Dictionary

Labs and diagnostics

Lab values with their normal and critical ranges, and the tests nurses prepare clients for.

absolute neutrophil countThe number of neutrophils, the white blood cells that fight bacterial infection, in a set amount of blood.

acid-base balanceThe body's control of how acidic or alkaline the blood is, keeping its pH in a narrow normal range.

acidosisA state in which the blood is more acidic than normal, with a pH below 7.35.

activated partial thromboplastin timeA blood test that measures, in seconds, how long it takes blood to clot through one pathway of the clotting system.

adrenocorticotropic hormoneA hormone from the pituitary gland that tells the adrenal glands to make cortisol.

alanine aminotransferaseAn enzyme found mostly in the liver, measured in the blood as a test of liver cell health.

albuminThe main protein in blood plasma, made by the liver, which holds fluid inside the blood vessels and carries drugs and hormones.

alkaline phosphataseAn enzyme made mostly in the liver and bones, measured with a blood test.

alkalosisA state in which the blood is less acidic than normal, with a blood pH above 7.45.

alpha-fetoproteinA protein made by the fetal liver, measured in a pregnant person's blood as a screening test, and in adults as a tumor marker.

ammoniaA waste product of protein breakdown that the liver normally changes into urea; its blood level is measured in a lab test.

amniocentesisA test in which a needle is put through the belly into the uterus to take a sample of amniotic fluid.

amylaseAn enzyme made mainly by the pancreas and salivary glands that breaks down starch; its blood level is a lab test.

anemiaA lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.

angiographyAn imaging test that shows blood vessels by injecting a contrast dye and taking x-ray, CT or MRI pictures.

anion gapA number calculated from blood electrolytes, sodium minus chloride and bicarbonate, that helps find the cause of metabolic acidosis.

anti-factor Xa levelA blood test that measures how strongly heparin or a similar drug is blocking clotting factor Xa.

antithrombinA natural protein in the blood that slows clotting, also made into a medicine.

arterial blood gasA blood test from an artery that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and the blood's pH.

arterial pHA measure of how acidic or alkaline the blood in an artery is, reported on an arterial blood gas.

aspartate aminotransferaseAn enzyme found mainly in the liver, heart and muscles, measured in the blood as part of liver function tests.