Dictionary

Labs and diagnostics

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

cerebrospinal fluid analysisLab tests on the fluid around the brain and spinal cord, usually collected by lumbar puncture.

chest x-rayAn x-ray picture of the chest that shows the lungs, heart, large blood vessels, ribs and diaphragm.

chlorideA negatively charged mineral (electrolyte) in the blood that works with sodium to keep fluid and acid-base balance.

cholesterolA waxy fat made by the liver and found in animal foods, which the body uses to build cells and hormones.

chorionic villus samplingA prenatal test that takes a small sample of tissue from the placenta to check the baby's chromosomes and genes.

CK-MBA blood test for the form of the enzyme creatine kinase found mainly in heart muscle.

clotting factorAny of the proteins in blood plasma that work together in a chain to form a blood clot.

coagulationThe process by which blood changes from a liquid into a gel, forming a clot.

colonoscopyAn exam of the inside of the large intestine with a long, flexible tube that has a camera on its end.

complete blood countA common blood test that counts and measures the red cells, white cells and platelets in the blood.

comprehensive metabolic panelA group of 14 blood tests that checks blood sugar, electrolytes, kidney function and liver function.

computed tomographyAn imaging test that uses x-rays and a computer to make cross-section pictures of the inside of the body.

contrastA dye or other substance given before an imaging test so body parts show up more clearly.

cortisolA steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.

creatine kinaseAn enzyme found mainly in muscle, measured in the blood to look for muscle damage.

creatinineA waste product of muscle that the kidneys remove from the blood; its blood level is used to measure how well the kidneys work.

creatinine clearanceA measure of how much blood the kidneys clear of creatinine each minute, used to estimate kidney filtering.

CTAComputed tomography angiography: a CT scan with IV contrast dye that shows blood vessels in detail.

culture and sensitivityA lab test that grows the germs from a sample to identify them and see which antibiotics work against them.

cytologyThe study of cells, or a lab test that looks at cells under a microscope.

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.

echocardiogramAn ultrasound picture of the heart that shows its chambers, valves, walls and how well it pumps.

EGDEsophagogastroduodenoscopy: a test using a flexible scope through the mouth to look at the esophagus, stomach and start of the small intestine.

ejection fractionThe percentage of blood in the left ventricle that is pumped out with each heartbeat.

electrocardiogramA test that records the heart's electrical activity as waves on paper or a screen.

electroencephalogramA test that records the electrical activity of the brain through small sensors placed on the scalp.

electrolyteA mineral that carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride.

electromyographyA test that records the electrical activity of muscles, usually through thin needles placed in the muscle.

ELISAEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: a lab method that finds and measures antibodies or antigens using a color change.

endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographyA procedure that uses a scope passed through the mouth, with dye and X-rays, to see and treat the bile and pancreatic ducts.

endoscopyA procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera to look inside the body.

enzymeA protein that speeds up a chemical reaction in the body without being used up.

eosinophilA type of white blood cell that fights parasites and takes part in allergic reactions.

erythrocyte sedimentation rateA blood test that measures how fast red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube, used as a general sign of inflammation.

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.

g/dLGrams per deciliter: a unit for the amount of a substance in one-tenth of a liter of blood.