Rosette Test

Posted by: Daisy Jane, RN, MN

Definition The Rosette Test is a screening test used to detect the presence of Rh positive cells in an Rh negative mother. This test is done on postpartum mothers who gave birth to an Rh positive baby. When Rh positive cells are present in the circulation of an Rh negative mother, rosette or clumps will [...]

Antiglobulin Test

Posted by: Daisy Jane, RN, MN

Antiglobulin test is formally known as Direct Antiglobulin Test. You may hear doctors or nurses use words such as DAT, Direct Coomb’s test or direct anti-human Globulin test – these are all similar terms used in the health care setting. Antiglobulin test came into its existence for the purpose of the following: Diagnosis of hemolytic [...]

Kleihauer-Betke Test

Posted by: Daisy Jane, RN, MN

Definition The Kleihauer-Betke (KB) test is a blood test that measures the amount of fetal hemoglobin transferred from a fetus to the mother’s bloodstream. It is usually done for the purpose of determining the RhoGam dose. This test is used to predict certain types of pregnancy complications, particularly after a mother has suffered a traumatic [...]

Electromyography (EMG)

Posted by: Daisy Jane, RN, MN

Definition Electromyography is a test that measures and records the activity of contracting muscles in response to electrical stimulation. It checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles. EMG is performed using an instrument called electromyogaph, to produce a record called an electromyogram. Purpose of EMG EMGs are useful in [...]

Arthroscopy

Posted by: Daisy Jane, RN, MN

Definition Arthroscopy is an endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of a joint. This procedure is minimally invasive in which the examination for diagnosis and/or treatment of the internal joint structure is performed using an arthroscope or a tube-like viewing instrument. An arthroscope is a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through [...]

Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test

Posted by: Daisy Jane, RN, MN

Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test Glycosylated hemoglobin test indicates the average plasma glucose concentration over two (2) to three (3) months. The word “glycosylated” denotes the attachment of a blood glucose molecule to hemoglobin. It is abbreviated as HbA1c. Normally, the result ranges from 4% – 8%. In people with poorly controlled serum glucose levels (diabetes), the [...]

Lymph Node Biopsy

Posted by: Lhynnelli, RN

Lymph node biopsy is the surgical excision of an active lymph node or needle aspiration of a nodal specimen for histological examination. Both techniques usually use local anesthesia and sample superficial nodes in the cervical, supraclavicular, axillary, or inguinal region. Excision, the preferred technique, provides a larger specimen. Microscopic examination of the tissue specimen distinguishes [...]

Serum Uric Acid Test

Posted by: Lhynnelli, RN

The uric acid test is used to measure serum uric acid levels, the major end metabolite of purine. Disorders of purine metabolism, rapid destruction of nucleic acids, and conditions marked by impaired renal excretion characteristically raise serum uric acid levels. The most specific laboratory method for detecting uric acid is spectrophotometric absorption after treatment of [...]

Triglycerides Testing

Posted by: Lhynnelli, RN

Serum triglyceride testing provides quantitative analysis of triglycerides, the main storage form of lipids, which constitute about 95% of fatty tissue. Although not in itself diagnostic, serum triglyceride analysis permits early identification of hyperlipidemia (characteristic in nephrotic syndrome and other conditions) and determination of the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Purpose of Triglycerides Testing [...]

Throat Culture Procedure

Posted by: Lhynnelli, RN

A throat culture requires swabbing the throat, streaking a culture plate, and allowing the organisms to grow for isolation and identification of pathogens. A Gram-stained smear may provide preliminary identification, which may guide clinical management and determine the need for further tests. Culture reactions must be interpreted in light of clinical status, recent antimicrobial therapy, [...]