Nosocomial Infection
An infection someone acquires after being admitted to a health-care facility
Hemolyzation
When blood cells are ruptured or broken and destroyed. Can be from shaking blood collection tubes or using too small of a needle
Thrombin
The agent in the clotting process that causes the firm fibrin clot to form
Syncope
Fainting" Caused by lack of oxygen to the brain
Hemoconcentration
A build-up of blood cells which results in the red cells compressing against each other and releasing potassium, thus giving erroneous test results
Capillaries
Tiny, microscopic vessels that connect or link arteries and veins. They can be so small that only one blood cell may pass through at a time. They are the only vessels that permit the exchange of gases and other molecules between blood and surrounding tiss
Red Blood Cells are also known as:
Erythrocytes
White Blood Cells are also known as:
Leukocytes
Another name for Platelets
Thrombocytes
Buffering
Term used to describe the body's ability to control the delicate pH of the blood
Serum
The liquid portion of the blood WITHOUT the clotting factors
Homeostasis
Literally means "reamaining the same". Also known as a steady state condition. It is a snormal state that allows the body to stay in a healthy balance by continually compensating with necessary changes. The body's way of staying in balance.
Hemostasis
A complex series of processes in which coagulation occurs to control bleeding while at the same time maintaining circulating blood in the liquid state. Enables the body to retain blood in vascular system by preventing blood loss.
Infection
When the body is invaded with pathogenic micro-organisms
Normal Anatomic Position
Erect standing or sitting position with arms at rest and palms forward
Supine Position
Lying or reclining face up on his or her back
Prone Position
Lying face down on his or her stomach
Lateral Recumbant Position
Lying on left or right side
What is Diagnostic Testing?
Laboratory tests and x-rays to help determine what's wrong with a patient
Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP)
Any micro-organism present in blood and/or other body fluids and tisses that can cause infectious disease.
Communicable Disease
If a micro-organism can be transmitted to an individual by direct or indirect contact, it is a communicable disease.
Aseptic
Clean; flora greatly reduced
Sterile
NO living organisms
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Gloves, facemasks, respirators, gowns, shields
Fomites
Objects that can harbor infectious agents and transmit infection. Examples: Keyboards, doorknobs, telephones, countertops, pens and pencils and sink handles
What does Pathogenic mean?
Disease-causing
Stakeholders
Customers" Individuals, groups, organizations or communities that have interest in, or are influenced by the quality of health care services.
POL
Physician Office Laboratory
Clinical Pathology
Blood, other types of body fluids and tissues are analyzed
Anatomic Pathology
Autopsies are performed and histologic and cytologic procedures are utilized for tissue and fluid specimens and surgical biopsy tissues are analyzed
Acute Care
Hospitals, urgent care with short term stays
Ambulatory Care
Outpatient settings: patients are not as critical as acute care patients and they are more mobile. Health care clinics, physician office labs, home health care agencies, school based clinics, etc.
POC
Point of Care" Patient's bedside, mobile sites, patient's home, etc. Wherever the blood collection procedure is taking place
What is an ECP?
Exposure Control Plan" A document required in health care facilities that details what to do if you've been exposed to infectious substances such as a needle stick.
Medicare
Federal program designed to provide health insurance for the elderly. Also regulates many things in health-care organizations.
Medicaid
Federal AND state funded program providing health insurance for low-income individuals. Also regulates many things in health-care organizations.
CLIA
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Ammendments
Federal guidelines regulating all clinical labs. Apply to any site that tests human spicimens.
TJC
The Joint Commission
Federal Organization that regulates hospitals
FDA
The Food and Drug Administration
Federal organization regulating blood products
CDC
The Center for Disease Control
Federal Organization that makes recommendations for disease control STANDARD PRECAUTIONS
Plasma
The liquid portion of blood and lymph
Hypoxia
A condition in which any region of the body is deprived of blood and oxygen, and the tissue dying.
Saphenous Vein
The longest vessel in the body
Cause and Effect Diagrams
Identifies interactions among equipment, methods, people, supplies and reagents
Material Safety Data Sheets
Lists general info, precautionary measures and emergency information for chemicals with a hazardous warning label. Chemical manufacturers are required to supply them.
Glycolysis
The breakdown or metabolism of glucose by blood cells.
OSHA
Occupational Health and Safety Administration
Federal agency regulating workplace safety and health. Concerned with OUR safety, the health-care workers, NOT the patients. UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS
Scope of Practice
Defines the procedures, actions and processes that are permitted for a licensed individual. We MUST operate within our scope of practice.
NFPA
The National Fire Protection Association
NFPA Rating System
System for labeling hazardous chemicals used in health care facilities. Uses a diamond shaped symbol with 4 colored quadrants and a hazard rating scale of 0-4.
Engineered Controls
Devices that remove BBP hazards from the workplace: Needle guards, plastic (vs. glass) blood tubes, needless devices, etc.
Standard Precautions
Precautions designed by the CDC to decrease transmission of micro-organisms: Treat everything like its contaminated with dangerous BBPs. Includes hand hygiene, gloves, masks, gowns...
Universal Precautions
A BBP preventative approach established through OSHA
pH
Describes the degree of the scidity or alkalinity of the blood on a scale of 1-14.