Chap 15, Laboratory Tests

Question 1

antinuclear antibody test (ANA)

Answer 1

Detects an antibody present in serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases.

Question 2

erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

Answer 2

Measures time it takes for erythrocytes to settle to the bottom of a test tube. Elevated ESR is associated with inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, tumors, and infections, and with chronic infections of bone and soft tissue.

Question 3

rheumatoid factor test (RF)

Answer 3

Serum is tested for the presence of an antibody found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 4

serum calcium (Ca)

Answer 4

Measurement of calcium level in serum. Hypercalcemia may be caused by disorders of the parathyroid gland and malignancy that affects bone metabolism. Hypocalcemia is seen in critically ill patients with burns, sepsis, and acute renal failure.

Question 5

serum creatine kinase (CK)

Answer 5

Measurement of the enzyme creatine kinase in serum. This enzyme normally is present in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Increased levels occur in muscular dystrophy, polymyositis, and with traumatic injuries.

Question 6

uric acid test

Answer 6

Measurement of uric acid in serum. High levels are associated with gouty arthritis.