KEY POINTS Although ultracentrifugation and electrophoretic techniques are of historical significance, most useful lipid and lipoprotein testing methods are now enzymatic. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is considered the primary target in assessing cardiac risk and directing therapy. LDL cholesterol can…
Key Points Normal fasting plasma glucose is less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L), and normal glucose levels 2 hours after a 75-g glucose load are less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L). Impaired fasting glucose (100–125 mg/dL; 5.6–6.9 mmol/L), impaired glucose…
Key Points The plasma concentration of calcium, phosphate, and magnesium is dependent on the net balance of bone mineral deposition and resorption, intestinal absorption, and renal excretion. The principal hormones regulating these processes are parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D,…
Introduction Laboratory tests for evaluation of disorders of renal, water, electrolyte, and acid-base status are the most common procedures performed in clinical chemistry laboratories. Screening tests in most laboratories are often grouped together in a basic metabolic panel because acid-base…
Key Points Ethical behavior in professional affairs is essential to maintain trust of patients and physicians. Conflicts of interest can arise when transparency of motives and rewards is not practiced. Privacy of protected health information is mandated by the U.S.…
Key Points Costs can be described in different ways depending on how they relate to laboratory operations (direct/indirect), change with test volume (variable/fixed), pertain to staffing (salary/nonsalary), or are associated with the useful life of supplies or equipment (operating/capital). Cost…
Key Points The practice of Pathology Informatics/Clinical Laboratory Informatics is central to all aspects of data stewardship in the clinical laboratory. Fundamental knowledge of database technology and database principles is critical to understanding key aspects of laboratory information system (LIS)…
Key Points Quality control samples are assayed on a schedule to verify that a laboratory procedure is performing correctly. Interpretation of quality control results is based on acceptance criteria that will identify bias, trend in bias, or imprecision that exceeds…
Key Points For statistical analyses, nominal variables can take on only a limited number of values (or categories), whereas continuous variables are used to report quantitative data. Independent variables are considered input (cause), and dependent variables are considered output (effect).…
Key Points Accurate differential diagnoses can be made from a systematic study of the laboratory profiles of patients in a large majority of cases. There are basically four types of anemia: iron deficiency, anemia of chronic disease, hemolytic anemia, and…