Blood Diagnostic Procedures

Question 1

Blood Culture and Sensitivity (C and S)

Answer 1

Sample of blood is incubated in the laboratory to check for bacterial growth. If bacteria are present, they are identified and tested to determine which antibiotics they are sensitive to

Question 2

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Answer 2

Combination of blood tests including red blood count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct), white blood cell differential, and platelet count

Question 3

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR, sed rate)

Answer 3

Blood test to determine the rate at which mature red blood cells settle out of the blood after the addition of an anticoagulant. This is an indicator of the presence of an inflammatory disease

Question 4

Hematocrit (HCT, Hct, crit)

Answer 4

Blood test to measure the volume of red blood cells (erythrocytes) within the total volume of blood

Question 5

Hemoglobin (Hgb, hb, HGB)

Answer 5

A blood test to measure the amount of hemoglobin present in a given volume of blood

Question 6

Platelet Count

Answer 6

Blood test to determine the number of platelets in a given volume of blood

Question 7

Prothrombin Time (pro-time, PT)

Answer 7

A measure of the blood’s coagulation abilities by measuring how long it take for a clot to form after prothrombin has been activated

Question 8

Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)

Answer 8

Blood test to determine the number of erythrocytes in a volume of blood. A decrease in red blood cells may indicate anemia; an increase may indicate polycythemia

Question 9

Red Blood Cell Morphology

Answer 9

Examination of a specimen of blood for abnormalities in the shape (morphology) of the erythrocytes. Used to determine diseases like sickle cell anemia

Question 10

Sequential Multiple Analyzer Computer (SMAC)

Answer 10

Machine for doing multiple blood chemistry tests automatically

Question 11

White Blood Cell Count (WBC)

Answer 11

Blood test to measure the number of leukocytes in a volume of blood. An increase may indicate the presence of infection or a disease such as leukemia. A decrease in white blood cells may be caused by radiation therapy or chemotherapy

Question 12

White Blood Cell Differential (diff)

Answer 12

Blood test to determine the number of each variety of leukocytes

Question 13

Bone Marrow Aspiration

Answer 13

Sample of bone marrow is removed by aspiration with a needle and examined for diseases such as leukemia or aplastic anemia

Question 14

Phlebotomy

Answer 14

Incision into a vein in order to remove blood for a diagnostic test. Also called ‘venipuncture.’