| A | B |
|---|
| aliquot | A portion of a specimen that is some known fraction of the entire specimen. Quantitative analyses or other measurements performed on the aliquot can be multiplied by the reciprocal of this fraction to yield figures applicable to the whole person. |
| quantitative analyses | Q_ or other measurements performed on the aliquot can be multiplied by the reciprocal of this fraction to yield figures applicable to the whole person. |
| analyte | The substance whose presence is tested for in a qualitative analysis or whose concentration in the specimen is determined in a quantitative analysis |
| assay | Any quantitative test; applied particulary to measurement of biological activity, as in hormones. |
| baseline | A test performed on an apparently healthy person, or in advance of some other test or procedure, to provide a basis for comparison w/ results of future test. |
| bench test | A laboratory test performed manually by a technician, as opposed to one done by automated machinery. |
| borderline | (adjective) Referring to a test result that is close to the border b/n normal and abnormal. |
| calibration | Adjustment or correction of a testing instrument or method by means of a standard. |
| control | A specimen whose properties are already known, which is subjected to a test or measurement as a means of calibrating an instrument or verifying the accuracy of a procedure. |
| negative control | A specimen that is known to be normal, or that should yield a negative test. |
| postitive control | A specimen that is known to be ABNL, or that should yield a positive test |
| count | Any enumeration of discrete objects in a specimen, such as cells of a certain type of blood |
| end point | The point in an analysis at which the chemical reaction is complete, or at which reading or interpretation of test results is feasible |
| high normal | A quantitative test result that is near the upper limit of normal, though within the normal range |
| in vitro | (Latin, 'in glass') Referring to a condition, change, or reaction existing or occuring in a test tube or other laboratory vessel |
| in vivo | (Latin, 'in the living') Referring to a condition, change, or reaction existing or occurring in the living body |
| indicator | A chemical substance that changes color in the presence of certain other substances or in response to variations in acidity/alkalinity |
| level | A numerical (quantitative) test result showing the amount or (more often) concentration of a substance in a specimen |
| low normal | A quantitative test result that is near the lower limit of normal, though within the normal range |
| panic level | An abnormal test result level that may indicate a severe or life-threatening condition |
| parameter | Although this term has a specific meaning in mathematics, in medical jargon it means any variable that can be measured |
| QNS | Quantity not sufficient; usually indicating that the specimen submitted is inadequate for the performance of the test requested |
| rate | A laboratory determination involving time; usually a measure of change occuring in a specimen or reagent during a fixed interval of time |
| reagent | A chemical substance that is made to react with one or more other substances, usually in an analytic procedure |
| slide test | A test,usually qualitative,performed on a glass,plastic,or cardboard plate,strip,disc,or microscope slide;especially a test designed to be performed simply&rapidly by persons w/o technical training |
| specimen | Any material or object that is subjected to scientific examination,measurement,or analyssi;generally a sample whose composition is assumed to be representative of the whole from which it is derived |
| standard | A material of known properties that is used to calibrate an instrument or test system or to verify its correctness |
| stat | Immediately;refers to medical procedures performed on an urgent basis,including lab testing |
| substrate, substrate | The material on which an enzyme acts. The _ of a phophatase is phosphate |
| titration | A measurement/analysis in which an end point is reached after a series of small additions of reagent |
| turnaround time | The time that elapses b/n the ordering of a test (or the obtaining of a specimen)& the reporting of the test results by the lab |
| WNL | within normal limits |
