90 Glossary NHA PDF

GLOSSARY NHA Antecubital Fossa: The inner elbow area where the primary veins for venipuncture are located. Anticoagulant: A substance that prevents blood from clotting. Antiseptic: A substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): A test that meas...

GLOSSARY NHA Antecubital Fossa: The inner elbow area where the primary veins for venipuncture are located. Anticoagulant: A substance that prevents blood from clotting. Antiseptic: A substance that inhibits the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG): A test that measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Bacteremia: The presence of bacteria in the blood. Basal State: The body’s state after 8-12 hours of fasting and abstaining from strenuous exercise. Biohazard: A biological material (like blood or body fluids) that can cause infections. Bloodborne Pathogens: Microorganisms present in human blood that can cause human disease. Blood Culture: A test to check for bacteria or fungi in the blood. Capillary Puncture: A technique used to collect blood from the fingertip or heel. Centrifuge: A device used to separate components of the blood by spinning it at high speed. Chain of Custody: Documenting a specimen's handling from collection to disposal. Chemistry Panel: A group of tests that measures different chemicals in the blood. Coagulation: The process of blood clotting. Complete Blood Count (CBC): A group of tests that evaluate the cells in the blood. Cyanotic: A blue or purple skin coloration due to lack of oxygen. Dermal Puncture: Another term for a capillary puncture. Differential: A test that measures the number of different types of white blood cells in a blood sample. Edema: Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues. Erythrocyte: A red blood cell. Fasting: The state of having no food or drink (except water) for a certain period before a test. Fistula: An abnormal connection or passageway between two organs or vessels. Gauge: A measurement of the size of a needle's diameter. Gloves: Protective covering for the hands used to prevent transmission of pathogens. Hazardous Waste: Waste that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment. Hematology: The branch of medicine concerned with the study of the cause, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of blood-related diseases. Hematoma: A swelling of clotted blood within the tissues. Hemolysis: The breaking apart of red blood cells. Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, often caused by a viral infection. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act): U.S. legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information. Informed Consent: Getting permission before conducting a healthcare intervention on a patient. Leukocyte: A white blood cell. Lipemic: Describes serum or plasma that appears milky due to high lipid levels. Microcollection: The collection of a small blood volume, usually from a capillary puncture. Needlestick Injury: A puncture wound from a needle that may result in exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Order of Draw: The correct sequence in which blood tubes should be filled. Pathogen: A microorganism that can cause disease. Patient Identification: Verifying a patient's identity before a healthcare intervention. Phlebotomy: The act of drawing blood for diagnostic testing or treatment. Plasma: The liquid portion of the blood in which cells and other components are suspended. Platelet: A cell fragment involved in blood clotting. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Equipment is worn to minimize exposure to hazards. Quality Control: A system for verifying the reliability of lab analyses. Requisition: A form that is used to order a laboratory test. Serum: The liquid portion of the blood that remains after clotting. Sharps Container: A rigid plastic container used to dispose of hypodermic needles and other sharp medical instruments safely. Specimen: A sample of tissue or fluid taken for analysis. Tourniquet: A device that applies pressure to a limb or extremity to restrict blood flow. Universal Precautions: A set of guidelines based on treating all human blood and certain body fluids as potentially infectious. Vein: A blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart. Aseptic Technique: Methods used to prevent contamination from microorganisms. Venipuncture: The puncture of a vein for the withdrawal of blood. Syringe: A tube with a plunger used to withdraw or inject fluids. Isopropyl Alcohol: An alcohol solution used as a common skin antiseptic. Blood Film: A thin layer of blood smeared on a microscope slide for diagnostic examination. Lancet: A small, broad, two-edged surgical instrument or blade with a sharp point used for capillary punctures. Winged Infusion Set (Butterfly Needle): A small, wing-shaped needle used for difficult venipunctures due to minor or fragile veins. Thrombosis: The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel obstructs blood flow. Vasoconstriction: The narrowing of the blood vessels, reducing blood flow. Blood Smear: A test that provides information about the number and shape of blood cells. Occluded Vein: A vein blocked by a blood clot. Blood Agar: A growth medium used to culture certain bacteria and fungi. Oxalate: An anticoagulant used in a blood collection tube to prevent clotting. Palpate: To examine by touch, especially for medical purposes. Preanalytical Phase: The first part of the lab testing process is where the test is ordered, and the specimen is collected and transported. Postprandial: After a meal. Exsanguination: Severe blood loss to a degree sufficient to cause death. Sclerosed Veins: Hardened veins. Immunohematology: The study of the immune system about blood transfusions. Glycolysis: The metabolic breakdown of glucose by enzymes, releasing energy and pyruvic acid. Lymphocyte: A subtype of white blood cell in the vertebrate immune system. Neutrophil: A type of white blood cell that fights infection. Erythropoiesis: The production of red blood cells. Vacutainer: A blood collection system with a double-pointed needle, a plastic holder or adapter, and a series of vacuum tubes with rubber stoppers of various colors. Myeloid: About the bone marrow or the spinal cord. Hemostasis: The process of stopping bleeding. Hemoglobin: The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Cyanosis: The blue color of the skin due to a lack of oxygen. Granulocyte: A white blood cell with small granules containing proteins. Eosinophil: A disease-fighting white blood cell. Monocyte: A type of white blood cell that can turn into a macrophage. Lumen: The inside space of a tubular structure, such as an artery or intestine. Hypodermic Needle: A hollow needle used for injections or taking blood samples. Alcohol Wipes: Antiseptic wipes are used for cleaning the skin before an injection or venipuncture. Intravenous (IV): Inside or into a vein. Bilirubin: An orange-yellow substance made during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Coagulation: The blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot. CBC (Complete Blood Count): A blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection, and leukemia. Arteriole: A small branch of an artery leading into capillaries. Capillary: The smallest of the body's blood vessels. Hematoma: A solid swelling of clotted blood within the tissues.