Medical Terminology: Hematology Tests

1. What are Hematology Tests?
Hematology is the study of blood, blood diseases, and organs that form blood. Hematology clinical laboratory tests are used to examine blood and blood components to determine if they are within normal limits. Values outside the normal limits might be indications of disease.

2. Blood Type test
The blood type test is performed to test for blood compatibility for a blood transfusion and organ transplant and to test if a pregnant woman is Rh positive or negative.

Understanding the Blood Type Test
Blood is identified by antigens, which are specific proteins on the surface of red blood cells. There are two major types of antigens: blood group antigens (ABO) and Rh antigen. There are four types of blood group antigens that are determined by performing the ABO test:
. Type A: Has the A antigen and antibodies in plasma against B antigen (Type B)
. Type B: Has the B antigen and antibodies in plasma against A antigen (Type A)
. Type O: Has neither the A antigen or the B antigen and antibodies in plasma against A antigen (Type A) and B antigen (Type B)
. Type AB: Has the A antigen and the B antigen and no antibodies in plasma against A antigen (Type A) and B antigen (Type B)
Red blood cells may have the Rh antigen attached to their surface. This is sometimes referred to as the Rh factor and it is determined by the Rh test.
- Rh Positive (+): The Rh antigen is present on the red blood cells.
- Rh Negative (-): The Rh antigen is not present on the red blood cells.

A patient’s blood type is described as a combination of blood group antigen and Rh antigen by using the blood type letter(s) followed by a plus (+) or minus (-) sign indicating if the Rh antigen is present. For example, Type A–means that the patient has the A antigen but does not have the Rh antigen attached to the red blood cells. The test also examines minor antigens that can cause an adverse blood transfusion reaction when attached to red blood cells.

3. Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) Test
The partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test assesses the blood’s ability to clot, and is commonly performed before any invasive procedure. The PTT test is also used to measure the effectiveness of the dose of heparin administered to patients to prevent the formation of blood clots. This test is also used to assess for hemophilia and lupus anticoagulant syndrome or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome caused when the antibodies attack blood clotting factors.

Understanding the Partial Thromboplastin Time Test
When bleeding occurs, a cascade of 12. blood clotting factors is activated that causes the blood to coagulate to stop the bleeding. Coagulation of blood is affected by blood clotting factors. Their levels can be absent, decreased, or increased, as well as changes in the way blood clotting factors function. In addition, clotting inhibitors can reduce the effectiveness of clotting factors. The PTT test measures clotting time of blood.
Other blood clotting tests are prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). The heparin neutralization assay is performed to determine if substances other than heparin cause an increase in APTT.

4. Total Serum Protein Test
The total serum protein test is performed to assess for liver and kidney function (albumin); malnutrition (albumin); and the cause of edema, ascites, and pulmonary edema (albumin). It is also administered to assess for the risk for infection (globulin), multiple myeloma (globulin), and macroglobulinemia (globulin).

Understanding the Total Serum Protein Test
The total serum protein test assesses the levels of albumin, globulin, and total protein in a blood sample. The result compares the ratio of albumin to globulin. Protein is not stored. It is continuously metabolized into amino acids, which are used to make enzymes, hormones, and new proteins.
- Albumin: A protein produced by the liver that keeps blood from leaking from blood vessels. Albumin is also important for tissue growth and healing because it carries medicine to tissues.
- Globulin: A group of proteins made by the liver and the immune system that binds with hemoglobin and transports iron and metals in the blood to help fight infection. Globulin is composed of three different proteins: alpha, beta, and gamma.
A test for total serum protein reports separate values for total protein, albumin, and globulin. The amounts of albumin and globulin also are compared (albumin: globulin ratio).

5. Blood Alcohol Test
The blood alcohol test is administered to screen for intoxication, ingested alcohol, and the underlying cause of altered mental status.

Understanding the Blood Alcohol Test
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system (CNS) when large amounts of alcohol enter the blood. Alcohol is absorbed within a few minutes and peaks within an hour. Food decreases alcohol absorption. Alcohol is mostly metabolized by the liver and excreted in urine and by expiration. The blood alcohol test measures the level of alcohol in the blood.
The patient’s signed consent may be required before the test is administered because the result of the blood alcohol test can have legal repercussions for the patient. Consult the health care facility’s policies regarding administering the blood alcohol test.
A taximeter that measures alcohol levels in the patient’s breath is another test to determine the level of alcohol consumed by the patient.

6. Lead Test
The lead test is administered to screen for lead poisoning and assess the treatment of lead poisoning.
 

Understanding the Lead Test
Lead affects growth and development if it is ingested via tainted water, paint chips, food, or dust particles or if lead comes in contact with the skin. Pregnant women can pass lead to the fetus or the newborn through breast milk. Children who are in early development are at risk for permanent growth impairment if they ingest lead. The lead blood test measures the level of lead in the blood sample.
The health care provider may order the urine aminolevulinic acid (ALA) test to determine the extent of lead poisoning (not for children). The lead mobilization urine test is performed during chelation therapy to assess if the therapy is removing lead in urine.

7. Serum Osmolality Test
The serum osmolality test is performed to screen for dehydration, overhydration, the underlying cause of seizure and coma, and the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH); and to assess the quantity of poison ingested by the patient.

Understanding the Serum Osmolality Test
Serum osmolality is the number of particles of substances that are dissolved in the serum (liquid). These substances include glucose, chloride, sodium, proteins, and bicarbonate. Serum osmolality balance is maintained between the ratio (or proportion) of fluid and particles of substances.
Serum osmolality is controlled by adjusting the fluid output of the kidneys using the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) produced by the pituitary gland. ADH is a vasopressin that reduces fluid output from the kidneys when ADH is released into the bloodstream, thereby increasing fluid in the blood. A decrease in ADH production increases fluid output by the kidneys and decreases fluid in the blood.
A decrease in fluid results in an increase in serum osmolality, or less fluid in the blood. This condition signals the pituitary gland to release ADH, which stimulates the kidneys to retain fluid, thereby increasing fluid in the blood and decreasing serum osmolality–fluid level in the blood is restored.
An increase in fluid results in a decrease in serum osmolality, or more fluid in the blood. This signals the pituitary gland to stop releasing ADH, which causes the kidneys to increase the output of fluid, thereby decreasing fluid in the blood and increasing serum osmolality–fluid level in the blood is restored.
The serum osmolality test measures the amount of substances dissolved in blood.
The health care provider may test urine osmolality. The result of the urine test is compared with the serum osmolality to estimate kidney function.

8. Uric Acid Blood Test
The uric acid blood test is performed to screen for uric acid kidney stones, gout, and adverse reaction of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. It is also used to assess treatment for hyperuricemia.

Understanding the Uric Acid Blood Test
Uric acid is produced when purine, which is contained in some foods, is metabolized. Uric acid enters the blood and is then excreted by the kidneys in urine and a small amount in stool. The uric acid test measures the level of uric acid in blood. The health care provider may order a 24-hour uric acid urine test.
Uric crystals can form in joints leading to gout even when uric acid levels are normal. A high level of uric acid does not mean that the patient has gout. Gout is diagnosed by testing fluid from the affected joint for uric acid crystals.

9. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test
The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is performed to screen for inflammation, assess for the effects of an intervention in the treatment of inflammation, screen for diseases that cause inflammation, and assess the patient’s response to cancer treatment.

Understanding the C-Reactive Protein Test
C-reactive protein is produced as part of the inflammatory process and attaches to the invading microorganism or damaged cells, enhancing phagocytosis in the destruction of the microorganism or damaged cell. A high level of C-reactive protein indicates there is inflammation. Other tests are then performed to identify the source of the inflammation.
The high-sensitivity CRP test (hs-CRP) may also be ordered to determine if inflammation has damaged the inner lining of arteries, increasing the risk of a heart attack. In addition, the total cholesterol test and high-density lippoprotein (HDL) cholesterol test might be ordered with the C-reactive protein test to help determine if the patient is at risk for cardiac problems.

10. Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
The complete blood count (CBC) test is performed to screen for anemia, infection, leukemia, the risk for bleeding, polycythemia, blood loss, asthma, allergies, and the underlying cause of bruising, and fatigue.

Understanding the Complete Blood Count Test
The CBC test, part of a routine blood screening, measures blood components to assess the patient for various disorders. The health care provider may also order the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test to detect inflammation and the reticulocyte count to identify the number of immature leukocytes.
 

Here are the blood components that are measured:
- Leukocyte Count (white blood cell count, WBC): Leukocytes increase when infection is present and can also increase in the absence of infection if the patient has leukemia.
- Leukocyte Cell Type (WBC differential): There are five major types of leukocyte cells, each having a role in the immune process. These are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. The quantity of each leukocyte cell type provides important information in the diagnoses of a patient’s condition.
- Erythrocyte Count (red blood cell count, RBC): Erythrocyte cells carry oxygen and carbon dioxide.

- Erythrocyte Indices:
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): This is the size of erythrocytes.
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): This is the amount of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte cells.
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): This is concentration of hemoglobin in an erythrocyte cell.
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): This shows the different sizes of erythrocyte cells.
- Hematocrit (HCT, packed cell volume): The hematocrit test measures the volume in percentage taken up by erythrocytes in the patient’s blood.
- Hemoglobin (Hgb): The hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in blood. Hemoglobin is the part of an erythrocyte that carries oxygen.
- Thrombocyte Count (platelet): Platelets form blood clots.

11. Chemistry Screen Test
A chemistry screen test examines blood components and is used to assess the patient’s overall health. The chemistry screen test is a collection of other tests that can include:
- Albumin
- Alkaline phosphatase
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- Bilirubin
- Blood glucose
- Blood urea nitrogen
- Calcium (Ca) in blood
- Carbon dioxide
- Chloride (Cl)
- Cholesterol and triglycerides
- Creatinine and creatinine clearance
- Lactic acid
- Phosphate in blood
- Potassium (K) in blood
- Sodium (Na) in blood
- Total serum protein
- Uric acid in blood

Understanding the Chemistry Screen Test
There are various types of chemistry screen tests, including chem-20, chem-12, and chem-7. The number represents the number of blood components examined in the test.
A chemistry screen test is also called sequential multichannel autoanalysis (SMA) or sequential multichannel analysis with computer (SMAC) followed by the number of components being examined.

12. Vitamin B12. Test
The vitamin B12. test is performed to screen for vitamin B12. deficiency and for the underlying cause of anemia, peripheral neuropathy, and dementia.
 

Understanding the Vitamin B12. Test
Vitamin B12. is required for cell growth and metabolism and is stored in the liver. The vitamin B12. test measures the level of vitamin B12. in a blood sample. It is not unusual for the health care provider to order the folic acid test along with the vitamin B12. test and the Schilling test to assess the patient’s ability to absorb vitamin B12.

13. Cold Agglutinins Test
The cold agglutinins test is performed to screen for hemolytic anemia and the underlying cause for pneumonia.
Understanding the Cold Agglutinins Test
Agglutinins are antibodies that cause red blood cells to form a clump called rouleaux formation at low temperatures. This is an immune reaction to an infection. High levels of agglutinins can impede blood flow to the extremities when exposed to cold, resulting in tissue damage, and can cause hemolytic anemia. The cold agglutinins test measures the level of agglutinins in a blood sample.

14. Toxicology Tests (Tox Screen)
Toxicology tests are performed to screen for the use of medication (toxin), the underlying cause of the patient’s unusual behavior, and the reason the patient is unconscious.
Understanding Toxicology Tests
A toxin is a substance that disrupts the body’s function and includes prescription medication, nonprescription medication, and illegal medication. Toxicology tests measure the levels of one or a series of toxins in a blood sample. The health care provider may order a urine toxicology test, because traces of toxins can remain in urine longer than in blood, and a saliva toxicology test.

15. Folic Acid Test
The folic acid test is performed to screen for malnutrition, anemia, malabsorption, and assess the treatment of folic acid deficiency and the level of folic acid during pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects.
Understanding the Folic Acid Test
Folic acid, a type of vitamin B, is necessary for cell development and maintenance. Women who plan to become pregnant should increase the intake of folic acid to reduce the risk of spina bifida and cleft lip and palate. The folic acid test measures the level of folic acid in blood. The health care provider may order a vitamin B12. blood test along with the folic acid blood test.

16. Gastrin Test
The gastrin test is performed to screen for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, pernicious anemia, pancreatic tumor, and G-cell hyperplasia.
Understanding the Gastrin Test
Gastrin is a hormone produced by the G cells of the stomach lining when food enters the stomach. Gastrin stimulates the parietal cells in the stomach to secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) that is used in digestion and stimulates the product of pepsin, which is a digestive enzyme. The gastrin test measures the level of gastrin in the blood. The health care provider may order an intravenous secretin test where secretin, a digestive hormone, is injected into a vein and blood samples are taken immediately, then every 5. minutes for 15. minutes and then at 30. minutes.

17. Ferritin Test
The ferritin test is performed to screen for hemochromatosis (excess iron), iron deficiency anemia, and inflammation; and to assess for the effects of treatment of hemochromatosis and iron deficiency anemia.
Understanding the Ferritin Test
Ferritin is a protein found in bone marrow, liver, skeletal muscles, and the spleen that binds to iron. The ferritin test measures the level of ferritin in blood to determine the amount of iron in the body. Blood should contain a small amount of ferritin since most ferritin is bound to iron.

18. Lactic Acid Test
The lactic acid test is performed to screen for lactic acidosis, tissue oxygenation, and the underlying cause of acidosis.
Understanding the Lactic Acid Test
Muscle cells convert glucose into lactic acid and use lactic acid for energy when oxygen levels are low during strain of heart failure, exercise, shock, and sepsis. Lactic acid is not used for energy when there is a normal oxygen level in the blood. Lactic acid is metabolized by the liver. Liver disorders can result in lactic acidosis due to a high level of lactic acid in the blood. The lactic acid test measures the level of lactic acid in blood. The health care provider may order an arterial blood gas test to measure lactic acid in blood.

19. Prothrombin Time (PT) Test
The prothrombin time (PT) test is performed to screen for the risk for bleeding, bleeding disorders, vitamin K deficiency, and liver function, and to assess the therapeutic level of warfarin.
Understanding the Prothrombin Time Test
There are 12. factors that must be present and active to coagulate (clot) blood. Prothrombin is clotting factor II synthesized by the liver with the assistance of vitamin K. When a blood vessel is injured, prothrombin is converted to thrombin, a protein that forms a blood clot with other proteins to stop the bleeding. The PT test is the time necessary for plasma to clot. The health care provider orders the PT test to assess the patient’s risk for bleeding and assess the therapeutic effect of anticoagulate medication.
The health care provider is likely to order the international normalized ratio (INR) test, which was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a standard for measuring blood coagulation. In addition, the health care provider is likely to order the PTT test to measure blood coagulation and the CBC to measure the platelet count.

20. Reticulocyte Count
The reticulyte count test is performed to screen for anemia and assess the treatment of anemia. It is also an indication of the bone marrow’s response to the loss of RBCs, in which it produces new RBCs, known as reticulocytes.
Understanding the Reticulocyte Count
A reticulocyte is an immature red blood cell that is released by bone marrow and develops into a mature red blood cell in 2. days. The reticulocyte count test determines the amount of reticulocyte in a blood sample. The health care provider may order the reticulocyte index (RI).

21. Schilling Test
The Schilling test is performed to assess the absorption of vitamin B12. and the production of the intrinsic factor.
Understanding the Schilling Test
Vitamin B12. is the key to cell metabolism and energy production. Vitamin B12. attaches to the intrinsic factor produced by the parietal cells in the stomach. The intrinsic factor protects vitamin B12. from intestinal bacteria and enables absorption of vitamin B12. by the intestines. The Schilling test measures the absorption of vitamin B12.
There are two parts to the Schilling test:
Part 1: The patient ingests vitamin B12. that is radioactively tagged. A 24-hour urine sample is examined for the presence of vitamin B12. Up to 25% of the ingested vitamin B12. will normally be detected in the 24-hour urine sample. Little or no vitamin B12. detected is a sign of vitamin B12. malabsorption.
Part 2: If part 1. is abnormal, then the health care provider may order part 2. The patient ingests vitamin B12. that is radioactively tagged plus the intrinsic factor. A 24-hour urine sample is examined for the presence of vitamin B12. Detection of vitamin B12. is a sign that the patient has pernicious anemia. Absence of vitamin B12. is a sign of an intestinal absorption problem.
The Schilling test is not performed on a pregnant woman or a woman who is breast-feeding. The health care provider may order a 48- or 72-hour urine sample if the patient has kidney disease. The health care provider may also order the methylmalonic acid (MMA) test and the homocysteine test.

22. Sedimentation Rate (SED) Test
The sedimentation rate (SED) test is performed to screen for inflammation and assess treatment for inflammation.
Understanding the Sedimentation Rate Test
An increase in fibrinogen in blood during the inflammatory process causes erythrocytes (RBC) to adhere to each other, forming a stack called rouleaux. The SED test measures how many millimeters per hour erythrocytes settle to the bottom of a test tube. Rouleaux settle quicker than erythrocytes; therefore, the increased SED indicates that the patient has inflammation. Not all inflammation increases the SED. Therefore, a normal SED does not rule out inflammation. The health care provider might order other tests (e.g., the CRP test) in addition to the SED to diagnosis inflammation.

23. Iron (Fe) Test
The iron (Fe) test is performed to screen for iron deficiency anemia or hemochromatosis, assess the nutritional status of the patient, and treat iron deficiency anemia.
Understanding the Iron Test
Iron is a mineral in food that is needed for cell growth. Once metabolized, iron binds to the transferrin protein, which transports iron to bone marrow and other tissues. The iron tests measure the amount of iron that is bound to transferrin.
There are three iron tests:
- Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Test: This test measures the capacity of the blood to carry iron by determining the amount of iron needed to bind to all the available transferring protein.
- Serum Iron Test: This test measures the amount of circulate iron in blood.
- Transferrin Saturation Test: This is the percentage of serum iron of total iron binding capacity.
The health care provider may order the ferritin test, the siderocyte stain test, and a CBC along with the iron tests.

24. Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE) Test
The serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) test is performed to screen for amyloidosis, multiple myeloma, and macroglobulinemia, and assess the underlying cause of hypogammaglobulinemia (HGG).
Understanding the Serum Protein Electrophoresis Test
Blood serum contains two groups of protein. These are albumin and globulin. Serum protein electrophoresis separates albumin and globulin into five groups by placing the sample of blood serum on an agarose gel and then exposing the gel to an electric current.
The five groups are:
. Albumin
. Alpha-1. globulin
. Alpha-2. globulin
. Beta globulin
. Gamma globulin (antibodies)
Serum protein electrophoresis is not used to diagnose liver disorders, kidney disorders, or rheumatoid arthritis, although abnormal protein levels may be associated with these disorders. The health care provider may order urine protein electrophoresis. The health care provider may also order the total serum protein test along with the serum protein electrophoresis.

25. Arterial Blood Gases Test
The arterial blood gases test is performed to assess how well lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. In addition, measuring the oxygen saturation of the blood indicates the amount of hemoglobin that is carrying oxygen, and measuring the oxygen content of blood indicates the amount of oxygen in the blood.
This test assesses:
- Gas exchange capabilities of the lungs
- Effectiveness of treatment for lung disease
- Blood acidity level
- Effectiveness of treatment for an imbalance of blood acidity
- Kidney function
 

Understanding the Arterial Blood Gases Test
Blood contains oxygen and carbon dioxide. Measuring the partial pressure of these gases indicates how well lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. In addition, measuring the oxygen saturation of the blood indicates the amount of hemoglobin that is carrying oxygen, and measuring the oxygen content of blood indicates the amount of oxygen in the blood.
Blood must be within acidity range. Acidity is measured using the pH scale, which measures the hydrogen ions (H+). The pH of blood must be between 7.35. and 7.45. pH. If the measurement on the pH scale is <7.35, the blood is considered too acidic. If the measurement is >7.45, the blood is too alkaline (basic). Bicarbonate (HCO3) is a chemical in the blood that ensures that the blood remains within the acceptable pH range. If blood becomes too acidic, the amount of bicarbonate is increased by increasing the absorption of bicarbonate by the kidneys.

26. Total Carbon Dioxide Test
The total carbon dioxide test measures the level of three types of carbon dioxide and is administered at the same time as the arterial blood gas test. The total carbon dioxide test is part of the chemistry screen.
The total carbon dioxide test assesses:
- Lung function
- Kidney function
Understanding the Total Carbon Dioxide Test
Carbon dioxide is a gaseous by-product of metabolism that is transported to the lungs where carbon dioxide is exhaled. Blood contains three forms of carbon dioxide. These are bicarbonate (HCO3), carbonic acid (H2. CO3), and dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2). Most of the carbon dioxide is in the form of bicarbonate. Levels of these types of carbon dioxide are balanced by the lungs and kidneys.

27. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Test
The carbon monoxide (CO) blood test measures the level of carboxyhemoglobin in blood. The carbon monoxide blood test assesses:
- Exposure to breathing carbon monoxide
- Underlying symptoms of headache, dizziness, vision problem, muscle weakness, confusion, extreme sleepiness, and nausea or vomiting are caused by carbon monoxide
Understanding the Carbon Monoxide Test
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that replaces oxygen attached to the hemoglobin RBCs, creating a compound called carboxyhemoglobin that decreases oxygenation of blood and can result in death.

Basic Questions
Hematology Tests

1. What is the purpose of a blood type test?
Blood types tests are performed to test for blood compatibility for a blood transfusion and organ transplant, and to test if a pregnant woman is Rh positive or negative.

2. Why would a health care provider order a partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test?
The PTT test assesses the blood’s ability to clot and is commonly performed prior to any invasive procedure. The PTT test is also used to measure the effectiveness of the dose of heparin administered to patients to prevent the formation of blood clots. This test is also used to assess for hemophilia and for lupus anticoagulant syndrome or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, which are caused when the antibodies attack blood clotting factors.

3. What is the purpose of administering the total serum protein test?
The total serum protein test is given to assess for liver and kidney function (albumin), malnutrition (albumin), and the cause of edema, ascites, and pulmonary edema (albumin). It is also administered to assess for the risk of infection (globulin), multiple myeloma (globulin), and macroglobulinemia (globulin).

4. Why is the blood alcohol test ordered?
The blood alcohol test is administered to screen for intoxication, ingested alcohol, and for the underlying cause of altered mental status.

5. Name two reasons that a health care provider might order the lead test.
The lead test is administered to screen for lead poisoning and assess the treatment of lead poisoning.

6. What test would be ordered to assess for dehydration and overhydration?
The serum osmolality test would be ordered to assess for dehydration and overhydration.

7. What test might be ordered to assess the presence of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?
The serum osmolality test might be ordered to assess the presence of SIADH.

8. Why would the uric acid blood test be ordered?
The test is performed to screen for uric acid kidney stones, gout, and adverse reaction of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. It is also used to assess treatment for hyperuricemia.

9. What is the purpose of the C-reactive protein (CRP) test?
The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is performed to screen for inflammation, assess the treatment for inflammation, screen for diseases that cause inflammation, and assess the patient’s response to cancer treatment.

10. What might a high level of C-reactive protein indicate?
A high level of C-reactive protein (CRP) might indicate that there is inflammation.

11. What test is ordered to assess the risk for bleeding, infection, and the underlying cause of bruising and fatigue?
The complete blood count (CBC) test is ordered to assess the risk for bleeding, infection, and the underlying cause of bruising and fatigue.

12. What is the function of the chemistry screen test?
A chemistry screen test examines blood components and is used to assess the patient’s overall health.

13. What test might be ordered to assess the underlying cause of anemia, peripheral neuropathy, and dementia?
The vitamin B12. test might be ordered to assess the underlying cause of anemia, peripheral neuropathy, and dementia.

14. Why would a health care provider order the cold agglutinins test?
The cold agglutinins test is performed to screen for hemolytic anemia and the underlying cause for pneumonia.

15. What test might a health care provider order if the patient displays unusual behavior and then becomes unconscious?
Toxicology tests (tox screens) are performed to screen for the use of medication (toxin) and for the underlying cause of the patient’s unusual behavior and the reason the patient is unconscious.

16. Why would the folic acid test be administered to a pregnant woman?
The folic acid test is performed to screen for malnutrition, anemia, and malabsorption, and assess the treatment of folic acid deficiency and the level of folic acid during pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects.

17. Why would the gastrin test be ordered?
The gastrin test is performed to screen for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, pernicious anemia, pancreatic tumors, and G-cell hyperplasia.

18. What is the function of the ferritin test?
The ferritin test is performed to screen for hemochromatosis (excess iron), iron deficiency anemia, inflammation, and assess for the treatment of hemochromatosis and iron deficiency anemia.

19. Why would the health care provider order the lactic acid test?
The lactic acid test is performed to screen for lactic acidosis, tissue oxygenation, and the underlying cause of acidosis.

20. What test would the health care provider order to assess the therapeutic level of warfarin?
The health care provider would order the prothrombin time (PT) test to assess the therapeutic level of warfarin.

21. Why is the reticulocyte count test ordered?
The test is performed to screen for anemia and assess the treatment of anemia.

22. What is the purpose of the Schilling test?
The Schilling test is performed to assess the absorption of vitamin B12. and the production of the intrinsic factor.

23. Why would the sedimentation rate (SED) test be ordered?
The test is performed to screen for inflammation and to assess treatment for inflammation.

24. What test might be ordered to assess the treatment for iron deficiency anemia?
The iron (Fe) test might be ordered to assess the treatment for iron deficiency anemia.

25. What is the goal of the serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) test?
The test is performed to screen for amyloidosis, multiple myeloma, and macroglobulinemia, and assess the underlying cause of hypogammaglobulinemia.