Dictionary

Labs and diagnostics

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

fasting blood glucoseA blood sugar test taken after at least 8 hours with no food or drink other than water.

fecal occult blood testA test of a stool sample for tiny amounts of blood that cannot be seen with the eye.

ferritinA protein that stores iron in the body; its blood level shows how much iron is stored.

fetal fibronectinA swab test of vaginal fluid for a protein that holds the fetal membranes to the lining of the uterus.

fetal heart rate monitoringChecking a fetus's heart rate during pregnancy or labor, with a handheld device or a continuous electronic monitor.

fetal monitorA device that records the fetal heart rate and the mother's contractions during pregnancy and labor.

fibrinogen levelA blood test that measures fibrinogen, a protein made by the liver that the body turns into fibrin to form clots.

fluoroscopyAn x-ray method that shows moving pictures of the inside of the body in real time.

folate levelA blood test that measures folate (folic acid), a B vitamin needed to make red blood cells and DNA.

free T4A blood test for the active, unbound form of thyroxine, the main thyroid hormone.