Phlebotomy Tech Prep: CPT Coming soon

Medical terms starting with A

45 entries

  • -acPertaining to.
  • -algiaPain.
  • a-, an-Without, not, or lacking.
  • A1CHemoglobin A1C (HbA1c): shows how high blood sugar has run, on average, over roughly the last 2 to 3 months; no…
  • ab-Away from.
  • ABGArterial blood gases: oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH measured in blood from an artery, such as the radial, brachial or…
  • ABNAdvance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage: Medicare form given before a test Medicare may not pay for, so the patient…
  • ABO blood groupSystem that types blood as A, B, AB or O, depending on which A and B antigens are on the red cells.
  • acid citrate dextroseACD: additive in pale yellow-top tubes; WHO lists HLA tissue typing, paternity testing and DNA studies.
  • ad-Toward or near.
  • additiveAnything put in a collection tube on purpose, such as an anticoagulant, clot activator, separator gel or preservative…
  • adulterated specimenA drug-test specimen containing a substance not normally found in urine, or an abnormal amount of a natural one…
  • advance directiveA legal document, such as a living will or health care power of attorney, stating care wishes for when the patient…
  • AEDAutomated external defibrillator: portable unit that checks the heart rhythm through chest pads and tells the rescuer…
  • aerobic bottleBlood culture bottle whose medium supports organisms that grow with oxygen; paired with an anaerobic bottle in a set.
  • AIDSAcquired immunodeficiency syndrome: late-stage HIV disease, when the immune system is badly weakened. HIV spreads…
  • airborne precautionsUsed for TB, measles or chickenpox: a negative-pressure isolation room (AIIR) and a fit-tested N95 or better…
  • airborne transmissionSpread by droplet nuclei (under about 5 micrometers) that stay suspended in air, as with tuberculosis, measles and…
  • alcohol-based hand rubHand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, rubbed over all hand surfaces until dry (about 20 to 30 seconds).
  • aliquotA portion of serum, plasma or urine transferred from the original tube into a labeled secondary tube, so several tests…
  • ALT, ASTAlanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase: enzymes released when liver cells are damaged; both are part…
  • ambi-Both or both sides.
  • anaerobic bottleBlood culture bottle whose medium supports organisms that grow without oxygen; paired with an aerobic bottle in a set.
  • analytical phaseThe testing step itself, when the instrument or test system measures the specimen.
  • anchoringHolding the skin taut with the thumb below the site, pulling toward the hand, so the vein stays still as the needle…
  • anemiaToo few red cells or too little hemoglobin, lowering oxygen delivery. Repeated blood draws can contribute, especially…
  • angi/oBlood vessel.
  • ante-Before or in front of.
  • antecubital fossaThe hollow at the front of the elbow where the median cubital, cephalic and basilic veins lie; the main venipuncture…
  • anti-Against or opposing.
  • antibodyA protein the immune system makes against a specific antigen. Antibodies against foreign red-cell antigens are why…
  • anticoagulantPrevents clotting: tube additives like EDTA, citrate and heparin, and blood thinners like warfarin, which make…
  • antigenA marker the immune system recognizes. Red-cell antigens such as A, B and the Rh factor decide a person's blood type.
  • antisepticA germ-killing agent for skin and living tissue, such as 70% isopropyl alcohol for routine venipuncture; disinfectants…
  • aort/oAorta, the largest artery.
  • apheresisCollection in which blood is drawn, one part such as plasma or platelets is separated and kept, and the rest is…
  • arteri/oArtery.
  • arterial punctureInserting a needle into an artery, such as the radial artery, to collect arterial blood, mainly for blood gases…
  • arteriovenous fistulaA surgical joining of an artery and a vein, usually in the arm, for hemodialysis. That arm is never used for…
  • arteriovenous graftA soft tube joining an artery and a vein under the skin for hemodialysis access; that arm is not used for draws.
  • arteryA vessel carrying blood away from the heart under high pressure. It pulses when palpated, which helps the phlebotomist…
  • ather/oFatty plaque or deposit.
  • atriumAn upper heart chamber. The right one collects blood coming back from the body; the left one collects oxygen-rich…
  • auto-Self.
  • autologous donationBlood a person donates for their own later use. FDA allows a lower hemoglobin minimum for autologous donors (11.0 g/dL).