Medical laboratory testing has a vital role in the detection and management of disease in patients. Laboratory tests are used to verify the presence, magnitude or absence of a disease, the tests are also used to monitor the effectiveness of a treatment. Laboratory testing includes test results being analysed, laboratory scientists perform various biological, chemical, microscopic and bacteriological tests which require important analytical and independent verdict.
Whole population screening
In medicine screening is used in a population to identify the presence of an undiagnosed disease in patients who do not demonstrate signs or symptoms. This could include patients with an unrecognized symptomatic disease.
Blood samples are the most common samples used for population screening are. It is essential to collect the samples in the easiest and fastest manner, as this is the best method to analyse the large number of people. The sample collected then undergoes biomedical laboratory testing.
An
…show more content…
The test is used to acquire the measurements of red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit and platelets. A complete blood count reveals any abnormal increases or decreases in cell counts, which calls for further evaluation as it may indicate a hidden medical condition. The test is carried out by collecting the blood in a test tube which contains an anticoagulant to prevent the blood from clotting. In the laboratory the blood is placed into an analyser, which analyses the different elements in the blood. Within this test the numbers and types of different cells present in the blood are counted. The results are then either printed out or sent to a computer for examination. The reason a complete blood count is carried out for various reasons such as to review a patient’s overall health, to diagnose a medical condition, to monitor a medical condition and to monitor a
A complete blood count was done for this patient upon admission in order to give a baseline to help guide his care. The blood count was also done to show how his hematological system was affected by the trauma that he suffered in the motor vehicle accident he was in. If the patient was hemodynamically unstable, he may have needed blood transfusions to bring his blood counts up. White blood cells could help to tell is the patient has an infection in his surgical wound. The patient also underwent surgery to correct the injury to his spine, causing more blood to be lost in the process. The platelet, hemoglobin, and hematocrit counts could help to show in the future if the patient is suffering from internal bleeding after the surgery he had.
...(CBC), Activated Partial Thrombo Plastin Time (APTT) Test, Prothombin Time (PT) Test, and Fibrinogen Test”.
...th. The test can be to check your blood glucose levels, cholesterol, triglycerides, lactic, and uric acid. And to check if your growing and checking for enlargements of the liver.
This form of testing is used for determining if an individual is inebriated or not. James and Nordby (2009) stated that an equilibrium exists between alcohol in the bloodstream and alcohol in the lung such that, on average, the concentration of blood alcohol is 2100 times greater than the concentration of breath alcohol (p. 63). Since this equilibrium exists, one can measure the breath alcohol and infer the corresponding alcohol concentration in the bloodstream (James & Nordby, 2009 p. 63). An advantage of this form of testing is that it can be conducted without drawing a blood sample and testing it. This allows personnel such as police officers to test individuals on the spot versus having to take someone in and draw a blood sample and wait for results to come
Genetic testing involves examining an individual’s DNA and identifying abnormalities within the chemical makeup of specific structures. It, essentially, maps the person’s genome and can be interpreted to predict future issues. By analyzing the chromosome, genes, and even certain proteins, physicians and researchers can find changes that lead to inheritable disorders. These changes can lead to possible diagnosis or cure for the disorder in question. In most cases, genetic testing is used to determine the probability that an individual will develop a certain disorder. It is not used to specifically diagnose a disorder, as there are no techniques that are 100% accurate. Genetic testing techniques do give good evidence to confirm a physician’s findings, but it is not the first act a physician takes to diagnose a disorder. It can narrow a search or rule out a specific disorder very confidently, but making a diagnosis based solely on genetic testing is not an action that a qualified medical professional would consider.
To make sure it is a fair test; the procedure is repeated a couple of
When it comes to genetic diseases and conditions, testing can be very helpful and serve a good purpose. People with diseases that are inheritable to their children are encouraged to be tested. For example, in the article about Jewish testing, it says
Handbook of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests with Nursing Implications (3rd edition). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company.
Genetic screening techniques are coming of age and the controversy that surrounds them is growing by the minute. The definition of genetic screenings is as follows: a systematic search for persons with a specific genotype. These tests that look into the essence of humanity, will allow scientist and physicians the opportunity and ability to alter the human genotype for better or worse. Genetic advancements will bring controversy at every milestone. Genetic Screening usually takes place when an individu al or group shows risk for a disease or trait. Genetic testing can pinpoint a specific allelic interaction or multiple gene interactions, which may lead to a disorder. The common thread of life is DNA and DNA is the only major requirement for genetic sc reening. With knowledge of structure and function of DNA scientists can unlock the mysteries of life.
Coughlin, S. S. (2002). Future challenges for research on diagnostic tests: genetic tests and disease prevention. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 56(5), 335-336. doi:10.1136/jech.56.5.335
Sharing certain aspects of practice with other disciplines of pathology like clinical pathology, anatomic pathology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, molecular pathology seeks to understand and diagnose, at a molecular level, the mechanisms and origins of diseases (Harris and McCormick 2010). Through patient samples tests are carried out to measure
Moreover, It is quite obvious that animal testing has done a lot for medical research in the past, and the use of an animal was needed. The main purpose of animal testing is to “Gain basic knowledge; for fundamental medical research; for the discovery and development of drugs and vaccines and medical advances” (Estimates for Worldwide Laboratory Animal Use in 2005 1). However, while that may have been true in the 1900’s, it is certainly not the case in the 21st century. With technology constantly advancing and expanding, researchers have found other alternatives that do not need a live animal body. Such alternatives, like computer models and in vitro testing, give the same amount of medical research without the nereed of harming an animal. Computer programs use specialized models to help design new products. These generated simulations are used to “predict the various possible biological and toxic effects of a chemical or potential drug candidate” (Alternatives to Animal testing: a review 225). It is unreasonable to assume that in the 21st century, animal testing is still the best option for medical research. With technology currently being used for many medical advances, future discoveries of medical research can and should be made without animal
They test many types of samples in the lab such as skin or body fluids like blood and urine. Lab techs have the responsibility to not only perform the test but to record the results and get the results where they need to be. Blood tests can indicate many different conditions such as a hormone imbalance or blood type. This is very important because if someone receives a blood type that is not compatible with their own blood, the patient could die. Skin and tissue samples can also lead to a diagnosis. They can run tests to see if a sample reacts to something or doesn’t react to something. This is how the lab tech helps to diagnose.
If a person in a lab is going to look at several blood samples. This person sees that all of the ...
Beckman DXH Hematology analyzers that believe it or not will do the cell count on a