- Assess the laboratory’s roll in the testing of body fluids.
- Outline the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through brain and spinal column, indicating sources of production and reabsorption.
- Discuss the blood-brain barrier to include its function and effects on the CSF.
- Explain the three (3) major functions of cerebrospinal fluid.
- List four major categories of disease affecting brain andspinal cord.
- Identify three (3) reasons for CSF analysis.
- Outline the procedures used in obtaining CSF including how it is appropriately distributed throughout the laboratory sections.
- Discuss the appearance of CSF specimens including terms used to describe normal and abnormal specimens and their significance.
- Differentiate the laboratory findings of a bloody specimen caused by a cerebral hemorrhage and one that resulted from a traumatic tap.
- Analyze the types of inclusions seen in macrophages following intracranial hemorrhage.
- Calculate CSF white and red blood cell counts when given the number of cells seen, specimen dilution, and the number of squares counted.
- Associate bacterial, viral, and parasitic meningitis, as well as allergic reactions, leukemia, and carcinoma with the types of cells primarily seen.
- Describe the appearance of ependymal, macrophage, and malignant cells.
- Evaluate CSF chemistry tests: protein, glucose, lactate, and glutamine to determine whether they are normal or abnormal and the significance of the abnormal results.
- List three (3) pathologic conditions that produce an elevated CSF protein.
- Explain the basic principles associated with the turbidimetric and the dye-binding methods of CSF protein analysis.
- Name two (2) pathologic conditions resulting in a decreased CSF glucose.
- Briefly describe the MS Panel performed on CSF and its significance.
- List the most common cause of meningitis in neonates, children, adults, and the immunocompromised patient.
- For each of the following CSF tests and observations identify the organism most often associated with a positive result: India ink preparation, acid fast stain, VDRL and pellicle formation.
- Discuss serous fluids including: the respective body cavities associated from which they come, their function in those body cavities, the name of the procedure to obtain and the reasons for analyzing the fluid.
- Define thoracentesis, paracentesis, pericardocentesis, and effusion.
- Differentiate between transudates and exudates including two (2) conditions that would cause the formation of each.
- Given the number of cells seen, dilution factor and number of squares counted calculate serous fluid cell counts.
- Describe the appearance and significance of cells seen on serous fluid differentials including mesothelials, malignant and LE cells.
- Briefly describe the most common chemistry tests performed on serous and synovial fluids.
- Identify the importance of cytologic exam for serous fluids.
- Assess the composition of normal synovial fluid and explain the significance of hyaluronic acid.
- List two (2) functions of synovial fluid.
- State three (3) reasons for synovial fluid analyses.
- Define arthrocentesis.
- Briefly compare and contrast the two (2) tests for synovial fluid viscosity.
- Given the number of cells seen, dilution factor, and number of squares counted calculate a synovial fluid cell count.
- State the types of diluting fluids that may and may not be used for synovial fluid cell counts.
- Name the type of white blood cell (WBC) predominantly seen in bacterial infections of synovial cavities.
- Describe the appearance of synovial lining cells and LE cells and state their significance.
- Identify crystals seen in synovial fluid, and state their significance in the diagnosis of gout.
- When evaluating an infection of the synovial cavity correlate the most common cause of the infection with the appropriate susceptible population: children, adults, and elderly patients.
MLAB 1211 Urinalysis/Body Fluids