Intro To Broad Lab Tests

Question 1

Complete blood count (CBC) test

Answer 1

Order for suspected hematologists process

• RBC count w/ hemoglobin and mematocrit
• WBC count (watch for elevated neutrophil and lymphocytes/macrophages)
• platelet counts

Question 2

Hematocrit

Answer 2

RBC count/ total blood volume

Question 3

Basic or Complete Metabolic Panel (BMP or CMP)

Answer 3

Ordered when suspected renal/liver dysfunction or electrolyte imbalance

• BMP is just renal function and electrolytes
• CMP checks for liver enzymes and hepatotoxicity

Question 4

BMP vs CMP

Answer 4

BMP checks for Na+, K+, CL-, CO2 BUN and creatinine

CMP checks all of that and also AST/ALT, Ca2+ , Phosphate, albumin and bilirubin concentration.

Question 5

Coagulation Panel

Answer 5

Ordered when suspected high risk of bleeding, patient on blood thinner or patient is going to have surgery

• measures PT, PTT and INR

Question 6

Blood cultures

Answer 6

Ordered when the patient has a fever but the infection is unknown

• always order 2 to account for site of infection and possible contamination
• each set tests for aerobic and anaerobic

Question 7

Urinalysis (UA)

Answer 7

Ordered when patient has suspect renal dysfunction, infection or diabetes

• checks urine pH, protein count, glucose, ketones, WBC counts, BRC counts and possibly bacteria
• can be done via dipstick or microscopic exam in lab (ALWAYS use both if infection is suspected)

Question 8

3 collection methods

Answer 8

Venous, arterial and capillary

• Venous is most routine (dark red)
• Arterial is usually only for testing arterial blood gas (ABG) concentration (bright red)
• capillary is used only for Point of care(POC) samples.

Question 9

Light blue cap test for what?

Answer 9

Coagulation test (PT, PTT)

• contains 3.2% sodium citrate

Question 10

Red cap is for what?

Answer 10

Overall blood exam (screens for toxicology and current drug contains)

• Blood type and screening

Question 11

Gold, red/gray cap is for what? (Tiger top)

Answer 11

Tests serum chemistry and immunology assays (WBC specific counts)

• contains silicone

Question 12

Lavender or pink cap is for what?

Answer 12

For complete blood cell count w/ type and screen

• contains EDTA which is an anticoagulant

Question 13

Pale green top is for what

Answer 13

STAT plasma assays and chemistry in emergency situations

Question 14

Most common erroneous error

Answer 14

Preanalytic errors (improper test selection, mislabeling or specimen collection)

Question 15

Types of erroneous results

Answer 15

Preanalytic
(Improper test selection/ specimen collection)

Analytic
(Incorrect storage or assay interference)

Postanalytic
(Poor communication)