| accreditation | The process by which a governmental agency evaluates a program or institution according to established guidelines or standards.
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| accuracy | Achieving complete correctness or acceptable measures as close as possible to the true value.
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| additive | Any substance such as an anticoagulant, anti-glycolytic agent, separator gel, cell preservative, or clot activator added to a blood collection tube.
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| aerobic | Any microorganism that can live and grow in the presence of oxygen or air.
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| aerosol | Substances or particles suspended in a gas or the air.
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| agglutination | The clumping of red blood cells that occurs from the binding of antibodies and antigens.
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| aliquoting | Dividing or separating samples into separate containers.
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| American Certification Agency (ACA) | National certification agency for health care professionals including phlebotomists and phlebotomy instructors.
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| American Medical Technologist (AMT) | Organization that provides certification to phlebotomy personnel and approves phlebotomy programs.
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| American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) | Agency responsible for providing clinical laboratory personnel certification, including phlebotomists.
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| American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT) | Professional organization for phlebotomists that also provides certification.
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| anaerobic | Any microorganism that can live and grow in the absence of oxygen or air.
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| analyte | A substance undergoing analysis, such as glucose or cholesterol.
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| antecubital fossa | Area located in the middle of the arm, in front of the elbow, that houses veins most commonly used for venipuncture.
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| antibody | Complex protein substance that is produced in the presence of foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses, lipids, or carbohydrates in order to protect the body.
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| anticoagulant | Any agent that prevents blood from clotting.
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| antigen | A substance that causes the formation of an antibody when introduced into blood or tissue.
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| antiglycolytic | Glucose preservative found in some blood collection tubes.
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| antiseptic | Germicidal solution used to clean the skin prior to venipuncture or dermal puncture.
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| aorta | Largest artery in the body.
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| arteriole | A smaller branch of an artery; a miniature artery.
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| artery | A blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the tissues.
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| aseptic | Pertaining to a condition that is free of disease-producing microorganisms (germs).
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| assault | An unlawful act of threatening or causing a person to experience fear.
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| assay | A test, examination, or laboratory analysis of a substance.
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| atrium (atria, plural) | One of two top chambers of the heart, known as the holding chambers.
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| autoantibody | Immunoglobulin created in response to damaged antigens on the surface of one's own blood or body cells.
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| bacteremia | The presence of bacteria in the blood.
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| bacteriostatic | Substance that is capable of inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
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| basal state | Metabolic condition after 12 hours of fasting and lack of exercise.
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| basilic vein | Vein used for venipuncture that is not well anchored and tends to roll.
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| basophil | Least numerous type of leukocytes; the granules are large and stain dark blue from basic dyes and often obscure the nucleus.
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| battery | The unlawful use of physical force or contact toward another individual.
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| bedside manner | Behavior that puts a patient at ease while health care personnel perform a procedure.
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| bevel | Point of the needle that has been cut on a slant for ease of entry.
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| bleeding time | The time it takes a standardized skin wound to stop bleeding; a test used to evaluate platelet function during clotting.
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| blood type | A description based on the ABO classification system that determines the presence of specific antigens on the surface of red blood cells.
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| butterfly needle set | Winged infusion set; used mostly for small veins or difficult venipuncture.
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| calcaneus | The heel bone in the foot.
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| calibration | Comparison of a known constant to the test equipment reading or measurement.
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| cannula | A hollow tube used for temporary access to a vein or artery to administer medication or draw blood.
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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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| capillary action | Process in which blood automatically flows into a thin tube.
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| capillary tube | A disposable, small-diameter tube that fills by capillary action.
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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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| centrifuge | To spin blood samples at high speeds to separate the cellular portion from the liquid portion of blood; the instrument that performs this task.
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| centrifugation | The process of separating the cells and plasma of blood using a device that spins the blood at high speeds, known as a centrifuge.
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| cephalic vein | Vein used for venipuncture that may be difficult to palpate.
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| certification | Process whereby individuals or institutions demonstrate their ability to perform at or above a predetermined level of standard.
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| chain of custody | A special protocol that must be strictly followed and documented for specimen accountability.
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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 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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| 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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| coagulation | Cessation of bleeding; clot formation.
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| cold agglutinin | An antibody present in certain disease conditions such as primary atypical pneumonia. These antibodies are located on the surface of the red blood cells, and at temperatures lower than normal body temperature they cause the blood cells to clump together.
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| collapsed vein | An abnormal retraction of the vessel walls, stopping bloodflow.
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| concentric circles | Circular motion starting from the center and moving outward in ever-widening even circles.
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| confidentiality | Privacy regarding patient information.
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| control substance | A substance or device used when doing equipment system checks.
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| culture media | Material added to blood collection tubes that enhances the growth of microorganisms.
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| cytoplasm | Area of the cell outside the Nucleus.
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| deoxygenated | Presence of a larger quantity of carbon dioxide than oxygen.
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| dermal | Pertaining to the skin.
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| dermal puncture | Use of a sharp device to remove a small specimen of capillary blood.
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| diabetes mellitus | Any of several related endocrine disorders characterized by an elevated level of glucose in the blood, caused by a deficiency of insulin or insulin resistance at the cellular level.
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| diapedesis | Process by which certain white blood cells can exit the capillaries and enter the tissues in response to pathogens.
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| differential | A hematology test that is a microscopic examination of a monolayer stained blood smear; indicates the percentage of different types of white blood cells, the number of both platelets and white blood cells, red blood cell size and shape, and any other blood abnormalities such as leukemia.
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| dilate | To enlarge or increase the diameter.
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| disinfectant | Solution that contains an agent intended to kill or irreversibly inactivate microorganisms.
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| distal phalanx | Situated away from the center of the finger.
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| diurnal variation | Normal changes in laboratory values throughout the day.
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| ecchymosis | Discoloration or bruising caused by the seeping of blood underneath the skin.
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| edema | A condition in which there is an accumulation of fluid in the tissues; usually resulting in swelling.
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| edematous | Marked by edema, the result of swelling due to fluid accumulation.
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| eosinophil | Leukocyte whose granules stain bright orange-red from eosin; aid the body in fighting parasites and are increased in allergies.
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| erythrocyte | Red blood cell; an anuclear, biconcave disk blood cell that is responsible for transporting oxygen.
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| ethics | An area of philosophy that examines values, actions, and choices to determine right and wrong.
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| evacuated collection tube | Stoppered glass or plastic tube used for collecting blood that contains a pre-measured vacuum.
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| evacuated tube holder | Specialized plastic adaptor that holds both a needle and a tube for blood collection; adaptor or barrel are also common names.
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| false negative | A test result that does not indicate a condition or substance that is actually present.
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| false positive | A test result that indicates a positive result that is not true.
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| fasting | Abstinence from food and liquids (except for water) for a specified period.
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| fibrin | A filamentous protein formed by the action of thrombin on fibrinogen.
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| fibrinogen | A protein found in plasma that is essential for clotting of blood.
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| gauge | Unit of measure assigned to the diameter of the lumen (hole) of a needle.
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| gestational diabetes | Elevated blood sugar during pregnancy.
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| glycolysis | Normal body reaction in which glucose is hydrolyzed or broken down by an enzyme.
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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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| hematocrit | The percentage of space taken up by red blood cells in a whole blood sample; also referred to as packed cell volume and microhematocrit.
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| hematology | Study of blood and blood-forming tissues.
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| hematoma | Collection of blood under the skin due to leakage of blood from a punctured vein or artery.
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| hemochromatosis | A disorder of iron metabolism in which too much iron is stored in the body, reaching toxic levels of iron.
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| hemoconcentration | A rapid increase in the ratio of blood components (cells) to plasma (liquid).
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| hemoglobin | Iron-rich protein molecules found in red blood cells that function to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide.
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| hemolysis | Destruction of red blood cells that allows hemoglobin to be released from the red blood cell.
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| hemostasis | The process of coagulation, or clot formation, that repairs vessel damage and stops blood loss.
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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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| informed consent | Permission granted by the patient to perform any treatment; obtained only after the patient has been told what to expect, the risks, and usually the consequences of the procedure.
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| interstitial fluid | The fluid present between cells and tissues.
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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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| keloid | A sharply elevated, irregularly shaped, progressively enlarging scar formed by excessive collagen in the skin during healing.
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| leukocyte | White blood cell; round cell with a nucleus whose main function is to combat infection and remove disintegrating tissues.
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| liability | Legal obligation to compensate another for loss or damages.
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| lipemic | Cloudy serum or plasma following or caused by increased lipids.
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| litigation | Legal action or lawsuit.
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| lymphocyte | A leukocyte produced in the lymphoid tissue; a nongranular leukocyte that has a role in the body's immune system.
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| lymphostasis | Lack of fluid drainage in the lymph system, usually caused by lymph node removal.
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| malpractice | Implies bad or dishonorable behavior.
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| Material safety data sheets (MSDS) | Documentation of specific chemical ingredients found in hazardous substances, and emergency instructions to follow if abnormal contact occurs.
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| median cubital vein | Most commonly used vein for venipuncture found in the middle of the forearm.
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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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| microhematocrit tube | Type of capillary tube used for measuring a hematocrit, or packed cell volume.
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| microsample | A sample of less than one milliliter.
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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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| monocyte | A large leukocyte formed in bone marrow, with abundant cytoplasm and a kidney-shaped nucleus; function is to ingest bacteria and debris in tissues.
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| National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) | Organization that provides accreditation to phlebotomy training programs and offers certification for structured educational programs.
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| National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) | Independent third-party organization that provides certification testing for phlebotomy technicians.
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| National Credentialing Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel (NCA) | One of the agencies responsible for laboratory personnel certification.
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| National Healthcareer Association (NHA) | Agency that provides certification and continuing education to health care professionals, including certified phlebotomy technicians.
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| negligence | An intentional or unintentional error or wrongdoing.
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| neutrophil | Leukocyte that engulfs and digests pathogens found in tissues; its granules stain lavender.
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| normal flora | Microorganisms that typically live on and in the body, normally causing no harm to the host.
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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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| osteomyelitis | Infection or inflammation of the bone or bone marrow.
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| outcome | Results of a test or procedure.
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| oxygenated | Containing a higher concentration of oxygen than carbon dioxide.
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| packed cell volume | A synonym for hematocrit.
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| palmar | Pertaining to the palm side of the hand.
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| palpable | Detectable or noticeable by using touch; capable of being palpated.
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| palpate | Examine by touching with the fingers, using pressure, then releasing.
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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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| peak level | Specimen collected when a serum drug level is at its highest level, usually 15 to 30 minutes after administration.
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| performance improvement | Effort of all team members to improve the complete quality of the entire health care facility, not just of services requiring clinical skills; involves employees learning from their mistakes and from input of co-workers.
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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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| petechiae | Small, nonraised red spots appearing on the skin due to minor hemorrhage in underlying tissue.
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| phagocytosis | A process by which bacteria and antigens are surrounded and engulfed by leukocytes.
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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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| plantar | Pertaining to the sole or bottom of the foot.
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| plasma | The clear, pale yellow fluid component of blood that contains fibrinogen obtained from a tube that has an anticoagulant and has been centrifuged.
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| platelet function assay (PFA) | Blood test that determines platelet adhesion and aggregation.
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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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| polycythemia | A condition in which there is an overproduction of red blood cells.
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| postprandial | After eating a meal.
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| pre-analytical error | Error made before, during, or after the collection of blood and before the actual analysis.
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| process | Actual procedure or duty that is to be done to the patient.
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| professionalism | A group of characteristics or qualities that display a positive image or code of ethics.
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| pulmonary arteries | Arteries that transport deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
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| pus | A substance containing old leukocytes, pathogens, and other debris, created at the site of infection once the white blood cells undergo phagocytosis.
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| quality assurance (QA) | A program consisting of established policies and procedures that govern all activities of individual health care facilities.
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| quality control (QC) | A component of quality assurance that examines each procedural step for accuracy.
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| quantity not sufficient (QNS) | Specimen amount is too small to perform the ordered test.
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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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| reference values | Expected values for a laboratory or population, usually established using patients in a basal state.
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| reliable | Believable and dependable.
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| requisition | Form used to order a blood test, usually generated by or at the request of a physician.
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| Rh antigen | A protein originally found on the red blood cells of the Rhesus monkey.
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| risk management | A department in health care facilities that generates policies and procedures to protect patients, employees, and the employer from loss or injury.
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| sclerosis | The abnormal hardening of tissue.
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| septicemia | Presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the blood, causing symptoms such as fever, chills, and changes in mental state.
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| septum | A muscular wall between the left and right side of the heart.
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| serology | The identification of antibodies in the blood's serum.
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| serum | Clear, pale yellow fluid that remains after blood clots and is separated; does not contain fibrinogen; plasma minus the clotting factors.
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| sphygmomanometer | A device for measuring arterial blood pressure.
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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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| sterile | Free of microorganisms.
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| supine | Face upward, lying on the back.
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| syncope | Fainting.
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| syringe | Device that consists of a plunger and a barrel graduated in milliliters or cubic centimeters.
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| therapeutic drug monitoring | Management of an effective drug dose by the physician.
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| therapeutic medication | Relates to the treatment, remedy, or curing of a disorder through the use of a medicinal substance.
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| thrombin | Enzyme formed in response to an injury that is a perquisite to the fibrin clot formation.
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| thrombocyte | Also called platelet; the smallest of the formed elements in the bloodstream.
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| total quality management (TQM) | An institution-wide concept that involves all members of the health care team in creating quality processes to improve customer satisfaction.
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| tourniquet | Device that impedes or stops the flow of blood.
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| toxicology | Detection and study of agents that are harmful to the body.
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| trough level | Specimen collected when a serum drug level is at its lowest level, usually immediately before the next scheduled dose is administered.
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| tunica adventitia | Outermost covering of arteries and veins.
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| tunica intima | Innermost layer of arteries and veins.
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| tunica media | Middle layer of arteries and veins.
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| Unopette® | A collection system designed for hematology tests, used to make accurate dilutions of whole blood.
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| urinalysis | Examination of urine for physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics.
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| vein | Blood vessel that transports blood from body tissues back to the heart.
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| vena cava | The largest vein in the body.
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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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| venous reflux | The backward flow of blood into the patient's veins during venipuncture.
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| ventricle (ventricles, plural) | One of two bottom chambers of the heart known as the pumping chambers.
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| venule | A minute vein.
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| waived tests | Laboratory tests approved by the FDA that are minimally complicated and pose little risk of harm to the patient.
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| winged set | Also called a butterfly needle set; consists of a stainless steel collection needle connected to 5 to 12 inches of plastic tubing.
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