MEDICAL

TECHNOLOGY
DICTIONARY
(Major Subjects Edition)

By Mark Jasper C. Calabano

II- BS Medical Technology

1|Page
 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGIES IN HEMATOLOGY

Hematology Glossary:

acute - severe; sharp; begins quickly.

acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) - a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood in

which too many immature (not fully formed) lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell,
are found in the bone marrow, blood, spleen, liver, and other organs.

acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) - a rapidly progressing cancer of the blood in

which too many immature (not fully formed) granulocytes, a type of white blood cell,
are found in the bone marrow and blood.

allogeneic bone marrow transplantation - a procedure in which a person receives

stem cells from a compatible donor.

alpha thalassemia - an inherited blood disorder affecting the alpha chains of the
hemoglobin molecule.

anemia - blood disorder caused by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin (the

oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells).

apheresis - a procedure in which blood is removed from a patient, certain fluid and
cellular elements are removed, and the blood is then infused back into the patient.

aplastic anemia - one type of anemia that occurs when the bone marrow produces too
few of all three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

autologous bone marrow transplantation - a procedure in which a patient's own

bone marrow is removed, treated with anticancer drugs or radiation, then returned to
the patient.

autosomal recessive inheritance - a gene on one of the first 22 pairs of

chromosomes, which, when present in two copies, causes a trait or disease to be
expressed.

beta thalassemia - an inherited blood disorder affecting the beta chains of the
hemoglobin molecule.

biological therapy - using the body's immune system to fight cancer.

2|Page
blasts - immature blood cells.

blood - the life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells

(erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through
the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and
carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies,
heat, and oxygen to the tissues.

blood banking - the process that takes place in the laboratory to ensure that donated
blood, or blood products, are safe before they are used in blood transfusions and other
medical procedures. Blood banking includes typing the blood for transfusion and
testing for infectious diseases.

blood plasma - the fluid part of blood that contains nutrients, glucose, proteins,
minerals, enzymes, and other substances.

bone marrow aspiration and biopsy - the marrow may be removed by aspiration or

a needle biopsy under local anesthesia. In aspiration biopsy, a fluid specimen is
removed from the bone marrow. In a needle biopsy, marrow cells (not fluid) are
removed. These methods are often used together.

bone marrow transplantation (BMT) - the transfusion of healthy bone marrow cells

into a person after their own unhealthy bone marrow has been eliminated.

chemotherapy - treatment with drugs to destroy cancer cells.

chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) - a slowly progressing cancer of the blood in

which too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced by the bone
marrow and by organs of the lymph system.

chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) - a slowly progressing cancer of the blood in

which too many white blood cells are produced in the bone marrow.

coagulation disorders - problems with either the inability for blood to clot properly,
resulting in excessive bleeding, or excessive clotting leading to obstruction of veins
and arteries (thrombosis).

complete blood count (CBC) - a measurement of size, number, and maturity of the
different blood cells in a specific volume of blood.

computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic

imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to

3|Page
produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically,
of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the
bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

factor - a protein in the blood that is needed to form the blood clot.

factor V Leiden - an inherited mutation (change in a gene) in factor V which

increases a person’s risk for venous thrombosis.

folate deficiency - the lack of folic acid (one of the B vitamins) in the blood.

folic acid - a nutrient found in some green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, citrus fruits,
fortified breakfast cereals, and some vitamin supplements. Folic acid can help reduce
the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.

glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) - a deficiency of an

enzyme - G6PD - in red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia.

graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) - when the donor’s immune system acts against

the recipient’s tissue, after transplantation.

granulocytes - a type of white blood cell. The different types of granulocytes include:
basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils.

hemarthrosis - bleeding into a joint.

hematocrit - the measurement of the percentage of red blood cells found in a specific

volume of blood.

hematologist - a physician who specializes in the functions and disorders of the

blood.

hematology - the scientific study of blood and blood-forming tissues.

hematopoiesis - the process of producing and developing new blood cells.

hemochromatosis (Also called iron overload disease.) - a metabolic disorder that

causes increased absorption of iron, which is deposited in the body tissues and organs.
The iron accumulates in the body where it may become toxic and cause damage.

hemoglobin - substance in the red blood cells that supplies oxygen to the cells of the
body.

4|Page
hemolytic anemia - one type of anemia in which the red blood cells are destroyed
prematurely.

hemophilia (Also called coagulation disorder.) - an inherited bleeding disorder

caused by low levels, or absence of, a blood protein that is essential for clotting;
hemophilia A is caused by a lack of the blood clotting protein factor VIII; hemophilia
B is caused by a deficiency of factor IX.

Hodgkin's disease - A type of lymphoma, a cancer in the lymphatic system; a rare

disease, accounting for less than 1 percent of all cases of cancer in the US, and occurs
most often in people between the ages of 15 and 34, and in people over age 55.
Hodgkin's disease causes the cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce,
eventually making the body less able to fight infection. Steady enlargement of lymph
glands, spleen, and other lymphatic tissue occurs.

idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura - a blood disorder characterized by an

abnormal decrease in the number of blood platelets, which results in internal bleeding.
There are two forms of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: acute thrombocytopenic
purpura and chronic thrombocytopenic purpura.

iron-deficiency anemia - the most common type of anemia. It is characterized by a

lack of iron in the blood, which is necessary to make hemoglobin.

jaundice - yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mouth.

leukapheresis - a procedure to remove excess lymphocytes from the body.

leukemia - a cancer of the blood-forming tissue. Leukemic cells look different than
normal cells and do not function properly.

lumbar puncture (Also called spinal tap.) - a special needle is placed into the lower
back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord. The pressure in the
spinal canal and brain can then be measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid
(CSF) can be removed and sent for testing to determine if there is an infection or other
problems. CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.

lymph - part of the lymphatic system; a thin, clear fluid that circulates through the
lymphatic vessels and carries blood cells that fight infection and disease.

lymph node biopsy - a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body
for examination under a microscope.

5|Page
lymph nodes - part of the lymphatic system; bean-shaped organs, found in the
underarm, groin, neck, and abdomen, that act as filters for the lymph fluid as it passes
through them.

lymph vessels - part of the lymphatic system; thin tubes that carry lymph fluid
throughout the body.

lymphangiograms - x-rays of the lymphatic system.

lymphatic system - part of the immune system; includes lymph, ducts, organs, lymph
vessels, lymphocytes, and lymph nodes, whose function is to produce and carry white
blood cells to fight disease and infection.

lymphocytes - part of the lymphatic system; white blood cells that fight infection and
disease.

lymphocytic leukemia - a type of leukemia in which the cancer develops in the

lymphocytes (lymphoid cells).

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination

of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of
organs and structures within the body.

megaloblastic anemia - a rare blood disorder caused by a deficiency of either folate

(a B vitamin) or Vitamin B-12, resulting in an inadequate amount of red blood cells
produced.

myelogenous leukemia - a type of leukemia in which the cancer develops in the

granulocytes or monocytes (myeloid cells).

myeloproliferative disorders - diseases in which the bone marrow produces too

many of one of the three types of blood cells: red blood cells, which carry oxygen to
all the tissues in the body; white blood cells, which fight infection; and platelets,
which makes blood clot.

non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - a type of lymphoma, a cancer in the lymphatic system;

causes the cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce, eventually causing
tumors to grow. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cells can also spread to other organs.

pernicious anemia - a type of megaloblastic anemia in which the body does not
absorb enough Vitamin B-12 from the digestive tract.

6|Page
petechia - tiny red dots under the skin that are the result of very small bleeds.

phlebotomy - a procedure that involves removing blood from the body.

plasma - the watery, liquid part of the blood in which the red blood cells, the white
blood cells, and platelets are suspended.

plateletpheresis - a procedure to remove extra platelets from the blood.

platelets - cells found in the blood that are needed to control bleeding; often used in
the treatment of leukemia and other forms of cancer.

pluripotent stem cell - the most primitive, undeveloped blood cell.

polycythemia vera - a blood disorder where there is an increase in all blood cells,
particularly red blood cells.

radiation therapy (Also called radiotherapy.) - treatment with high-energy rays

(such as x-rays or gamma rays) to kill cancer cells; may be by external radiation or by
internal radiation from radioactive materials placed directly in or near the tumor.

red blood cells (Also called RBCs or erythrocytes.) - main function is to transport

oxygen to all the tissues in the body.

sickle cell anemia - an inherited blood disorder characterized by defective

hemoglobin.

spinal tap (Also called lumbar puncture.) - a special needle is placed into the lower
back, into the spinal canal. This is the area around the spinal cord. The pressure in the
spinal canal and brain can then be measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid
(CSF) can be removed and sent for testing to determine if there is an infection or other
problems. CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.

splenectomy - surgery to remove the spleen.

stem cells - the blood cells that produce other blood cells. It is the stem cells that are
needed in bone marrow transplantation.

thalassemia - an inherited blood disorder in which the chains of the hemoglobin (a

type of protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues) molecule are
abnormal; alpha thalassemia is where a mutation occurs in the alpha chain, while beta

7|Page
thalassemia is where the mutation occurs in the beta chain; signs and symptoms of
thalassemias vary from mild (little to no symptoms) to severe (life threatening).

thrombosis - excess clotting which obstructs veins (venous thrombosis) and arteries

(arterial thrombosis).

transferrin saturation test (TS) - a type of iron study (blood test) that measures the
percentage of transferrin and other mobile, iron-binding proteins saturated with iron.

ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging technique which uses

high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels,
tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and
to assess blood flow through various vessels.

umbilical cord blood transplant - a procedure in which stem cells are taken from an
umbilical cord immediately after delivery of an infant.

white blood cells (Also called WBCs or leukocytes.) - blood cells involved in the
destruction of viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

x-ray - a diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to

produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGIES IN IMMUNOLOGY AND SEROLOGY

Immunology and Serology Glossary:

activated macrophage- A macrophage in a state of enhanced metabolic activity; a

"super phagocyte".

antibody (Ab)-Protein molecule that is synthesized on exposure to antigen and that

combines specifically with that antigen.

antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)- A cytotoxic reaction in which

killer cells recognize target cells via specific antibodies.

antigen (Ag)- A molecule which induces the formation of antibody.

antigen presenting cell (APC)- A cell which carries antigen in a form that can
stimulate lymphocytes. Macrophage are the most common APCs.

8|Page
antiserum-Serum containing specific antibodies.

antitoxin-Antibodies specific for a toxin.

azurophilic granules [a.k.a. primary granules]- Granules in neutrophils which

contain acid hydrolases, myeloperoxidase, and lysozyme. (See also specific granules.)

B cell-A lymphocyte educated in the bursal equivalent; makes antibody when

stimulated.

basophil- A granulocyte with deep violet or blue-black staining granules.

buffy coat-The layer of white blood cells immediately above the red blood cells in a
tube of blood following centrifugation.

bursa of Fabricius-The hindgut organ located in the cloaca of birds that controls the
ontogeny of B cells.

cell mediated immunity (CMI)- Immunity in which the participation of lymphocytes

and macrophage is predominant.

complement (C')- A complex linked enzyme system that is activated by such factors
as the combination of antigen and antibody and that results in a variety of biological
responses.

cortex-The outer part; applies to the thymus and lymph node.

diapedesis- The emigration of cells from blood vessels.

endogenous pyrogen- A factor released by leukocytes which produces fever.

eosinophil- A granulocyte with pink to red staining granules.

germinal center- A clonal expansion of an activated B cell seen within a secondary

follicle.

granulocyte- A leukocyte with large numbers of cytoplasmic granules and a multi-

lobed nucleus. The include neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

high endothelial venule (HEV)- A specialized region in the post capillary venule
which contains specific ligand receptors that are recognized by circulating
lymphocytes; once bound, the lymphocytes are transported through the cells into the
lymph node.
9|Page
histamine- A vasoactive agent released by basophils, mast cells, and platelets.

humoral immunity- Immunity in which antibody plays the significant role.

immune surveillance- The concept that lymphocytes survey the body for abnormal
cells and foreign invaders and then eliminate them.

immunity- The state of resistance to an infection.

immunoglobulin (Ig)- A glycoprotein composed of H and L chains that functions as

antibody. All antibodies are immunoglobulins; the converse may or may not be true.

interdigitating cell (IDC)- A specialized cell with long dentritic processes which
functions as an APC; found associated with T cells in the lymph node.

interferon (IFN)- A heterogeneous group of low molecular weight proteins released

by virus infected cells which protect non-infected cells.

killer (K) cell [An old term]- A natural killer cell responsible for antibody dependent
cellular cytotoxicity.

Kuppfer cell- A specialized macrophage found in the liver; acts as part of the RES.

lactoferrin- An iron-containing compound that exerts antimicrobial action by binding

iron necessary for microbial growth.

Langerhans cell- A specialized antigen presenting cell with characteristic tennis

racket shaped granules; found in the epidermis.

leukocyte- A white blood cell. This general term covers all the nucleated cells of
mammalian blood.

lymph node- Secondary lymphoid organ; major filtering organ for interstitial fluid
and lymph; site of immune response to antigens isolated and processed.

lymphocyte- A mononuclear cell with a round nucleus containing densely packed

chromatin. Most have very little cytoplasm.

lymphoid- Pertaining to lymphocytes and their ontogeny.

lymphokines- Soluble products of lymphocytes that are responsible for the multiple

effects of a cellular immune response.

10 | P a g e
lysozyme [a.k.a. muramidase]- The cationic low-molecular weight enzyme present
in tears, saliva, and nasal secretions that reduces the local concentration of susceptible
bacteria by attacking the mucopeptides of their cell walls.

macrophage (Mf)- A phagocytic mononuclear cell derived from monocytes; serves

accessory roles in cellular immunity.

MALT- Mucus associated lymphoid tissue.

medulla- The inner part; applies to the thymus and lymph node.

medullary cords- Found in lymph nodes; provide anchorage for macrophage and

plasma cells.

monocyte (MO)- A phagocytic mononuclear cell derived from myeloid stem cells;
found in circulating peripheral blood.

monokines- Soluble products of monocytes and macrophage that are involved in

multiple effects of the immune response.

myeloid- Pertaining to granulocytes and monocytes and their ontogeny. Also included
are megakaryocytes and platelets.

natural antibody- An antibody found in serum in the absence of apparent antigenic

stimulation.

natural killer (NK) cell- A null cell capable of killing tumor cells and virus infected
cells.

neutrophil- A phagocytic granulocyte with a prominent multi-lobed nucleus; usually

the first cell type responding to injury or infection.

null cell- A lymphocyte lacking any markers specific for T cells or for B cells.

periarteriolar lymphoid sheath (PALS)- Found in spleen; organized clusters of B

cells in follicles surrounded by T cells and macrophage which occur in association
which splenic arterioles.

Peyers patch- A specialized aggregate of lymphocytes and M-cells in the gut; the
major part of GALT (gut MALT).

phagocyte- A cell which eats.

11 | P a g e
phagocytosis- The act of eating; refers to the ingestion of particulate matter.

phagosome- A vacuole in the cytoplasm containing the engulfed meal.

pinocytosis- The act of drinking; refers to the ingestion of soluble matter.

plasma- The fluid phase of blood containing full range of circulating proteins,
including clotting factors and fibrin.

plasma cell- An end-stage cell of B cell lineage which makes and actively secretes
antibody.

polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)- A neutrophil.

post capillary venule (PCV)- A region of blood vessels in the lymph node which
may contain HEV, allowing lymphocytes to pass through.

primary follicle- An organized cluster of B cells found in various lymphoid tissues

and organs, such as lymph node, PALS, and MALT.

pyrogen- A substance which causes fever; may be endogenous or exogenous.

red pulp- Part of the spleen; contains resident macrophage which phagocytize effete
red blood cells and particulates found in the blood as it filters through the sinuses.

respiratory burst- The increase of metabolic activity that takes place in phagocytic

cells at the time of ingestion; highly reactive microbicidal agents are produced which
are released into the phagosome.

reticuloendothelial system (RES)- A mononuclear phagocytic system located

primarily in the reticular connective tissue framework of the spleen, liver, and
lymphoid tissues.

rosettes- Structures formed by several red blood cells binding to the surface of
another cell in suspension.

secondary follicle- A follicle containing a germinal center

serum- The fluid phase of blood containing all circulating proteins except those
involved in clotting.

specific granules [a.k.a. secondary granules]- Granules found in neutrophils which

contain lactoferrin and some lysozyme.
12 | P a g e
spleen- Secondary lymphoid organ; filters particulates and antigens from blood as
part of the reticuloendothelial system.

stem cells- Primary bone marrow cells giving rise to more differentiated cell types.

T cell- A lymphocyte educated in the thymus; involved in cellular immunity and in

regulating all immune responses, both humoral and cellular.

thoracic duct- Final lymphatic collecting vessel which empties into the left
subclavian vein

thymus- The central lymphoid organ that is located in the thorax which controls the
ontogeny of T cells.

transferrin- A protein which sequesters iron, thereby inhibiting microbial growth.

tumor necrosis factors (TNF)- Products of lymphocytes and macrophage that can

exert a direct toxic effect on neoplastic cells.

vaccination- The administration of an antigen (vaccine) to stimulate an immune

response.

vaccine- A suspension of living or dead organisms, or inactivated toxins, or specific

proteins used as antigen to stimulate immunity to a pathogen.

virulence- The ability of an organism to cause disease.

white blood cells- The nucleated cells found in blood.

white pulp- Part of spleen; see periarteriolar lymphoid sheath.

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGIES IN CLINICAL CHEMISTRY

Clinical Chemistry Glossary:

Accuracy- Closeness to the true or target value

Acid- A compound which splits in solution to produce hydrogen ions and some type
of anion. E.G. HCl = H+ and Cl

13 | P a g e
Aliquot- The division of a sample into at least two smaller size vials.
Base- A compound which will release a compound that will combine with H+ ions, in
other words, a H+ acceptor. E.g. NaOH Na+ and OH- The OH- will combine with H+

Buffer- A liquid solution containing a combination of chemicals, which control and

maintain the pH of any other solution it is added to.

Calibrator- A material, generally serum based with an accurately assigned analytical

value, used to calibrate diagnostic assays.

Calibration- The process of setting up or standardising an assay using a calibrator or

standard of known concentration.  When the data generated is analysed this can then
be used to calculate results for any subsequent sample of unknown concentration.  It
adjusts the accuracy of an assay method.

Centrifugation- The process by which a matter settles to the bottom of a liquid

Chemical compound- Substance consisting of two or more elements, which can be

broken down into simpler substance using chemical means

Chemical element- Any of the about 100 substances that cannot be broken down by
chemical means into simpler substances

Chemiluminescence- The process in which energy from a chemical reaction is

released directly as light.

Chromagen- A substrate which reacts with an enzyme or directly with the analyte to
produce a coloured end-point which can subsequently be measured to quantify the
concentration of the analyte.

Colorimetric methods- Colorimetric methods result in a coloured end product, the

intensity of which is directly proportional to the concentration of the analyte being
measured at 400-700nm.

Deionization- The removal of ions from a substance making it mineral free

Diffusion- The movement of molecule from a region of higher concentration to a

region of lower concentration

Distillation- The evaporation and subsequent condensation of a liquid

14 | P a g e
Filtration- When molecules move from an area of high pressure to an area of low
pressure through a semi-permeable membrane

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry. -A technique that combines gas

liquid chromatography and mass spectrophotometry to identify different substances or
components within a test sample.

Heterogeneous- Composed of different phrases or parts

Homogeneous- Consisting of phases all of the same kind or uniform

HPLC- High Performance Liquid Chromatography is a method used in clinical

chemistry to separate a mixture of compounds and identify the individual components.

Hydrates- Chemical salts which can combine with one or more water molecules
while still in a solid state

Hypertonic- Having a higher concentration of solutes than RBCs

Hypotonic- Having a lower concentration of solutes than RBCs

Indicator- A substance which indicates pH by changing colour

Isotonic- Having the same solute and water concentration as RBCs

Isotope- Atoms of the same element containing the same number of protons but
different numbers of neutrons

Mechanical mixture- A solution in which the particulate matter is kept in suspension

only through constant mixing

Neutralization- The process by which a substance is made to have neither acid nor
alkaline properties

Osmosis- The movement of water molecules across a semi-permeable membrane

from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration

pH- Scale of 0-14 which measures the acidy of a solution. It is the inversion of the
logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration, pH = 1 or - log [H+], log [H+]

Precipitation- Causing a solid to be formed and deposited out from a liquid

15 | P a g e
Precision- The reproducibility of a result

Qualitative- Concerned with nature, kind, or character

Quality assurance- All actions taken to ensure complete customer satisfaction

Quality control- The system which guarantees accurate test results

Quantitative- Measurement concerned with a numerical value

Reagent- A component of a kit used to carry out a chemical reaction to determine

levels of different analytes.

Radioisotope- Unstable isotopes which produce high-energy radiation when they

decay

Salt- A compound which splits in solution yielding ions that will neither produce nor
accept H+ e.g. NaCl Na+ and Cl

Sedimentation- Process by which a matter settles to the bottom of a liquid

Solute- Dissolved substance

Solvent- The dissolving substance

Spectrophotometer- An instrument for measuring the relative light intensities.

Supernatant- The upper liquid phase of a heterogeneous solution

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGIES IN CLINICAL MICROSCOPY/

PARASITOLOGY

Clinical Microscopy/ Parasitology Glossary:

AFB (Acid-Fast Bacilli)- This test uses a microscope to detect

bacteria                           called acid-fast bacilli in fluid or tissue samples
Asymptomatic- Displaying no symptoms of a disease or other condition.
Azospermia- Absence of sperm

16 | P a g e
Bacteria and white blood cells (pus cells) – are signs of infection. Bacteria without
white blood cells may suggest another type of problem such as vaginal or bladder
disease.
Bence-Jones protein urine test- used most often to diagnose and check on multiple
myeloma, a type of cancer.
Carcaria- The larval form of the parasite, it develops within the germinal cells of the
sporocyst or redia.

Casts - are tube-shaped forms made of protein, and may have red or white blood cells
or other cells inside. Castsform in certain kidney diseases because the kidneys are
releasing a sticky type of protein that traps blood cellsand other types of cells.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)- a clear, colorless body fluid found in the brain and spinal
cord. It is produced by specialised ependymal cells in the choroid plexuses of the
ventricles of the brain, and absorbed in the arachnoid granulations.
Chain of custody- Step by step documentation of handling and testing
Crystals - which are formed from chemicals in the urine. If they become large
enough, they form kidney stones.
Compound Microscope- is a microscope that uses multiple lenses to enlarge the
image of a sample.
Corasidium-The ciliated first-stage aquatic embryo of pseudophyllid and other
cestodes with aquatic cycles

Decantation-  a process to separate mixtures by removing a liquid layer that is free of

a precipitate, or the solids deposited from a solution
Fanconi's syndrome- Congenital anomaly of renal tubules (PCT). Failure to absorb
amino acids, glucose and electrolytes
Fecalysis- consists of gross examination of stool and microscopic examination to
diagnose parasitic infection and diarrhea.
Fluke- A parasitic flatworm that has external suckers. 

17 | P a g e
Giardia lamblia- is a flagellated parasitic microorganism, that colonizes and
reproduces in the small intestine, causing a diarrheal condition known as giardiasis.
Glucose (sugar) - is usually a sign of diabetes. In children, sugar in the urine may
sometimes be related to a disorder that affects growth and development
Ghost cell-is an enlarged eosinophilic epithelial cell with eosinophilic cytoplasm but
without a nucleus.
Glitter cells-are neutrophils that are found in the urine, most commonly associated
with urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis.

Glycosuria- sugar in the urine

Gram-positive bacteria- are bacteria that give a positive result in the Gram stain test

Haemoparasites- The parasites which live in the blood of the host animals

Hematuria- blood in the urine

Ketosis- a metabolic state characterized by elevated levels of ketone bodies in the
blood or urine. 
Ketonuria- Ketoneses in the urine
Liquefication- to turn something into the liquid state.
Micro Urinalysis- consists of gross examination of urine, dipstick of substances, and
microscopic analysis of urine to detect cellular elements, casts and crystals.
Micral Test -  checks urine for the presence of a protein called albumin
Morphology- the analysis and the structure of spermatozoa
Mortality- refers to the number of dead spermatozoa
Motility- refers to the number of alive spermatozoa
Nematodes- round worm
Nomarski microscope- Interference contrast microscope
Obermeyer test- screening tool for the identification of protein putrefaction in the
gastrointestinal tract.

18 | P a g e
Occult Blood- a noninvasive screening test to detect the presence of blood in stool
caused by bleeding of the GI tract and related internal organs.
Oil immersion objectives- are used only at very large magnifications that require
high resolving power. 
Oxyhemoglobin- a bright red substance formed by the combination of hemoglobin
with oxygen, present in oxygenated blood.
Paracentesis- a procedure in which a needle or catheter is inserted into the peritoneal
cavity to obtain ascitic fluid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes
Pregnancy Test- tests if a woman is pregnant
Prealbumin- a protein made in the liver.
pH - is a measure of the amount of acid in the urine. An abnormal pH         may be
assign of kidney stones, urinary infections, chronic kidney disease or certain disorders
that affect growth and development in children.
Phenosulphonphthalein (PSP)- Measures secretory capacity of the tubules
P-aminohippuric acid (PAH)- a derivative of hippuric acid, is a diagnostic agent
useful in medical tests involving the kidney used in the measurement of renal plasma
flow.
Protein –measures the amount of protein excreted in urine. When the kidneys are
damaged, protein leaks into your urine. Persistent protein in the urine suggests that the
kidney’s filtering units have been damaged by chronic kidney disease.
Red blood cells - may be a sign of kidney diseases that damage the filtering units of
the kidneys, allowing blood cells to leak into the urine. Blood in the urine may also be
a sign of problems like kidney stones, infections, bladder cancer or a blood disorder
like sickle cell disease
Refractometer-  scientific machine that measures the amount that light is bent (or
refracted) when it moves from the air into a sample.
Seliwanoff's test- used to distinguish aldoses from ketoses

19 | P a g e
Semen- body fluid emitted from the male reproductive tract and that contains sperm
cells, which are capable of fertilizing the female's eggs.
Smear- to spread or daub (an oily, greasy, viscous, or wet substance) on or over
something. (eg. blood smear)
Sputum- a mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract,
typically as a result of infection or other disease and often examined microscopically
to aid medical diagnosis.
Steatorrhea - the excretion of abnormal quantities of fat with the feces owing to
reduced absorption of fat by the intestine.
Tapeworm- a parasitic flatworm, the adult of which lives in the intestines.
Urine Creatinine - gives an estimate of the concentration of your urine, which allows
for a more accurate protein result. Creatinine is a by-product of normal muscle
activity, which is found in the urine and blood.
Urochrome- A pigment that causes the yellow color in urine.

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGIES IN BLOOD BANKING

Blood Banking Glossary:

Allergen-any substance that causes an allergy.

Allergy-an inappropriate and harmful response of the immune system to normally

harmless substances

Anaphylactic shock- is a life threatening allergic reaction characterized by a swelling

of body tissues including the throat, difficulty breathing, and a sudden fall in blood
pressure.

Antibody-is a soluble protein molecule produced and secreted by B cells in response

to an antigen.

20 | P a g e
Antibody Screen-a test used to demonstrate unexpected (non-ABO) antibodies.
Antigen- is any substance that is recognized by the immune system when introduced
into the body.

Apheresis- Apheresis literally means “to take away,” and blood apheresis procedures
involve the selective removal of a targeted portion of blood, with return of the non-
targeted portions to the individual.
Autoimmune Disease- a disease that results from the immune system mistakenly
attacks the body’s own tissues.

B-cell-are small white blood cells that are derived from the bone marrow and will
develop into plasma cells.

Blood Banking-refers to the process of collecting, separating, and storing blood.

Blood donor- the one who donates blood.

Blood recipient- the one who receives the blood donated by the donor.

Blood typing- the process of identifying the patient’s blood type.

Bone Marrow- is the soft tissue located in the cavities of the bones that produces all
blood cells.

Cell washing- is the process of removing non-cellular substances like proteins,

antibodies, and electrolytes from the whole blood.

Cell- is the basic unit of life.

Centrifuge/Serofuge- is a machine used to spin specimens such as blood and

solutions in order to separate solid and liquid substances.

Coagulation- is the process by which a clot is formed.

Decantation- is the process of removing the liquid portion from a centrifuged solution
by pouring.

Dengue- is a disease caused by the dengue virus.

DTT- DTT (Dithiothreitol) is a “thiol reagent” that dissolves disulfide bonds between
cysteine amino acids, potentially affecting both red cell antigens and antibodies. 

21 | P a g e
Erythrocytes- also known as red blood cells. These carry the oxygen throughout the
body. These also contain antigens on its cell membrane that determine a person’s
blood type.

ELISA/EIA- ELISA is an acronym for “Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay”, a

test that is now usually called “Enzyme Immunoassay” or “EIA.”
f Antigen- f has historically been described as a “compound antigen” in the Rh blood
group system. 
G Antigen- G is a combination antigen in the Rh Blood Group System found on red
cells containing either D or C antigens. 
Granulocytes- These are white blood cells that are filled with granules containing
potent chemicals that allow the digestion of cells and the production of inflammatory
reaction. Examples are neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

HDN (Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn)- is a blood disorder that occurs when the
blood types of a mother and baby are incompatible.

Hepatitis A- is a disease wherein the liver is inflamed which is caused by the

Hepatitis A Virus that is trasmitted through the fecal-oral route. This has an
incubation period of 2-6 weeks.

Hepatitis B- is a disease wherein the liver is inflamed which is caused by the Hepatits
B Virus that is transmitted via blood and body fluids. This has an incubation period of
2-6 months.

HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus)- the virus that causes AIDS.

Hypersensitivity- refers to the excessive and undesirable reactions produced by a

normal immune system.

Immunity- it is the ability of an organism to resist disease.

Immunocompromised- is a condition wherein the immune system is weakened and

the patient is vulnerable to infections.

Immunoglobulin-a family of large protein molecules, also known as antibodies.

Immunosuppresion- this is the inactivation of immune responses, for instance, by

giving drugs to prevent transplant rejection.

22 | P a g e
K Antigen- Commonly but imprecisely called “Kell,” this is the most important
antigen in the Kell blood group system. 
Leukocytes-also known as white blood cells. These protect the body from
microorganisms and foreign objects. These include Monocyte, Lymphocyte,
Eosinophils, Basophils, and Neutrophils.

Lymph nodes- are small bean-shaped organs of the immune system that are
distributed widely throughout the body and are linked by lymphatic vessels.

Lymphatic organs-are organs of the immune system where lymphocytes develop and
congregate. They include bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, spleen, and various
other clusters of lymphoid tissue.

PEG- Acronym for “polyethylene glycol,” a potentiating agent used in blood bank
tube testing to enhance the interaction between red blood cells and antibodies.
Plasma- is the liquid portion of uncoagulated blood that contains clotting factors.

Platelet Concentrate- also known as Platelet Transfusion. This is used to prevent or

treat bleeding in people with either a low platelet count or poor platelet function.

Platelets- are granule-containing cellular fragments critical for blood clotting and
sealing off wounds.

PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)- is a protein produced by the prostate gland. This
can be used for the determination of prostate cancer.

Rheumatoid arthritis- a autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system

mistakenly attacks the joints.

Serological tests- are blood tests used to look for antibodies in the blood.

Serum-is the liquid portion of coagulated blood that does not contain clotting factors.

Stem cell- are undifferentiated biological cells that can differentiate into specialized
cells and can divide to produce more stem cells.

T-cell-are small white blood cells that develop from the thymus. They participate in
immune defenses and secrete lymphokines.

Thymus- is a primary lymphoid organ where T lymphocytes proliferate and mature.

23 | P a g e
Transfusion- the process of transferring blood or blood components from one person
(the donor) into the bloodstream of another person (the recipient)

Transplant- is a medical operation in which a part of a person's body is replaced with

the same organ but from another person (donor).

Tumor- is an abnormal growth of cells that serves no purpose.

Type A- is a blood type with A antigens on its surface.

Type AB-is a blood type with A and B antigens on its surface.

Type B- is a blood type with B antigens on its surface.

Type O- is a blood type with H antigens on its surface.

Typing sera- a reagent used in the determination of a patient’s blood type.

Vaccine- a substance that contains antigenic components from an infectious

organism.

Water bath- is a machine used to incubate solutions.

Whole Blood- blood with all its components.

References:

Aria Health System (2010). Hematology and Blood Disorders. Retrieved from
http://software.mogistic.com/Ariahealthcarepub/default.aspx?pageid=1233

Caelian, M. (2012). Clinical Microscopy/ Parasitology. Retrieved from

https://prezi.com/m9toynuofmre/clinical-microscopy-parasitology/

Chaffin, J. (2020). Blood Bank Guy. Retrieved from

https://www.bbguy.org/education/glossary/gld17/

Sonoma Education (2015). Immunology and Serology. Retrieved from

http://web.sonoma.edu/users/t/thatcher/biol480/voc1.htm

Tammy (2020). Clinical Chemistry Terminologies. quizlet.com/216593434/clinical-

chemistry- terminology-flash-cards/

24 | P a g e