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(S&L2) Transporting Specimens > Definitions > Flashcards

Flashcards in Definitions Deck (20)
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1
Q

Anticoagulant

A

Substance that prevents blood from clotting (eg. heparin)

2
Q

Arterial blood gas

A

Specimen collected from the artery to measure blood pH, oxygen and CO2 concentration, along with bicarbonate

3
Q

Arteries

A

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart and are usually oxygenated

4
Q

Veins

A

Blood vessels that return blood to the heart; actual site of gas exchange within tissues

5
Q

Capillaries

A

One cell thick vessels that connect arterioles and venules

6
Q

Hematoma

A

Bruise; swelling or mass of coagulated blood caused by a break in a blood vessel

7
Q

Hemoconcentration

A

Decrease in fluid content of the blood such that there’s an increase in non-filtered blood = protein-based blood components (eg. RBCs, enzymes, iron, calcium)

8
Q

Hemolysis

A

Damage or destruction of RBCs and release of hemoglobin into the serum (serum colour ranges from pink to red)

9
Q

Heparin

A

Natural anticoagulant made by the body that prevents clotting by inhibiting thrombin formation (thrombin = clot)

10
Q

Serum

A

Clear, pale-yellow fluid that may be separated from a clotted blood specimen and is similar to plasma except it does not contain fibrinogen or clotting factors, but contains clotting metabolites → clots!

11
Q

Plasma

A

Top layer of the clear, pale-yellow liquid used for testing; liquid portion of the blood → contains fibrinogen, so it clots, but is usually mixed with an anticoagulant

12
Q

Thrombosis

A

Blood clotting

13
Q

Vacuum tube system

A

Pneumatic tube system; systems that propel cylindrical containers through networks of tubes by compressed air or partial vacuum; blood collection system composed of a tube holder, needle, and vacuum

14
Q

Phlebotomy

A

Incision into the vein for the purpose of drawing blood

15
Q

Phlebotomist

A

Health professional trained in the collection of blood specimens

16
Q

Venipuncture

A

Puncture of a vein as part of a medical procedure; phlebotomy

17
Q

Supernatant

A

Top layer of centrifuge specimen which is above the lower layers (lower = sediment and precipitate)

18
Q

Venous reflux

A

Condition during which the flow of blood through the veins is inadequate, causing blood to pool in the legs

19
Q

Tortuous

A

Lumpy, ropey, and hard; description of a hardened vein → lots of scar tissue

20
Q

Antecubital space

A

Space that is in front of and below the bend of the elbow (where blood may be drawn)