Key Points This chapter discusses the use of proteins, whose serum levels are often elevated in patients with malignancies, in the diagnosis and management of cancer. Many of these are so-called oncofetal antigens —that is, proteins that are expressed in…
Key Points Five different classes of antibody are known—immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG, IgA, IgD, and IgE—each with a distinct heavy chain. Two different light-chain types have been identified: κ and λ. Antigens react with antibodies at the Fab region, which…
Key Points The immune system consists of cellular and humoral components that defend the body against invading microorganisms. Deficiency of individual factors of the immune system can leave an individual susceptible to different infections. The lymphoid cells of the immune…
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 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 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 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).…