Term | Definition |
Automated Method | A method of laboratory testing in which the series of steps in the test method is performed with an automated. |
Fasting | Abstaining from food or fluids (excepted water)for a specified amount of time before the collection of a specimen. |
Homeostasis | The state in which body systems are functioning normally, and the internal environment of the body is in equilibrium; the body is in a healthy state. |
In Vivo | Occurring in the living body organism. |
Laboratory Test | The clinical analysis and study of materials, fluids, or tissues obtained from patients to assist in diagnosis and treatment of disease |
Plasma | The liquid part of the blood , consisting of a clear, yellowish fluid that comprises approximately 55% of the total blood volume. |
Manual Method | A method of laboratory testing in which the series of steps in the test method is performed by hand. |
Profile | Numerous laboratory tests providing related or complementary information used to determine the health status of a patient. |
Quality Control | the application of methods to ensure that test results are reliable & valid & that errors are detected & eliminated |
calibration | a mechanism to check the prcision & 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. |
clinical diagnosis | a tentative diagnosis of a patient's condition obtained through evaluation of the health history & the physician examination, w/o the benefit of a laboratory or diagnostic test |
control | a solution that is used to monitor a test system to ensure the reliability & accuracy of test results |
nonwaived test | a complex laboratory test that does not meet the CLIA criteria for waiver & is subject to the CLIA regulations |
product insert | a printed document supplied by the manufacturer with a laboratory test product that contains information on the proper storage & use of the product |
qualitative test | a test that indicates whether or not a substance is present in the specimen being tested & also provides an approximate indication of the amount of a substance present |
reagent | A substance that produces a reaction with a patient specimen that allows detection of measurement of the substance by the test system |
reference range | a certain established & acceptable parameter or reference range which the laboratory test results of a healthy individual are expected to fall; aka reference value & reference interva |
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 & the clotting factor fibrinogen have been separated out of it |
specimen | a small sample of something taken to show the nature of the whole |
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 tst that meets the CLIA criteria for being a simple procedure that is easy to perform & a low risk of erroneous test results; include tests that have been FDA approved for home use |
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 |
clinical diagnosis | a tentative diagnosis of a patient's condition obtained through evaluation of the health history & the physician examination, w/o the benefit of a laboratory or diagnostic test |