Common Lab Tests and Their Uses

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Course Objectives
  1. Explain the purpose of common laboratory tests and their role in patient care
  2. Differentiate between major laboratory departments and the types of tests they perform
  3. Identify commonly collected laboratory specimens and the appropriate collection requirements
  4. Recognize how proper specimen collection and handling contribute to accurate laboratory results
Course Content
Course Creator: Kristen Moylen
Total CE Hours: 1 Credit Hour 
Pace Course #: 586-2304-24 until 9/30/26 then until (9/30/28)

Outline: 
I. Introduction 
  • Purpose and importance of laboratory testing
  • Major laboratory departments
  • Common specimen types and collection requirements
  • Relationship between specimen quality and accurate results
II. Understanding Laboratory Tests
  • Definition and purpose of laboratory tests
  • Role of testing in:
    • Screening
    •  Diagnosis
    •  Disease monitoring
    •  Treatment and clinical decision-making
    •  Preventive healthcare
  • Brief history of laboratory medicine
  • Development of modern testing and CLIA standards
III. Laboratory Specimen Types
A. Blood Specimens
  • Venous blood
  • Capillary blood
  • Whole blood
  • Plasma
  • Serum
B. Non-Blood Specimens
  • Urine
  • Stool
  • Sputum
  • Swab specimens:
    • Throat
    •  Nasal
    •  Buccal
    •  Vaginal
    •  Rectal
IV. Frequently Performed Blood Tests
A. Hematology
  • Purpose of hematology testing
  • Lavender-top EDTA tube requirements
  • Common tests:
    • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
    •  Hemoglobin and Hematocrit (H&H)
    •  Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
    •  Reticulocyte count
    •  Sickle cell screen
    •  Peripheral blood smear/manual differential
B. Coagulation
  • Hemostasis and coagulation testing
  • Light blue-top sodium citrate tube requirements
  • Common tests:
    • Prothrombin Time (PT)
    •  International Normalized Ratio (INR)
    •  Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
    •  D-dimer
    •  Bleeding time and platelet function testing
C. Chemistry
  • Purpose of clinical chemistry testing
  • Serum and plasma specimens
  • Common collection tubes
  • Common tests: 
    • Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
    •  Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
    •  Blood alcohol level
    •  Bilirubin
    •  C-reactive protein
    •  Electrolyte panel
    •  Glucose testing
    •  Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
    •  Hemoglobin A1C
    •  Lipid panel
    •  Thyroid function tests
    •  Troponin
D. Immunology and Serology
  • Function of the immune system
  • Antigens and antibodies
  • Common tests:
    • Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)
    •  Hepatitis panel
    •  HIV testing
    •  Other infectious-disease antibody and antigen tests
E. Blood Bank
  • Blood typing and transfusion compatibility
  • Prevention of transfusion reactions
  • Common tests:
    • ABO and Rh typing
    •  Antibody screen
    •  Crossmatch
    •  Type and crossmatch
V. Emerging Trends in Laboratory Testing
A. Longevity and Wellness Testing
  • Personalized laboratory testing
  • Genetic factors and biomarkers
  • Examples:
    • DNA testing
    •  DUTCH hormone testing
    •  Telomere-length testing
    •  Biomarkers associated with aging and wellness
B. Case Study
  • Jane Doe: proactive health management
  • Patient symptoms and testing considerations
  • How specialized testing may support individualized healthcare planning
VI. Non-Blood Laboratory Testing: Microbiology
A. Introduction to Microbiology
  • Identification of disease-causing microorganisms
  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Fungi, mold, and yeast
  • Mycobacteria
  • Parasites
B. Culture Testing
  • Purpose of specimen cultures
  • Inoculation and microorganism growth
  • Proper collection and contamination prevention
C. Swab Specimens
  • Throat swabs
  • Nasal swabs
  • Buccal swabs
  • Vaginal and rectal swabs
  • Conditions detected through swab testing:
    • Influenza
    •  COVID-19
    •  Gonorrhea
    •  MRSA
  •  Buccal swabs for DNA and genetic testing
D. Other Microbiology Specimens
  • Sputum cultures
  • Blood cultures
  • Collection and handling considerations
VII. Stool Testing
  • Purpose of stool specimen analysis
  • Gastrointestinal infections and digestive disorders
  • Common tests
    • Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
    •  Stool culture
    •  Ova and Parasite examination
    •  Fecal fat test
    •  Clostridium difficile testing
  • Proper collection and transport
VIII. Urine Testing
A. Common Collection Types
  • Random urine specimen
  • First-morning specimen
  • Midstream clean-catch specimen
  • 24-hour urine collection
  • Drug-screening specimens and chain of custody
B. Routine Urinalysis
  • Physical examination:
    • Color
    •  Clarity
    •  Concentration
  • Chemical examination using reagent strips:
    • pH
    •  Protein
    •  Glucose
    •  Blood
    •  Bilirubin
    •  Ketones
    •  Other measured substances
  • Microscopic examination:
    • Red blood cells
    •  White blood cells
    •  Epithelial cells
    •  Bacteria and yeast
    •  Crystals
    •  Casts
IX. Specimen Processing
  • Importance of timely and accurate processing
  • Phlebotomist responsibilities
  • Centrifuging blood specimens
  • Separating serum or plasma from blood cells
  • Centrifuging urine for microscopic analysis
  • Preparing blood smears
  • Effects of delayed or improper processing on results
X. The Phlebotomist’s Role
  • Definition and purpose of phlebotomy
  • Diagnostic and therapeutic blood collection
  • Phlebotomy’s contribution to laboratory quality
  • Accurate collection and specimen handling
  • Professional patient interactions:
    • Professionalism
    •  Empathy
    •  Courtesy and compassion
    •  Effective communication
    •  Cultural respect
XI. Conclusion

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