| aseptic | Pertaining to a condition that is free of disease-producing microorganisms (germs).
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| capillary | The smallest of all blood vessels, which allow the exchange of nutrients and oxygen between the cells and blood; capillaries connect arteries to veins.
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| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | Federal agency responsible for identifying, monitoring, and reporting diseases, especially infectious diseases capable of becoming widespread or epidemic.
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| chain of infection | The six steps (links) that must take place for infection to occur (reservoir, infectious agent, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host).
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| chemistry | Evaluation of chemical constituents that normally occur in the human body, such as glucose, sodium, and potassium.
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| Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA'88) | Federal legislation that became effective in 1992. It mandates that all laboratories be regulated using the same standards, regardless of size, type, or location.
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| Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) | Nonprofit organization that sets recommendations, guidelines, or standards for all areas of the laboratory to improve the quality of medical care.
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| confidentiality | Privacy regarding patient information.
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| dermal puncture | Use of a sharp device to remove a small specimen of capillary blood.
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| ethics | An area of philosophy that examines values, actions, and choices to determine right and wrong.
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| Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) | A federal law that establishes a national standard for electronic health care transactions and protects the privacy and confidentiality of patient information. Among other provisions, HIPAA states that information about a patient must not be discussed with individuals other than the patient unless the patient has given written or verbal permission for you to do so.
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| hematology | Study of blood and blood-forming tissues.
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| hepatitis | Inflammation of the liver from viral or toxic origin; can be caused by transmission through blood and body fluids.
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| histology | Study of human body tissues and cells.
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| human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) | Virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
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| immunology | Study of how the body resists allergies and other agents that affect the body's immune system; also called serology.
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| isolation precautions | Practices to prevent the spread of infection based upon how the infectious agent is transmitted.
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| microbiology | The study of one-cell organisms (microorganisms) that are usually visible only under a microscope; the main focus is bacteria.
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| microcollection | The process of obtaining blood using a dermal (skin) puncture procedure, also known as microtechnique.
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| microsurgery | Surgery involving reconstruction of small tissue structures.
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| microtechnique | Process of obtaining blood using a dermal (skin) puncture procedure; also known as microcollection.
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| negligence | An intentional or unintentional error or wrongdoing.
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| nosocomial infection | Infection acquired while in a hospital or medical setting.
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| Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) | A federal body responsible for preventing or minimizing employee injuries and exposure to harmful agents.
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| Patient's Bill of Rights | Document created by the American Hospital Association that identifies privileges health care facility patients are to have.
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| personal protective equipment (PPE) | Protective coverings such as gloves, goggles, gowns, and masks that are worn to minimize exposure to blood and body fluids; required by OSHA to be worn when handling body fluids.
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| phlebotomist | An individual trained and skilled in obtaining blood samples for clinical testing.
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| phlebotomy | An invasive procedure in which a sharp object is introduced into a vein to obtain blood.
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| point-of-care testing (POCT) | Tests performed at the patient's bedside or work area, using a portable instrument.
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| professionalism | A group of characteristics or qualities that display a positive image or code of ethics.
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| reference laboratory | An offsite lab to which specimens are referred for testing; usually used for tests not routinely performed in physicians' offices.
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| serology | The identification of antibodies in the blood's serum.
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| Standard Precautions | Infection control guidelines issued by the CDC to decrease exposure to potentially infectious substances in acute care settings.
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| toxicology | Detection and study of agents that are harmful to the body.
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| urinalysis | Examination of urine for physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics.
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| venipuncture | Procedure in which a sharp object is introduced into a vein for the purpose of withdrawing blood or instilling medications.
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