Fundamentals-Basic Labs

Question 1

What components of the CBC should we know?

Answer 1

WBC’s, WBC differential, Hemoglobin (Hgb), Hematocrit (Hct), Platelet Count.

Question 2

What are the components of BMP?

Answer 2

Sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, serum glucose, serum creatinine, BUN.

Question 3

What is normal fasting serum glucose range?

Answer 3

60 - 100 mg/dL

Question 4

What is normal serum sodium range?

Answer 4

134 - 146 mEq/L

Question 5

What is normal serum potassium range?

Answer 5

3.4 - 5.0 mEq/L

Question 6

What is normal serum creatinine range?

Answer 6

0.8 - 1.4 mEq/L

Question 7

What is the Normal Range for WBC Count?

Answer 7

4.0 - 10 mm3

Question 8

What is the Normal Range for Hematocrit?

Answer 8

36% - 45% (roughly 3 times Hgb)

Question 9

What is the Normal Range for Hemoglobin?

Answer 9

12.5 - 16 g/dL

Question 10

What is the Normal Range for Platelets?

Answer 10

150,000 - 400,000 /mm3

Question 11

What is the normal range for Total Protein (liver panel)?

Answer 11

6 - 8.5 g/dL

Question 12

What is the normal range for Albumin?

Answer 12

3.5 - 5.5 g/dL

Question 13

What is the normal range for Globulin?

Answer 13

1.5 - 4.5

Question 14

What is the normal range for AST?

Answer 14

0 - 44 iu/L

Question 15

What is the normal range for ALT?

Answer 15

0 - 55 iu/L

Question 16

What is the normal range for Bilirubin?

Answer 16

0 - 1.2 mg/dL

Question 17

What is the normal range for Alkaline Phosphatase?

Answer 17

25 - 150 iu/L

Question 18

What does the Urinalysis measure?

Answer 18

SG, pH, Glucose, Proteinuria, Hematuria, WBC/RBC, crystals, Cast (microscope), bilirubin.

Question 19

What is the normal range for Chloride?

Answer 19

97 - 110 mEq/L

Question 20

What is the normal range for HCO3- (bicarbonate)?

Answer 20

18 - 28 mEq/L

Question 21

What is the normal range for BUN?

Answer 21

8 - 25 mg/dL

Question 22

Conditions that cause low platelets?

Answer 22

Low production (marrow failure, sepsis), Increased destruction (autoimmunity), or Increased destruction (Disseminated Intravascular Clotting)

Question 23

Conditions that cause high platelets?

Answer 23

Bone marrow abnormalities, iron deficient anemias (as a response to the anemia), infection.

Question 24

Reasons for Low Hgb/HCT?

Answer 24

Not making Hgb, Losing Hgb, or Using Hgb up

Question 25

Reason for not making Hgb?

Answer 25

Bone marrow failure to meet needs or iron deficient anemia

Question 26

Reason for losing Hgb?

Answer 26

Bleeding (seen and occult), very heavy menstruation.

Question 27

Reason for using up Hgb?

Answer 27

Hemolytic process where RBC's are chewed up by abnormal immune mechanisms.

Question 28

Reason for elevated Hgb?

Answer 28

Chronic hypoxia, bone marrow problems making too much RBC's, dehydration may alter the lab value.

Question 29

What are some of the assumptions of the Hematocrit office test?

Answer 29

It assumes that all RBC's have the normal amount of Hgb.

Question 30

How is the Hematocrit (Hct) compare to the Hgb value?

Answer 30

The Hct is roughly 3 times Hgb.

Question 31

What do elevated WBC's indicate?

Answer 31

Generally indicate moderate to severe bacterial infection.

Question 32

What do depressed WBC's indicate?

Answer 32

Supression of the bone marrow for many reasons. HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, toxins, sepsis, and certain viral infections.