Clinical Laboratory Chapter 29 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the general purpose of a laboratory test?

To provide essential data needed by the physician to diagnose accurately and to manage a patient's condition.

List five specific uses of laboratory test results.

To assist in the diagnosis of pathologic conditions; to evaluate the patient's progress and to regulate treatment; to establish a patient's baseline; to prevent or reduce the severity of disease; to fulfill a requirement of state law.

What is the purpose of performing a routine test?

To assist in the early detection of disease.

What is the purpose of CLIA?

To improve the quality of laboratory testing in the United States. Signup and view all the answers

What requirements must be followed regarding a refrigerator used to store specimens and testing components?

Temperature must be maintained between 36°F and 46°F; checked daily and recorded on a log sheet; no food storage; must have a warning label. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an emergency eyewash station?

To provide a means for flushing the eyes in the event of an accidental exposure incident to the eyes. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to flush the eyes immediately after they have been exposed to a hazardous substance?

A delay in treatment could result in permanent damage to the eye. Signup and view all the answers

What temperature range is usually required for storing testing materials and performing laboratory tests?

A room temperature that falls between 59°F and 86°F. Signup and view all the answers

What information is included in a laboratory directory?

Name and CPT code of the test, reference range, amount and type of specimen required, supplies necessary for the collection of the specimen, techniques to use for the collection of the specimen, special instructions, patient preparation, proper handling and storage of the specimen, instructions for transporting the specimen, causes for rejection of the specimen by the laboratory, uses and limitations of the test, methods used to perform the test. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a laboratory request?

Provides the outside laboratory with essential information required for accurate testing, reporting of results, and billing. Signup and view all the answers

The reference range for some tests varies depending on the patient's ______.

age and gender Signup and view all the answers

How does a laboratory report the results when a laboratory request is marked STAT?

Results are telephoned or faxed to the physician as soon as they are available. Signup and view all the answers

Match the following profiles with their included tests:

Comprehensive Metabolic Profile = Albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium, carbon dioxide, chloride, creatinine, glucose, inorganic phosphorus, potassium, total protein, sodium, triglycerides. Hepatic Function Profile = Albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, total protein. Prenatal Profile = ABO grouping and Rh typing, CBC W/Diff and W/Plt, hepatitis B surface antigen, red cell antibody screen, rubella antibody screen, syphilis serology. Signup and view all the answers

What information is included on laboratory reports?

Name, address, and telephone number of the laboratory; physician's name and address; patient's age, name, and gender; patient accession number; date the specimen was received by the laboratory; date the results were reported by the laboratory; names of the tests performed; results of the tests; reference range for each test performed. Signup and view all the answers

Why must the test results of specimens tested by an outside laboratory be compared with the reference ranges supplied by the laboratory?

Reference range varies slightly from one laboratory to another, depending on the test method, equipment, and reagents used to perform the test. Signup and view all the answers

How are laboratory reports delivered to the medical office?

By fax, mail, hand delivery by a laboratory courier, or electronic transmission from the laboratory computer to the medical office computer. Signup and view all the answers

If a laboratory request form is completed on a computer, how is it transmitted to the laboratory?

It is either transmitted electronically or printed out and placed with the specimen for transport to the laboratory. Signup and view all the answers

Why do some laboratory tests require advance patient preparation?

Certain factors affect the results of certain tests; patient preparation is required to obtain a quality specimen suitable for testing that leads to accurate results. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to explain the reason for the advance preparation to the patient?

Patient is more likely to comply with the preparation required. Signup and view all the answers

Why are fasting specimens usually collected in the morning?

To allow the food from the previous evening meal to be completely digested and absorbed; to cause the least amount of inconvenience to the patient. Signup and view all the answers

What is a specimen?

Small sample or part taken from the body to represent the nature of the whole. Signup and view all the answers

List 10 examples of specimens.

Blood, urine, feces, sputum, cervical and vaginal scraping of cells, gastric juice, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, and tissue biopsy specimens. Signup and view all the answers

What reference source should be used to locate the specimen collection and handling requirements for specimens transported to an outside laboratory?

Laboratory directory. Signup and view all the answers

What reference source should be used for specimens tested in the medical office?

Manufacturer's instructions accompanying the specimen. Signup and view all the answers

Why must the appropriate container be used to collect a specimen?

Substituting containers may not yield the proper type of specimen or may affect the test results. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique identifier?

Information that clearly identifies a specific patient, such as a patient's name and date of birth. Signup and view all the answers

What two methods can be used to label a specimen?

Computerized bar code label or handwritten label. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to properly identify a patient?

To avoid collecting a specimen from the wrong patient by mistake. Signup and view all the answers

Why must a specimen be properly handled and stored?

To preserve the in vivo qualities of the specimen. Signup and view all the answers

List the CLIA-waived tests that are most frequently performed in the medical office.

Blood glucose determination, dipstick urinalysis, fecal occult blood testing, urine pregnancy tests, group A rapid streptococcus testing, hemoglobin testing, cholesterol testing, triglyceride testing, prothrombin time testing, spun microhematocrit. Signup and view all the answers

What is included in a laboratory testing kit?

Devices and supplies needed to perform a laboratory test and generate test results. Signup and view all the answers

What may occur if a testing kit is outdated?

Testing components may no longer be stable and, if used, may lead to inaccurate test results. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unitized testing device?

Self-contained device to which a specimen is added directly and in which all steps of the testing procedure occur. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a CLIA-waived automated analyzer.

Compact or hand-held device that permits the processing of a specimen in a short period of time with accurate test results. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of quality control?

To ensure that test results are reliable and valid, and that errors that may interfere with obtaining accurate test results are detected and eliminated. Signup and view all the answers

What are the storage requirements for most testing systems?

They should be stored in a cool, dry area away from sources of heat and sunlight. Signup and view all the answers

What should be written on the label of a control that is stable only for a certain period after opening?

Date the control is opened and date it should be discarded. Signup and view all the answers

What is an internal control?

Control that is built into the test system. Signup and view all the answers

An internal control checks for what conditions?

Whether a sufficient amount of the specimen was added, whether a sufficient amount of testing reagents was added, whether testing reagents migrated properly through the test device. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an external control?

To determine whether the testing reagents are performing properly and to detect any errors in technique of the individual performing the test. Signup and view all the answers

What types of results are produced by the following controls?

Low-level control = Results that fall below the reference range for the test. High-level control = Results that fall above the reference range for the test. Signup and view all the answers

What may cause a control to fail to produce expected results?

Use of outdated controls or testing reagents, improper storage of testing components, an error in the technique used to perform the procedure. Signup and view all the answers

What may cause invalid test results to occur when testing a specimen with a testing kit?

Improper collection of the specimen or an error in technique in performing the testing procedure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between qualitative test results and quantitative test results?

Qualitative test results provide an approximate indication of the amount of a substance present, whereas quantitative test results indicate the exact amount of a chemical substance that is present. Signup and view all the answers

List 10 laboratory safety guidelines that should be followed in the medical office.

Carefully arrange glassware to prevent breakage; remove glassware carefully; dispose of broken glassware in a special container; ensure that all reagent containers are clearly and properly labeled; reattach loose labels immediately; recap reagent containers immediately after use; follow the OSHA standard when collecting and handling laboratory specimens; wash hands immediately if they touch the specimen; avoid hand-to-mouth contact while working with specimens; immediately clean up any specimen spilled on a worktable and cleanse the table with a disinfectant. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Laboratory Testing Overview

Laboratory tests deliver critical information for physicians to diagnose and manage patient conditions.
Provides quantitative data to assess various body functions and health status.

Uses of Laboratory Tests

Aids in diagnosing pathologic conditions.
Monitors patient progress and guides treatment decisions.
Establishes baseline health metrics for patients.
Helps prevent or mitigate disease severity.
Complies with legal health requirements.

Routine Testing Purpose

Aims to detect diseases early, improving treatment outcomes.

CLIA Regulations

CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) enhances the quality of laboratory testing in the U.S.

Specimen Storage Requirements

Refrigerators for specimens must maintain a temperature between 36°F and 46°F.
Temperature checks required daily, with records maintained.
No food is to be stored in specimen refrigerators, and they must feature warning labels.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency eyewash stations flush eyes after exposure to harmful substances to prevent permanent damage.

Temperature for Testing

Ideal room temperature for tests is between 59°F and 86°F.

Laboratory Directory Content

Contains test names, CPT codes, reference ranges, specimen requirements, techniques, handling instructions, and rejection causes.

Laboratory Request Forms

Essential for accurate testing, reporting, and billing, including key patient information like age, gender, and clinical diagnosis.

Reporting Results

STAT requests prompt rapid reporting via telephone or fax.

Common Test Profiles

Comprehensive Metabolic Profile includes a range of tests (e.g., albumin, bilirubin).
Hepatic Function Profile and Prenatal Profile encompass specific tests for liver function and maternal health, respectively.

Laboratory Report Essentials

Reports must feature laboratory details, patient information, testing dates, and results against reference ranges.

Comparative Analysis

Results from external labs must be compared against local reference ranges to account for variability in testing methods.

Patient Preparation for Tests

Some tests necessitate patient preparation to ensure specimen quality and accurate results.
Ensuring that patients understand the need for preparation improves compliance.

Specimen Definition and Examples

A specimen is a sample representing a larger whole.
Examples include blood, urine, tissue biopsies, and various body fluids.

Laboratory Handling Instructions

Manufacturer instructions should guide the transport and testing of specimens, ensuring accurate collection and handling.

Importance of Proper Identification

Unique identifiers, such as patient name and date of birth, are critical to avoid mix-ups.

Quality Control in Testing

Quality control ensures reliability of test results through both internal (built-in) and external (separate checks) systems.

Invalid Test Results

Error sources include improper specimen handling or outdated reagents.

Test Result Types

Qualitative results indicate presence/absence, while quantitative results specify exact amounts of substances.

Safety Guidelines in the Laboratory

Organize glassware to prevent breakage.
Properly label and handle reagents.
Dispose of contaminated materials appropriately.
Maintain hand hygiene and enact measures to prevent spills.

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Description

Explore key concepts from Chapter 29 on the clinical laboratory through these flashcards. Learn about the general purpose of laboratory tests and their specific uses in diagnosis and management of patient conditions. Enhance your understanding of laboratory practices.