Key Points Assessment of erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet counts from manual and automated particle counters is central to the diagnosis and management of hematologic disease. With few exceptions, manual methods have been replaced by automated hematology analyzers. The selection of…
Key Points Cerebrospinal fluid is an essential part of a neurologic examination, comprising special attention to cell counts, basic chemical analyses, and microbiological cultures with specific antibody titers. Determining the etiologic cause of fluid accumulation in various body cavities (synovial…
Key Points Many different diseases can display abnormalities in the urine. Therefore, examination of the urine is an important laboratory function. Basic urinalysis consists of gross examination of the urine as well as a dipstick analysis for blood, white blood…
Key Points The clinical chemistry metabolic profile gives important quantitative information for over 25 serum analytes, often facilitating diagnosis of disease. Serum electrolyte concentrations for sodium, potassium, chloride, and sometimes calcium are most commonly assayed using ion-selective electrodes. Assays for…
Key Points Vitamins and trace elements are grouped because of the very small amount required to satisfy their extensive metabolic activity. Vitamins are essential organic substances that the body cannot synthesize or does not consistently synthesize sufficient for the metabolic…
Key Points Reproductive function and pregnancy are regulated by the complex interaction of a variety of hormones. They are synthesized and secreted by the testis (testosterone), ovary (estradiol and progesterone), pituitary (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH]), hypothalamus (gonadotropin-releasing…
Key Points The endocrine system is finely integrated—the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and target glands continually communicate through feedback inhibition and stimulation to control all aspects of metabolism, growth, and reproduction. By understanding this interplay and carefully manipulating these systems via…
Key Points Testing for the presence of drugs in the blood and other body fluids of patients has undergone a vast increase over the past 20 years. Testing for the presence of drugs of abuse and/or poisons in patients has…
Key Points Almost all patients with duodenal ulcers and most with chronic gastritis have demonstrable Helicobacter pylori infection. H. pylori stool antigen assays and urea breath tests are useful in diagnosis and in monitoring for eradication after treatment. Acute pancreatitis…
Key Points The liver is composed of three systems: the hepatocyte, concerned with metabolic reactions, macromolecular (especially protein) synthesis, and degradation and metabolism of xenobiotics (e.g., drugs); the biliary system, involved with the metabolism of bilirubin and bile salts; and…