CLINICAL LAB SCIENEC

446
GLOSSARY
physicians to insure the accuracy and appropriate
utilization of laboratory testing.
Anemia Nomenclature for a number of
hematological disorders manifested by low red
blood cell counts or by qualitative red blood cell
disorders; literal meaning is “without blood”
Antibiotic therapy Administration of antibacterial
agents to prevent or minimize infectious
processes
Antibody Protein produced by a specialized white
blood cell, the B lymphocyte, as a response to an
antigen
Anticoagulant Medication used to prevent blood
clotting
Anticoagulated specimen Blood specimen collected
in a vacuum tube containing chemicals to prevent
normal coagulation for when plasma is needed for
laboratory testing
Antigen Any substance (usually foreign to the body)
that evokes an immune response stimulating the
production of an antibody
Antispermatic preparation Spermicide that destroys
male reproductive germ cells, as used for
contraception
Artery Blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood
from the heart to tissues, cells, and organs of the
body
Assignment of health care benefits “Assignment of
Benefits” is a legally binding agreement between
the patient and his or her insurance provider,
requesting that reimbursement checks be sent
to the physician, clinic, or other medical service
provider
Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) Provides
accreditation for educational programs of surgical
technology
Atypical antibody (alloantibody) Antibody produced
by one individual that reacts with an alloantigen
of another individual of the same species; antibody
other than anti-A, anti-B, or anti-AB; also called
isoantibody
Autoanalyzer Automated testing equipment
Autoantibody Produced by the body in an
autoimmune reaction to any of its own cells or cell
products
Autolet device Spring-loaded device that performs
capillary puncture for blood collection
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine used
to provide immunity or protection against
tuberculosis (TB); also used to treat bladder
tumors or bladder cancer
Bacteria One-celled microorganism with no
organized nucleus and a cell membrane composed
of carbohydrates
Bacterial incinerator Instrument that uses extreme
heat to kill bacteria on metal devices that are used
to collect bacterial colonies from a Petri dish
Basilic vein Large vein on inner side of bicep just
above elbow; secondary choice for drawing
blood
Basophil Type of white blood cell accounting for
less than 1 percent of total white blood cells in the
body; essential to mediating nonspecific immune
response and producing histamine that dilates
blood vessels; stains basic with methylene blue
Beaker Deep, wide-mouthed vessel usually with a lip
for pouring; used in the laboratory for measuring
and mixing
Beer’s Law Describes the linear relationship of
the absorption coefficient of light with the
concentration of a solution
Beral pipette One-piece, semiquantitative pipette with
a built-in suction bulb
Bevel Slanted end of a hypodermic needle
Bilirubin Reddish yellow pigment in bile or blood,
derived from hemoglobin of red blood cells; causes
jaundice if accumulated in excess
Biohazard Biological agent or condition (such as an
infectious or highly contagious organism or an
unsecure laboratory procedure) that poses a danger
to humans or the environment
Biohazardous material Material contaminated by
biological agents
Biological safety cabinet Used to protect the worker
who is working with infectious microorganisms
Bloodborne and airborne pathogens Organisms
classified as “covered pathogens” for their
potential to cause serious disease or death; they
include HIV, HBV, and TB; they are given special
status in the orientation and training of health care
workers
Bone marrow Soft tissue in the cavities of most
bones; red marrow produces all blood cells
Breach Breaking of a contract
Break-even point Volume of testing at which it
becomes more economical for a medical facility to
set up its own testing facility rather than to send
tests out to a reference laboratory
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