Medical Assistant Terminology Quiz

Hemoglobin and HbA1c Test

• When glucose molecules become attached to hemoglobin, it forms glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).
• The HbA1c test measures the average amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin over the past 2-3 months.
• An ordering provider might choose to order a hemoglobin A1c test for a patient to diagnose and monitor diabetes, or to assess the effectiveness of diabetes treatment.
• An elevated HbA1c percentage indicates poor glucose control, and a higher percentage corresponds to a higher average glucose level.
• As glucose circulates in the blood for a longer time, more glucose molecules attach to hemoglobin, increasing the HbA1c percentage.
• Red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin, live for approximately 120 days.

Lipid Panel and Cholestech LDX System

• Before testing on the Alere Cholestech LDX System, the quality control procedures must be completed.
• When filling capillary tubes, the tubes should be filled from the bottom to the top to avoid introducing air bubbles.
• Medical assistants should record and report lipid test results accurately.
• It takes approximately 2 minutes for results to print from the Alere Cholestech LDX printer.
• Quality control procedures for the Cholestech analyzer can be found in the user manual.
• Lipid test results can be altered by factors such as medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle.
• The primary purpose of a lipid panel is to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as "good cholesterol."
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol primarily transports cholesterol from the liver to peripheral tissues.
• Chronically elevated LDL cholesterol levels are commonly associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
• Total cholesterol is calculated by adding HDL, LDL, and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels.
• Triglycerides are the most numerous type of fat found in the body.
• Hypercholesterolemia refers to high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
• Elevated blood triglyceride levels can be linked to increased cardiovascular risk.

HbA1c Test and Laboratory Procedures

• The HbA1c test reflects the average glucose level over the past 2-3 months.
• The HbA1c test is recommended for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, and for assessing the effectiveness of diabetes treatment.
• The HbA1c test specimen is usually obtained through a capillary puncture.
• The Alere Cholestech LDX System is used to perform laboratory testing for HbA1c.
• Before conducting an HbA1c test, ensure that the testing materials are not expired and are stored properly.
• If the HbA1c Analyzer device returns an Error Code during testing, follow the troubleshooting guide to resolve the issue.
• During the capillary puncture procedure, handle the sampling device carefully to avoid contamination.
• Medical Assistants should not offer any diagnostic or interpretive statements regarding HbA1c test results to avoid misinterpretation.
• Patients with diabetes should have their hemoglobin A1c level checked every 3-6 months to monitor glucose control.
• Factors such as medical conditions, medications, lifestyle, and environmental factors can alter HbA1c test results or interfere with testing, making it crucial to consider these factors when interpreting results.