activation that blocks the formation of C3 convertase and is a cofactor for the cleavage of C3b by Factor I.
- Factor Iis a protein of the complement system which is responsible for the cleavage of C3b and C4b.
- Fasting specimensrefers to the blood specimens in the laboratory drawn from a patient who has not eaten for at least 12 hours.
- Fatty acidsthey are carboxylic acids and are the major consituents of triglycerides and phospholipids
- Fc receptorthe portion of an antibody responsible for the activation of phagocytes and binding to antibody receptor on cells and the C1q component of the complement.
- Fecal leukocytesthe presence of white blood cells in the stool and could be a result of inflammatory diarrhea, bacterial infection in the digestive system and response to infection in the digestive system.
- Ferritin- refers to the protein that contains iron and is the primary form of iron stored inside of cells.
- Fibrin- is an insoluble protein that is produced in the body in response to bleeding and is the major component of the blood clot.
- Fibrinogen- also known as Factor I
- Fimbriaeshort, sticky, proteinaceous, nonmotile extensions of some bacteria that help the cells to adhere to one another and to the substances in the environment.
- First-order kineticsrefers to the reaction wherein a constant proportion of the drug is cleared per unit of time. The rate of elimination in first-order kinetics is proportional to the amount of drug in the body. The higher the concentration, the greater the amount of drug is eliminated per unit of time.
- Fitzgerald factor- also known as HMWK, Flaujeac factor and Williams-Fitzgerald-Flaujeac factor.
- Flame photometryis a technique that is being used in order to measure the wavelength and intensity of light that is being emitted from a burning solution.
- Flocculationrefers to the process wherein colloids in a suspension can be obtained in an aggregated form.
- Folate
- Frozen thawed red cellsare red cells that can be frozen with the use of cryopreservation techniques.
- g
- gag geneis a gene of a retrovirus such as HIV that forms higher ordered structures required for the correct assembly, budding, and maturation of new infectious particles.
- Gaucher’s disease- is a monocytic disorder that is caused by low levels of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase, which breaks down a fatty chemical in the body called glucocerebroside.
- Gene chipa collection of microscopic DNA spots that are attached to a solid surface.
- Germinal centerthe interior location of secondary follicles where B cells mature, proliferate, differentiate, and mutate their antibody genes during a normal immune response to an infection.
- Gliomais a type of tumor that occurs in the brain and spinal cord and begins in the glial cells.
- Glomerular filtraterefers to the fluid in the lumen of the Bowman’s capsule of the nephron that has been filtered from the capillaries of the glomerulus.
- Glomerulusis a cluster of capillaries that is responsible for the filtration of plasma to produce glomerular filtrate, which passes down the length of the nephron tubule to form urine.
- Gluconeogenesisis the metabolic process in which the result is the generation of glucose from non-carbohydrate carbon substrates, such as lactate and amino acids.
- Glycocalyx- an outer part of the platelet that surrounds the platelet’s cellular membrane.
- Glycogenolysisrefers to the process in which the glycogen is broken down into glucose to provide immediate energy and to maintain blood glucose levels during fasting.
- Glycolysisrefers to the anaerobic process in which the goal is to turn glucose into pyruvate, so it can enter krebs cycle to produce energy and generate more energy in the process.
- Glycosuriais wherein the urine contains more glucose than usual exceeding the renal threshold
- Glycosylated hemoglobinrefers to the subfraction of normal hemoglobin that is formed during the maturation of the red blood cell.
- Gonorrheais a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Good Manufacturing Practicesare procedres used by blood banks and transfusion services as a guideline for work practices.
- Granulocytes- refers to white blood cells that have granules of enzymes which help to digest the invading microbes
- Ground pepperare debris in joint prosthesis that look like ground pepper present in synovial fluid.
- Gummasare white-gray and rubbery, occur singly or multiply; symptom of tertiary syphilis.
- h
- Halophilica salt loving organism that can grow in higher salt concentrations.
- Haptoglobinis a protein that binds free plasma hemoglobin.
- HAZMATs-is term that is used to describe events that involve hazardous materials or specialized teams who deal with these incidents.
- Hematin crystalsare heme breakdown products that accumulate and crystalize in macrophages that have digested erythrocytes.
- Hematuriarefers to the presence of blood or intact red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine and may be classified as gross, or macroscopic hematuria, and microscopic hematuria wherein the blood can only be seen under the microscope.
- Hemoglobin Ais the major form of hemoglobin that is present in adults.
- Hemoglobin Fis the major hemoglobin that is present in fetus.
- Hemoglobin Sis an abnormal form of hemoglobin that is found in sickle cell anemia and/or sickle cell trait.
- Hemoglobinemiais a blood condition in which red blood cells split open resulting in excess amounts of hemoglobin in blood.
- Hemoglobinopathiesrefers to genetic disorders that affect the structure of the hemoglobin molecule or a deficiency in the synthesis of normal adult hemoglobin.
- Hemolysinis a substance that destroys erythrocytes and liberates hemoglobin.
- Hemophilia Ais a hereditary disorder wherein the body doesn’t have enough factor VIII.
- Hemophilia Bis a hereditary disorder wherein the body doesn’t have enough factor IX.
- Hemorrhagerefers to the blood that is escaping from your circulatory system from the damaged blood vessels to spaces inside the body.
- Hemosiderin- is an iron-containing, granular, brown pigment that is formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin or an abnormal metabolic pathway of ferritin.
- Heparin- is an anticoagulant that is used to prevent blood clots from forming in people who have certain medical conditions or who are undergoing medical procedures that increase the chances that clots will form.
- Hilusthe concave part of the bean-shape where blood vessels and nerves enter and exit the kidney.
- hinge regionthe area of an antibody molecule that is responsible for facilitating the interaction between the antigen and the antibody, and in facilitating complement activation.
- Hippurate hydrolysistest being used in the presumptive identification of Gardnerella vaginalis, Campylobacter jejuni, Listeria monocytogenes, and group B streptococci, by detecting the ability of the organism to hydrolyze hippurate.
- Homogentisic acidis an intermediate in the breakdown of the catabolism of tyrosine and phenylalanine. Accumulation of such is a result of the failure of the enzyme homogentisic acid 1,2-dioxygenase due to a genetic mutation in this enzyme and is associated with alkaptonuria.
- Howell-Jolly bodies- are very course, round cytoplasmic inclusions that contain DNA.
- Human blood bilayer tween agaris a solid medium recommended for the use in qualitative procedures for selective isolation and presumptive identification of Gardnerella vaginalis.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCGis a glycoprotein hormone that stimulates the corpeus luteum to produce progesterone to maintain the pregnancy.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)is a virus that attacks the cells in the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells.
- Humoral immunitya component of the adaptive immunity where B cells secrete antibodies, which circulate in the blood as a soluble protein.
- Hyaluronateis the extracellular matrix that is found in the joint fluid connective tissue, epithelium, and neural tissues.
- Hyperacute rejectionis a type of transplant rejection that occurs within minutes or hours in presensitized patients who have circulating HLA,ABO or other alloantibody to donor endothelial surface antigens.
- Hypercoagulable state- is the medical term for a condition wherein the blood tends to clot too much.
- Hypersegmentation- a condition wherein the neutrophils contain more than five nuclear segments.
- Hypersensitivityare immune responses that are exaggerated or inappropriate against an antigen or allergen.
- Hypervariable regionsmall regions of high amino acid sequence diversity within the variable regions of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor. They correspond to the complementarity determining regions
- Hyperviscosity syndromeare a group of symptoms caused by increased blood viscosity in the circulation.
- Hypochromia- is a term used when the central pallor of red blood cells exceeds one third of the cell’s diameter and the erythrocytes have less color than normal when examined under a microscope.
- Hypolobulation- is a condition wherein the neutrophils fail to have normal segmentation.
- Hypoxia- refers to the state or condition wherein there is a deprived amount of oxygen in the body tissues.
- i
- Ictotesta commercialized reagent tablet used in the laboratory to test the presence of bilirubin in the urine.
- Immediate spin crossmatchis a procedure that is only performed after an antibody screen is done and found to be negative on a current specimen.
- Immune complexis a protein aggregate comprised of a network of immunoglobulins bound to epitopes on cognate antigens.
- Immunityrefers to the state of being protected against foreign antigens.
- Immunoassaythese are quick and accurate laboratory tests or procedures that can be used on-site and in the laboratory to detect specific molecules.
- Immunocompetentthis means that the immune system is working properly and that the body is capable of mounting an appropriate immune response, when necessary.
- Immunocompromisedrefers to an individual with deficient immunologic mechanisms either because of an immunodeficiency disorder, or because the system has been rendered so by immunosuppressive agents.
- Immunodiffusiona classic technique that is being used to detect the presence of antibodies and determine their specificity by looking at the lines of identity (precipitin lines).
- Immunologyrefers to the study of the structure and function of the immune system.
- Immunosuppressionis the process that involves an act that reduces the activation or efficacy of the immune system.
- Immunosuppressive agentis any drug or chemical agent that causes immunosuppression, including immunosuppressive drugs and some environmental toxins.
- Immunosurveillanceis a process of the immune system to get rid of cancer cells as they form has long been postulated.
- Immunotherapyis a treatment that is designed to harness the ability of the body’s immune system to combat infection or disease.
- Immunotoxinthese are antibodies that are coupled to toxins to help destroy cancer cells.
- Inborn errors of metabolismare rare genetic inherited disorders that generally result from a defect in an enzyme or transport protein which results in a block in a metabolic pathway.
- Indigenous floraare microorganisms that are known to afford protection against colonization by pathogenic microorganisms.
- Indole testa test being performed in order to determine the ability of certain bacteria to decompose the amino acid trptophane to indole, which accumulates in the medium.
- Infertilityis a disease wherein there is a failure of a male or a female to achieve a clinical pregnancy.
- Informed consentis the process in which a health care provider educates the patient about purpose, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives of a given procedure or intervention.
- Innate resistancerefers to the resistance to a disease that an individual is born with (innate).
- Insulinit is a peptide hormone that is made by the pancreas that allows the body to use glucose from carbohydrates in the food that you eat for energy or to store glucose for future use.
- Interferonsare set of proteins which are released by virus infected cells in vivo and which reacts with uninfected cells so as to render them resistant to infection to virus.
- Intermediate hosta host in which the parasite passes its larval or asexual stages.
- Isolation streaka useful technique done in order to separate organisms in a mixed culture, or when you need to study the colony morphology of an organism.
- k
- Karyorrhexis- refers to the irreversible cell death and its chromatin is distributed irregularly throughout the cytoplasm.
- Kernicterusa neurologic syndrome that results when bilirubin is deposited in brain cells and disrupts the neuronal metabolism and function.
- Killer T cellsare type of immune cells that kill certain cells, including foreign cells, cancer cells, and cells infected with a virus.
- Kininsare small biologically active peptides that cause inflammation and affect blood pressure.
- Kuppfer cellis a specialized phagocytic type of cell that lines the sinusoids of the liver
- Kwashiorkoris a disease wherein there is a marked protein malnutrition bilateral extremity swelling.
- l
- Lancefield classificationis a system of classification of streptococci based on the presence of absence of antigenic carbohydrate on the cell surface.
- Latentconcealed, hidden or inactive.
- Latent infectionan infection wherein the host does not shed the infectious agent which lies dormant within the host without symptoms.
- Leprosyis a chronic, progressive bacterial infection that is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae.
- Leukapheresisa procedure in which whole blood is removed from a donor; and separation is done in order to collect white blood cells.
- Leukocidinis a cytotoxin which causes leukocyte destruction and tissue necrosis.
- Leukocyte esteraseis an enzyme present in most of the white blood cells (WBCs).
- Leukocytosis- refers to the significant increase in the number of white blood cells due to any cause.
- Leukopenia- is a condition wherein an individual has a severe decrease in the total white blood cell count.
- Leukotrienesare metabolites of arachidonic acid and are involved in asthmatic and allergic reactions and act to sustain inflammatory reactions.
- Liley graphis being used to correct for gestations of less than 27 weeks because bilirubin levels normally peak 23-25 weeks of gestation in unaffected fetuses.
- Linkage disequilibriuma non-random association of alleles at two or more loci.
- Lipemiarefers to the turbidity of the sample caused by an abnormally high concentration of lipids in the blood.
- Lumbar puncturea medical procedure that is being done in order to collect a cerebrospinal fluid for physicians to diagnose disorders of the brain and the spinal cord.
- Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis serovars L1,L2 or L3 and is a long-term infection of the lymphatic system.
- m
- M proteinis an important virulence factor found in the cell wall of Streptococcus pyogenes and play multiple roles in streptococcal infection.
- Macula densaare cells of the distal convoluted tubule that interact with the juxtaglomerular apparatus, and its main function is to regulate blood pressure and filtration rate of the glomerulus.
- Malabsorptionis a disorder wherein the small intestine is unable to absorb nutrients.
- Maldigestiondefined as defective hydrolysis of nutrients as a result of pancreatic exocrine or bile salt deficiency.
- Marasmusis a severe form of malnutrition and results when a person does not consume enough protein and calories.
- Massive transfusionis defined as the replacement by transfusion of more than 50 percent of a patient’s blood volume in 24 hours.
- McFarland turbidity standardsis used in the microbiology laboratory as a reference to adjust the turbidity of bacterial suspensions so that the number of bacteria will be within a given range to standardize microbial testing.
- MCH (Mean corpuscular hemoglobin)- refers to the average amount of hemoglobin in each erythrocyte.
- MCHC ( Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration)- is the average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of blood.
- MCV (Mean corpuscular volume)- is a measure of the average volume of a red blood cell.
- Medical negligenceoccurs when a health care professional does not treat a patient with the professionally recognized medical standard of care, resulting in injury, harm, or death.
- Melenathis refers to black tarry stools, which usually occurs as a result of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Membrane attack complex (MAC)a lytic complex of the terminal components of the complement cascade which includes: C5,C6,C7 C8 and multiple copies of C9, that forms in the membrane of target cells.
- Memory cellsa B-cell subtype that are formed after a primary infection.
- Meningesrefers to the membranous layers that cover the brain and the spinal cord.
- Mesophileis an organism that best grows in moderate temperature, neither too hot cold.
- Microalbuminuriais wherein there is an abnormal increase in albumin excretion rate with the specific range of 20-200ug/minute or 30-300mg/24 hours.
- Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)is defined as the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial that will inhibit the growth of a bacterium.
- Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)this is defined as the maximum dilution of the product that will kill a test organism and can be determined by subculturing the last clear MIC tube onto growth medium and examining for bacterial growth.
- Minor crossmatchis a type of crossmatch used if transfusing small patients, in which hemodilution is less likely to occur.
- Moderate complexity testingthese are tests that are catergorized as of medium complexity and are regulated under CLIA and require meeting accreditation, personnel regulations, quality management, and inspection regulations.
- Moist heatis a procedure wherein high-pressure steam is used to destroy microorganisms by the irreversible denaturation of enzymes and structural proteins.
- Monoclonal antiserais antisera where antibodies are derived from a single clone of cells.
- Morphology of cellsis the observance and description of cell size, shape, structure, and form of cells.
- Motility evaluationdescribes the motility of sperm and are classified as non-motile, progressively motile, or non-progressively motile.
- Myeloma cellthese are plasma cells derived from malignant tumor strains.
- n
- Narrow spectrumin antimicrobial activity, this means that the antibiotics used for the specific infection when the causative organism is known and will not kill as many of the normal microorganisms in the body as the broad spectrum antibiotics.
- Natural killer (NK) cellsare innate immune cells that show spontaneous cytolytic activity against cells under stress such as tumor cells and virus-infected cells.
- Nephritisis a medical condition that refers to the inflammation of the nephron which are the functional units of the kidneys.
- Nitriterefers to the substance that is formed by the reduction of nitrate by nitrate-reducing bacteria.
- Nonselfis anything that the immune system recognizes as a foreign substance.
- Normetanephrineis a metabolite of norepinephrine and is created by the action of catechol-O-methyl transferase on norepinephrine.
- Nutrientare molecules that are found in food that is necessary for the normal physiologic function.
- o
- Obligate aeroberefers to organisms that require a sufficient amount of oxygen for growth and multiplication.
- Occult bloodrefers to the blood that is hidden in the naked eye and this can be a sign of colorectal cancer, ulcers, polyps or other problems.
- Oligospermiarefers to the male condition wherein there is lesser sperms in the semen than normal sperm count.
- OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)is an agency that is responsible in ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women (health workers).
- Otorrheameans drainage of liquid from the ear. Causes of otorrhea may include: otitis externa, chronic otitis media, acute otitis media with perforation and leaking of cerebrospinal fluid into the ear.
- Oval fat bodiesare renal tubular epithelial cells or macrophages filled with lipids to the extent where they are not recognizable and is a common finding in the urine sediment of patients with high grade proteinuria.
- Overflow disordersrefers to the disorders that cause increased sugars, amino acids, or other substances in the urine to increased blood levels.
- Oxidase testis a test being used to identify bacteria that produce cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme of the bacterial electron transport chain.
- p
- Pancreatic insufficiencyis a condition wherein the pancreas does not make enough of a specific enzyme the body uses to digest food in the small intestine.
- Pancreatitisrefers to the pathologic inflammation of the pancreas.
- Panelare series of cells coming from different donors used in the antibody identification test.
- Paracrinerefers to the hormone that acts by locally by diffusing from its source to target cells in the body.
- partial Da change in the appearance or structure of exposed parts of the D antigen.
- Pedigree chartis a chart that shows the genetic history of a family over several generations.
- Peer reviewa process commonly used in order to evaluate a laboratory department, or a specific procedure by a group consisting of ones equals.
- Penetration-refers to the capacity of the man’s sperm to move through the cervical mucus, swim up the endometrial cavity and down the fallopian tubes, and penetrate or fertilize the ovum.
- Pericardiocentesis-is a medical procedure that is done in order to remove excess fluid from the pericardial sac.
- Peripheral tolerancerefers to the immunological tolerance developed after autoreactive T and B cells mature and enter the periphery.
- Petechiaealso known as coagulation factor II, is a naturally occurring enzyme that converts fibrinogen into fibrin, which is an integral step in clot formation.
- Phenylketonuriais a rare inborn metabolic disorder that causes an amino acid called phenylalanine to build up in the body.
- Phlebotomistrefers to an individual such as a nurse, or other health worker that is trained in obtaining blood samples.
- Phlebotomyrefers to the process of withdrawing blood by making a puncture in a vein.
- Photochromogensthese are Mycobacterium spp. which develop pigment in or after being exposed to light.
- Physician office labs (POLS)refers to a clinical laboratory that is associated with physician office labs.
- Platelet refractorinessrefers to repeated failure to achieve the satisfactory responses to platelet transfusions.
- Pleocytosisis a medical term that refers to an increased cell count particularly the white blood cell count in blood, or bodily fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- Point of care testing (POCT)refers to any patient testing that is being done at, or near, the actual location of the patient.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)a technique that is being used in order to make many copies of a specific DNA region in vitro.
- Polymorphismis defined as the expression of one or two variants of a particular DNA sequence.
- Polyuriaa condition where the body urinates more than usual. The urine volume is considered excessive if it equals more than 2.5 liters per day.
- Postanalytical errorsare errors in the clinical laboratory that occur after the testing process has been completed and in the reporting of results and correct interpretation of the data by the physicians.
- PPEis equipment used by healthcare workers and is being worn in order minimize exposure to work hazards that could cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.
- Preanalytical errors-refers to errors that occur before testing is done on specimen analyzers in the clinical laboratory.
- Preservativethese are substances that are being used in order to prevent disintegration of the cells.
- Primera short nucleic acid sequence and are used to demarcate the segment of the DNA template to be amplified.
- Proficiency testingis an important tool that is being used in laboratories to show the evidence of their performance and to ensure that their analytical results can be trusted.
- Proglottidone of the segments or joints of a tapeworm. Each proglottid contains both male and female reproductive organs.
- Prohormonerefers to the precursor of the active hormone.
- Proinsulinis the precursor to insulin. To turn the food into energy, the pancreas make proinsulin. The proinsulin in turn, is made into insulin and another protein called c-peptide.
- Prostate glandan apricot or walnut-size shaped part of the male reproductive organ which is responsible in secreting prostate fluid, one of the components of semen.
- Protein C- is an inactive protein. When activated, it plays a significant part in blood clot, inflammation, and cell death regulation.
- Protein error of indicatorsis the principle for testing protein in the urine reagent strip test wherein there is a color-change phenomenon occuring because proteins act as a hydrogen ion acceptors at a constant pH.
- Protein S- is a cofactor of activated Protein C for the degradation of activated factors Va and VIIIa.
- Proteinuriais the presence of excess proteins in the urine.
- Pseudochylousa milky effusion that does not contain chylomicrons.
- Punnett squareis a diagram that is used as a way of discovering all the potential combinations of genotypes that can occur in children, given the genotypes of their parents.
- Pyelonephritisis an infection of the renal tubules of the kidney that generally begins in your urethra or bladder and travels to one or both of your kidneys.
- Pyuriarefers to a medical condition wherein there is an elevated number of white blood cells in the urine, which can cause the urine to be cloudy or contain pus.
- q
- Quality assurancerefers to the system or process that involves the entire testing process: preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic factors.
- Quality controlis the system being used for recognizing and minimizing errors. This ensures both the precision and accuracy of patient sample results.
- r
- Rapid plasma reagin test (RPR)is a screening blood test that looks for antibodies to syphilis.
- Reagent grade wateris a water that is suitable for reagent and standard preparation in the laboratory.
- Receptoris a protein molecule that is found embedded within the plasma membrane surface of the cell that receives chemical signals from outside the cell and when such chemicals bind to a receptor, they cause some tissue or cellular response.
- Recipienta person that receives blood transfusion, or blood components.
- Recovered plasmais collected through whole blood donation in which plasma is separated from its cellular components. This does not qualify as fresh frozen plasma, but may be used for fractionation.
- Redox potentialrefers to the measure of the affinity of the compounds for electrons.
- Reference intervalrefers to the usual values for a healthy population.
- Reference methodare methods being used in the laboratory and usually has small, estimated inaccuracies, relative to the end use requirement.
- Renal columnsare connective tissue extensions of the renal cortex in between the renal pyramids anchoring the cortex. The renal columns help the renal cortex to be better anchored.
- Renal pyramidsare cone-like shaped kidney tissues that filter blood and remove unwanted substances in the body.
- Reninis an enzyme that is produced and stored by the cells of the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the renal nephron and is involved in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which regulates the body’s water balance and blood pressure level.
- Rh immune globulinis a medication that is used to prevent an immune response to Rh positive blood sample in people with an Rh negative blood type. This may also be used in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
- Rh nullis one of the rarest blood types which lacks all Rh antigens.
- Rhinorrhearefers to the condition wherein there is a significant amount of nasal discharge.
- Rocky mountain spotted feveris a bacterial infection transmitted by a tick caused by the organism Rickettsia ricketsii.
- Rosetterefers to the in vitro formation clump of cells consisting a central cell surrounded by other cells.
- Rouleauxare coin-like stacking of red blood cells that are caused by poor blood smear preparation or an increased serum proteins, particularly fibrinogen and globulins.
- Run overis wherein there is the spillage of chemicals from one reagent pad to another causing false readings of color reactions.
- s
- Scotochromogenicthese are Mycobacterium spp. which develop pigment when grown in both light and dark.
- Semen analysisare analyses performed in semen in order to evaluate if there is a problem in a man’s sperm or semen which may be causing infertility.
- Seminal vesiclesare two sac-like structures found in the male pelvis that store and produce the majority of the fluid the makes up the semen.
- Septic Arthritisis a type of arthritis that is caused infection in the joint, and the infection can come from germs that travel through your bloodstream from another part of the body.
- Serial dilutionis a kind of dilution wherein the concentration decreases by the same quantity in each successive step.
- Seroconversionrefers to the development of detectable specific antibodies to microorganisms in the blood as a result of infection or immunization.
- Serousrefers to various bodily fluids that resemble serum, and are usually pale yellow and transparent and of a benign nature.
- Sheehan’s syndromeis a condition wherein the pituitary gland is damaged during childbirth and is usually caused by hemorrhage or extremely low blood pressure after child labor.
- Single nucleotide polymorphismoccurs when there is a variation in the genetic sequence that affects only one of the basic building blocks- Adenine, Guanine, Thymine, or Cytosine in the genome differs between members of a species or paired chromosomes in an individual.
- Sodium citrateis an anticoagulant that is being used for coagulation studies.
- Sodium fluorideis a substance that inhibits the glycolytic enzymes that are responsible for the breakdown of glucose in the blood.
- Sodium polyanethol sulfonateis the anticoagulant that is being used in blood culture specimens in microbiology.
- Solid phase adherenceis a technique in which RBC antigens or antibodies are immobilized in microplate wells to detect antigen-antibody interaction.
- Specific gravity
- Spectrophotometryrefers to the method that is being used in chemistry for the measurement of absorption capabilities of certain compounds with reference to wavelengths of light on the ultraviolet and visible light ranges.
- Stagingrefers to the classification system that uses objective medical criteria to assess the stage of the disease progression.
- Standardis a reagent that is being used in the calibration of an instrument of method.
- Standard reference materialsare materials that are being used for the comparison of measurement.
- Steatorrhearefers to the condition wherein there is excess fat in the feces due to poor fat absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Stericinvolves the spatial arrangement of molecules.
- Steroidsare hormones that are all biosynthesized from cholesterol, using the same initial biochemical pathways.
- String of pearlsis the appearance of Bacillus anthracis under the microscope after short-term exposure to penicillin.
- Subacute thyroiditisare conditions that associated with a thyrotoxic phase when thyroid hormones are leaking out into the circulation, a hypothyroid phase when the thyroid gland is repairing itself and a euthyroid phase once the gland is repaired.
- Surfactantthese are substances that lowers the surface tension of fluid lining the alveoli.
- Syncoperefers to the temporary loss of consciousness, or fainting.
- Systemic lupus erythematosusan autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs.
- t
- T cytotoxic cellsthese are cells that specialize in destroying virus-infected cells, tumor cells, and tissue grafts that exist in the cytosol, or contiguous nuclear compartment.
- T helper cellsa type of T cell that helps other cells in the immune response by recognizing foreign antigens and secreting substances called cytokines that activate T and B cells.
- T-testis a statistical test that is being used in order to compare the mean of two groups of data.
- Thoracentesisa medical procedure wherein a needle is inserted into the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall in order to collect excess fluid, also known as pleural effusion.
- Thrombin- also known as coagulation factor II, is a naturally occurring enzyme that converts fibrinogen into fibrin, which is an integral step in clot formation.
- Thrombophlebitisis a medical term that refers to the inflammation of a vein.
- Thyrotoxicosisa state wherein there is thyroid hormone excess in the circulation.
- Toxicologyis the science that deals with the study of poisons, their actions, their detection, and treatment of the conditions produced by them.
- Transalleles found on opposite chromosomes of a homologous pair.
- Transfusion reactionare adverse reactions that occur during, or after 24 hours following transfusion of blood or one of its components.
- Transient bacteremiaoccurs after procedural manipulation of a particular body site colonized by indigenous flora. Bacteria in transient bacteremia are present in the bloodstream for minutes to a few hours before being cleared from the body, and the result is typically harmless in healthy people.
- Transient microbial floraare microorganisms that are present at body sites for short periods, sometimes for days or weeks.
- Transposonrefers to sequences of DNA that can move around to different positions within the genome of a single cell, a process called transposition.
- Traveler’s diarrhearefers to a digestive tract disorder that happens as a result of eating or drinking contaminated food or water. It is often caused by Escherichia coli; also known as turista.
- Trichomoniasisis a common sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite, also known as Trichomonas vaginalis.
- Troponin Ia protein that binds to actin in thin microfilaments to hold the actin-tropomyosin complex.
- Troponin Tis a part of the troponin complex that is useful in the laboratory diagnosis of a heart attack.
- True pathogenrefers to an infectious agent that is capable of producing disease in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals.
- Tularemiais a rare infectious disease that typically infects wild rodents, squirrels, birds, and rabbits. The disease is caused by the bacterium Francisela tularensis.
- Tumbling motilityis one of the characteristics of Listeria monocytogenes when viewed with light microscopy.
- Tumor-associated antigenrefers to antigens that are not unique to tumors and are also seen on normal cells.
- Tumor markerrefers to the substances that are produced by the body in response to cancer growth or by the cancer tissue itself and maybe detected in blood, urine, or tissue samples.
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)is a cytokine that play important roles in diverse cellular events such as cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and death.
- Tumor-specific antigenrefers to antigens that are only present on tumor cells and not normal on any cells.
- Turbidimetryis a method being used in determining the amount of decreased light transmitted through a solution as a result of light scatter by particles.
- Turistais the other name of Traveler’s diarrhea
- u
- Ultrafiltratea solution that has passsed through a semipermeable membrane with very small pores in the glomerulus. This solution contains low molecular weight solutes that will eventually become urine after being acted upon by the nephron and exiting the collecting duct.
- Ultrafiltrationis a membrane separation technique that is able to remove particulate matter, microorganisms and any pyrogens or endotoxins.
- Ultratrace elementis an element that is present in tissues at concentrations of mg/kg amounts and has extremely low daily requirements.
- Ureaa compound that is first produced in the liver through the metabolism of nucleic acids and amino acids.
- Uremiais the clinical and laboratory syndrome wherein there is a very high level of urea in the blood.
- Ureteris a tube that carries the urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder.
- Uric acidthe end product of purine metabolism in humans.
- Urobilinogenit is the colorless by-product or derivative of bilirubin reduction.
- Urolithiasisis the process wherein there is the formation of stones in urinary tract.
- v
- Valenceis the number of electrons that are needed to fill the outermost shell of an atom.
- Validationrefers to the process of evaluating the performance of a new instrument or test methodology, often in relation to an instrument or methodology that is currently in use.
- Vasodilator drugsthese are drugs that open blood vessels, which allow to blood to flow easily.
- Viabilityrefers to the parameter that is being evaluated to determine whether the sperm is dead or alive.
- Virilizationit refers to the concurrent presentation of masculine sex characteristics in the female.
- Virulencerefers to the ability of a microorganism to cause disease in the host.
- Viscosityis a medical term used to describe the thick appearance of a bodily fluid.
- Vitamerthese are different forms of one vitamin.
- Vitaminan organic compound that is required in the diet in small amounts to perform biologic functions for normal maintenance of optimum growth and health.
- VMA(Vanillylvandelic acid)is the major metabolite of epinephrine and norepinephrine. Measurement of this in the urine is a diagnostic test for pheochromocytoma.
- w
- Waived testsrefers to the laboratory testing that employs specific methods designated under CLIA of the FDA as waived. This kind of testing is designated by the CLIA as simple tests that carry the low risk for an incorrect result. The waived test include tests listed in the CLIA regulations, tests cleared(...)
- Wharton’s jellyis a gelatinous substance that has high concentrations of growth factors and cytokines, which have powerful anti inflammatory properties.
- Whipple diseaseis a rare bacterial infection that most often affects your joints and digestive system. It is caused by the bacterium called Tropheryma whipplei.
- Woolsorter’s diseaseis considered to be the most deadly form of anthrax. People that work in wool mills, slaughterhouses, and tanneries may breathe in the spores when working with infected animals or contaminated animal products from infected animals.
- Work practice controlsrefers to methods of working that reduce the likelihood of an exposure incident by changing the way the task is carried out.
- z
- Zero-order kineticsrefers to the reaction wherein a constant amount of the drug is eliminated per unit of time but the rate is independent of the concentration of the drug.
- Zeta potentialis the degree of negative charge on the surface of a red blood cell; it is the potential difference between the negative charges on the red blood cells and the cations in the fluid portion of the blood.
- Zona fasciculatais the middle zone of the Adrenal Cortex, deep to the Zona Glomerulosa and superficial to the Zona reticularis. This layer is responsible for the production of glucocorticoids such as 11-deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, and cortisol in humans.
- Zona glomerulosais the outermost layer of the adrenal cortex. It is responsible for the synthesis of mineralocorticoid hormones, which play an important role in the maintenance of electrolyte and water balance in the body.
- Zona reticularisis the innermost layer of the adrenal cortex. It is responsible for the production of and secretion of androgens.
- Zygosityrefers to the degree of similarity or the dissimilarity of genes on the homologous chromosomes of a zygote, or fertilized egg.
Related Terms:
- Term: Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Term: Differential centrifugation
- Term: Distal convoluted tubule
- Term: Hypercoagulable state
- Term: Complement system
- Term: First-order kinetics
- Term: Glomerular filtrate
- Term: Immunosuppression
- Term: Cerebrospinal fluid
- Term: Transient bacteremia
- Term: Immunocompromised
- Term: Traveler’s diarrhea
- Term: Hypersensitivity
- Term: Quality control
- Term: Homogentisic acid
- Term: Indigenous flora
- Term: Immunocompetent
- Term: Zona glomerulosa
- Term: Zona reticularis
- Term: Corticotropin
- Term: Ground pepper
- Term: Renal pyramids
- Term: Renal columns
- Term: Bone marrow
- Term: Immunoassay
- Term: Bicarbonate
- Term: Centrosome
- Term: Electrolyte
- Term: Macula densa
- Term: Alloantibody
- Term: Erythrocyte
- Term: Components
- Term: Proteinuria
- Term: Proglottid
- Term: Angiotensin
- Term: Infertility
- Term: Convertase
- Term: Base pair
- Term: Bacteremia
- Term: Chlamydia
- Term: Ciguatera
- Term: Glomerulus
- Term: Hematuria
- Term: Viscosity
- Term: Bilirubin
- Term: Chromatin
- Term: Virulence
- Term: Dilution
- Term: Fibrinogen
- Term: Proinsulin
- Term: Protein C
- Term: Hemorrhage
- Term: Diagnosis
- Term: Heparin
- Term: Enzyme
- Term: Capsule
- Term: Immunity
- Term: Affinity
- Term: Cystitis
- Term: Standard
- Term: Insulin
- Term: Fibrin
- Term: Diarrhea
- Term: Factor I
- Term: Receptor
- Term: Folate
- Term: Vitamin
- Term: Ferritin
- Term: Otorrhea
- Term: Benign
- Term: Turista
- Term: Cortisol
- Term: Ureter
- Term: EDTA
- Term: CD4
- Term: Renin
- Term: Urea