Key Points Enzymes are protein catalysts utilized by essentially all mammalian cells in specific biochemical reactions in different organs of the body, which may also be physically located in different organelles and structures within a cell. Enzymes lower the activation…
Key Points The primary structure of a protein is its linear sequence of amino acids with different side groups, which determine how the protein folds on itself (secondary and tertiary structures) and how it reacts with other molecules and cells…
Key Points The most important disease affecting the heart is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), caused by plaque in the coronary arteries. ASCVD can lead to thrombotic occlusion of coronary blood flow, causing an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ACS with frank…
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)…