2 Laboratory and Specimen-Based Diagnostics Free Online FlashCards

What should accompany interpretation of a laboratory result?

Interpret laboratory findings alongside symptoms, medical history, medications, and prior results—not in isolation.

Why use the reference range printed on the patient’s report?

Reference ranges can vary by laboratory, age, sex, pregnancy, and testing method. Use the range printed on the patient’s report.

During fasting preparation, what should a patient know about water and medicines?

Plain water is generally allowed. Follow test-specific instructions and ask the ordering clinician about medicines; do not stop them unless instructed.

How is a clean-catch midstream urine sample collected?

Clean the area as instructed, begin urinating into the toilet, then collect the midstream urine without touching the inside of the cup.

What is the basic timing procedure for a 24-hour urine collection?

Discard the first urine at the start time, then collect every void for the next 24 hours, including the final urine at the end time.

What may low hemoglobin and hematocrit suggest?

They may be consistent with anemia, but interpretation depends on the patient’s health, other CBC values, and the laboratory’s range.

What can an elevated serum creatinine suggest?

Creatinine is a waste product filtered by the kidneys. A high result may indicate reduced kidney filtration, but other findings and clinical context matter.

What does a positive urine nitrite result mean?

Nitrites can support suspicion of a urinary tract infection, but a negative nitrite result does not rule one out.

What is the immediate response to faintness and oozing after venipuncture?

Help the patient lie down and apply firm pressure to the puncture site. Seek assistance if symptoms or bleeding persist.

What example adult reference range is given for white blood cell count?

The example adult reference range is 4,500–11,000 cells/µL; use the reporting laboratory’s range.

What example adult reference range is given for platelet count?

The example adult reference range is 150,000–400,000/µL; use the reporting laboratory’s range.

What example adult reference range is given for sodium?

The example adult reference range is 135–145 mEq/L; use the reporting laboratory’s range.