Term | Definition |
automated method | a method of laboratory testing in which the series of steps in the test method is performed with an automated analyzer. |
Fasting | abstanding from food or fluids(except water)for a specified amount of time before the collection of a specimen. |
Homeostasis | the state in which the body systems are functioning normally, and the internal environment of the body is in equilibrium; the body is in a healthy state. |
Plasma | the liquid part of the blood, consisting of a clear, yellowish fluid that comprises approximately 55% of the total blood valume. |
In vivo | occuring in the body or organism. |
Laboratory test | the clinical analysis and study of materials, fluids, or tissues obtained form patients to assist in diagnosis and treatment of disease. |
Manual method | a method of laboratory testsing in which the series of steps in the test method is performed by hand. |
Plasma | the liquid part of the blood, consisting of a clear, yellowish fluid that comprises approximately 55% of the total blood valume. |
Quality control | the application of methods to ensure that the test results are reliable and valid and that errors are detected and eliminated. |
Routine test | a laboratory test performed routinely on apparently healthy patients to assist in the early detection of disease. |
Serum | the clear,straw-colored part of the blood(plasma) that remains after the solid elements and the clotting factor fibrogen have been separated. |
Analyte | a substance that is being identified or measured in a laboratory report. |
Calibration | A mechanism to check the precision and accuracy of a test system, such as an automated analyzer, to determine if the system is providing accurate results; typically performed using a device called a standard. |
Product insert | a printed document supplied by the manufacturer with a laboratory test product that contaisn |
Clinical diagnosis | A tenative diagnosis of a patient's condition obtained through evaluation of the health history and the PE, without the benefit of laboratory or diagnostic tests. |
Control | a solution that is used to monitor a test system to ensure the reliability and accuracy of test results. |
Nonwaived test | a complex lab test that does not meet the CLIA criteria for maiver and is subject to the CLIA regulations. |
Product insert | a printed document supplied by the manufacturer with a laboratory test product that contains info on the proper storage and use fo the product. |
Qualitative test | a teat that indicates wheather or not a substance is present in teh speciemn being tested and also provides an approximate indication of the amount of the substance. |
Quantitative test | a test that indicates the exact amount of a chemical substance that is present in the body, with the results being reported in measurable units. |
Reagent | a substance that produces a reation with a patient specimen that allows detection of measurement of the substance by the test system. |
Reference range | a certain established and acceptable parameter of reference range within which the laboratory test results fo a healthy individual are expected to fall ( aka reference value and reference intervl) |
Test system | a setup that includes all of the test components required to perform a laboratory test such as testing devices, controls, and testing reagents. |
Waived test | a laboratory test that meets the CLIA criteria for being a simple procedure that is easy to perform and has low risck of erroneous test results; these have been FDA approved for home use. |