Lab Findings and Interpreting Results

Question 1

What are blood tests performed for?

Answer 1

To assess general health, detect infections, and diagnose medical conditions.

Question 2

What does a complete blood count (CBC) measure?

Answer 2

Different blood components.
(CBC provides insights into a person’s overall health.)

Question 3

What conditions can a CBC help diagnose?

Answer 3

Infections or anaemia

Question 4

What does a lipid panel detect?

Answer 4

-High cholesterol levels
-High cholesterol may increase heart disease risk.

Question 5

What do liver enzyme tests help detect?

Answer 5

-Liver damage
-commonly seen in alcohol-related diseases.

Question 6

What does a Complete Blood Count (CBC) measure?

Answer 6

Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets

Question 7

What condition might a patient with fatigue and low haemoglobin count suggest?

Answer 7

Anaemia

Question 8

What does an increase in white blood cells (WBCs) indicate?

Answer 8

An infection

Question 9

What could low platelet counts suggest?

Answer 9

Clotting disorders

Question 10

What is the primary function of haemoglobin?

Answer 10

Oxygen transport in the body

Question 11

What symptoms can a low haemoglobin level lead to?

Answer 11

Dizziness and fatigue

Question 12

What might be a treatment for iron deficiency anaemia?

Answer 12

Dietary changes or iron supplements

Question 13

What might a pregnant woman with low haemoglobin require?

Answer 13

Iron supplements

Question 14

What genetic disorder is characterized by abnormal haemoglobin?

Answer 14

Sickle cell disease

Question 15

What shape do red blood cells take in sickle cell disease?

Answer 15

Sickle shape

Question 16

What complications can arise from sickle-shaped cells blocking capillaries?

Answer 16

Pain and tissue damage

Question 17

What are white blood cells (WBCs) essential for?

Answer 17

Immunity

Question 18

What may an elevated WBC count indicate?

Answer 18

Infection

Question 19

In which condition can a low WBC count be seen?

Answer 19

Chemotherapy induced immunosuppression

Question 20

Why is WBC count crucial?

Answer 20

For immune function

Question 21

What does an elevated WBC count in leukaemia patients indicate?

Answer 21

Malignancy

Question 22

What does a reduced WBC count in HIV patients suggest?

Answer 22

Immune suppression

Question 23

What is the primary purpose of blood glucose tests?

Answer 23

To diagnose diabetes

Question 24

What fasting glucose level indicates diabetes?

Answer 24

Above 7.0 mmol/L

Question 25

What symptoms might prompt an HbA1c test?

Answer 25

Excessive thirst and frequent urination (These symptoms suggest potential long-term glucose control issues)

Question 26

What is the fasting glucose level of a diabetic patient needing urgent medical attention?

Answer 26

-12 mmol/L -Such a level indicates severe hyperglycemia.

Question 27

What immediate action may be required in a child experiencing a hypoglycaemic episode?

Answer 27

Immediate glucose administration

Question 28

What does PEF stand for?

Answer 28

Peak Expiratory Flow

Question 29

What does a Peak flow meter measure?

Answer 29

Airflow through bronchi

Question 30

What is the significance of peak flow meters in asthma management?

Answer 30

They help monitor asthma severity

Question 31

What may a drop in peak flow readings indicate?

Answer 31

Worsening asthma, requiring medication adjustments

Question 32

What does a sudden drop in peak flow readings indicate?

Answer 32

An impending asthma attack requiring immediate intervention

Question 33

Fill in the blank: Peak Expiratory Flow is a person's maximum speed of _______.

Answer 33

Expiration

Question 34

What does the spirometry test assess?

Answer 34

lung function

Question 35

what doe the measurements on a spirometry test help us understand?

Answer 35

-lung volumes in normal ventilation -pulmonary diseases

Question 36

What do ECGs detect?

Answer 36

Heart abnormalities such as arrhythmias and myocardial infarctions (ECG may show ST elevation in a patient experiencing a heart attack)

Question 37

What is the significance of elevated troponin levels?

Answer 37

Helps diagnose myocardial infarction

Question 38

What condition requires urgent cardiac care when accompanied by chest pain?

Answer 38

Elevated troponin levels

Question 39

What do nerve conduction studies assess?

Answer 39

Nerve function

Question 40

What symptoms might lead a patient to undergo nerve conduction studies?

Answer 40

-numbness and tingling in the hands -can indicate issues like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Question 41

How do nerve conduction studies help in diagnosing diabetic neuropathy?

Answer 41

By detecting slowed conduction velocities

Question 42

What does urinalysis help detect?

Answer 42

-infections, kidney disease, and diabetes. -Protein in urine may indicate kidney dysfunction.

Question 43

How can urinalysis detect urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Answer 43

based on nitrites and leukocytes

Question 44

What parameters do dipstick tests assess in urine?

Answer 44

Glucose, protein, ketones, and blood

Question 45

What does glucose in the urine of a diabetic patient indicate?

Answer 45

May need further testing to manage their condition

Question 46

What condition can be confirmed by a urine dipstick revealing glucose?

Answer 46

Diabetes

Question 47

What does haematuria (blood in urine) in a urine dipstick test indicate?

Answer 47

Kidney stones or bladder cancer

Question 48

What do faecal screening tests detect?

Answer 48

Blood or infections in stool

Question 49

What is the purpose of a faecal occult blood test (FOBT)?

Answer 49

Early detection of colorectal cancer

Question 50

What does stool culture identify?

Answer 50

Bacterial infections such as Salmonella or E. coli

Question 51

What hormone do pregnancy tests detect?

Answer 51

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (produced by the placenta)

Question 52

When does the placenta start producing hCG after fertilization?

Answer 52

Around 6 days after fertilization

Question 53

What does the presence of hCG in a test confirm?

Answer 53

Pregnancy

Question 54

What type of test may women with irregular periods use to track fertility?

Answer 54

Ovulation test

Question 55

What is the purpose of an at-home sperm test?

Answer 55

To assess male fertility

Question 56

What does a Creatinine Test measure?

Answer 56

The level of creatinine in the blood or urine (helps assess kidney function)

Question 57

What does elevated creatinine suggest?

Answer 57

-Kidney dysfunction -Low levels may indicate muscle loss or certain liver diseases.

Question 58

What is often used to estimate kidney function alongside the Creatinine Test?

Answer 58

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculations

Question 59

In which populations might creatinine levels be naturally higher?

Answer 59

Athletes or those with high muscle mass

Question 60

Why is the creatinine test related to muscles?

Answer 60

-Creatinine is a waste product generated from the breakdown of creatine -Creatine is stored in muscles and used for energy production.

Question 61

What does the Serum Albumin Test measure?

Answer 61

The amount of albumin in the blood.

Question 62

What is albumin?

Answer 62

A major protein in the blood made by the liver.

Question 63

What substances does albumin help carry throughout the body?

Answer 63

* Hormones * Vitamins * Enzymes

Question 64

What condition may lead to high albumin levels?

Answer 64

Dehydration.

Question 65

What do low levels of albumin often indicate?

Answer 65

Impaired liver function and other conditions.

Question 66

What tests is the Serum Albumin Test commonly used alongside?

Answer 66

Other liver function tests (LFTs).

Question 67

What does a Lipid Panel (Lipid Profile) test measure?

Answer 67

Levels of different types of cholesterol and lipids in the blood, including LDL, HDL, Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Question 68

What is Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol commonly referred to as?

Answer 68

Bad cholesterol

Question 69

What is High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol commonly referred to as?

Answer 69

Good cholesterol

Question 70

What health risks are associated with high LDL cholesterol?

Answer 70

Increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis ( plaque buildup in arteries)

Question 71

What does low HDL cholesterol indicate?

Answer 71

It is a risk factor for heart disease

Question 72

What can high triglyceride levels indicate?

Answer 72

Metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or excessive fat intake

Question 73

When is a Lipid Panel test often recommended?

Answer 73

For routine cardiovascular risk assessment.

Question 74

What factors influence the results of a Lipid Panel test?

Answer 74

Diet, lifestyle, and genetics

Question 75

What effect does a high-fat meal have before a cholesterol test?

Answer 75

-It may temporarily elevate readings -Fasting is crucial for accurate cholesterol and glucose tests.

Question 76

what affects kidney function tests?

Answer 76

hydration status

Question 77

What can influence liver enzyme levels?

Answer 77

-Medications -Certain medications may increase or decrease liver enzyme levels.

Question 78

What impact does intense exercise have before a test?

Answer 78

It can increase creatine kinase (CK) levels and affect blood glucose readings.

Question 79

How can emotional stress affect test results?

Answer 79

It can elevate cortisol levels and influence blood pressure and glucose levels.

Question 80

What effect does smoking have on test results?

Answer 80

It can increase white blood cell count.

Question 81

What tests does alcohol consumption affect?

Answer 81

It can affect liver function tests and triglyceride levels.

Question 82

What can lead to variations in test results?

Answer 82

Differences in sample handling, processing, and instrumentation.