Dictionary

Labs and diagnostics

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

D-dimerA blood test that measures a protein fragment released when a blood clot breaks down.

diabetic ketoacidosisA state of high blood glucose, ketones in the blood and acidic blood, caused by a lack of insulin.

diagnostic testA test that gives information to find or rule out a disease, or to see how a disease or treatment is going.

digoxin levelA blood test that measures how much of the heart drug digoxin is in the blood.

dipstickA plastic strip with small chemical pads that change color to show what is in a urine sample.

Doppler ultrasoundAn ultrasound that uses sound waves to hear or show blood flowing through vessels or the fetal heartbeat.