Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to C Higgins.
The second paper in our series on laboratory examination of specimens discusses the measurement of urea and creatinine in the blood as tests of renal function. It outlines the synthesis of urea and creatinine and their excretion following glomerular filtration.
Reduced and raised blood glucose concentration (hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia respectively) are symptoms of a number of conditions besides diabetes mellitus. The third paper in our series describes these conditions and methods used to assess blood glucose levels.
The full blood count (FBC) is a routine examination comprising a number of tests. This paper looks at those concerned with erythrocyte function, giving normal ranges and discussing some of the implications of abnormal results.
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This paper explains how laboratory testing of blood can provide additional evidence to clinical examination and electrocardiogram either to support or exclude a diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Current practice is described and new developments outlined.
This paper continues our series on pathology testing. The urea and electrolyte (U&E) blood test, which includes the measurement of sodium and potassium concentration in blood plasma, is the most frequently requested chemical test in clinical practice. The precautions to be taken when sampling blood for this test are described. This is followed by a brief review of conditions associated with abnormalities in serum sodium and potassium concentrations and the effects of these changes. It is particularly important that the signs and symptoms of changes in plasma potassium concentration particularly are recognised and treated quickly, as these are potentially life-threatening.
This paper examines the laboratory identification of tumour markers--substances present in the blood and urine that are released by tumour cells or by the patient in response to a tumour. A general consideration of what constitutes a useful tumour marker is followed by a description of some specific tumour markers currently used in clinical practice. Reference is made to the potential impact of recent cancer research on initiatives for early cancer detection by testing blood.
Clinical laboratories are frequently asked to measure the concentration of drugs in blood and urine. Of the many thousands of drugs prescribed, however, the measurement of only a relatively small number provides useful clinical information. There are three main reasons for measuring drugs: to test patient compliance, to ensure that dosage is high enough to have therapeutic effect but sufficiently low to avoid toxicity and, finally, to identify drugs taken during deliberate or accidental overdose. This article is concerned with the last of these.
The most frequently requested laboratory test is the full blood count. This is not one single test but a group of tests, including a count of three functionally distinct cellular elements that circulate in peripheral blood: platelets, red cells (erythrocytes) and white cells (leukocytes). This paper focuses on the function of leucocytes and the clinical significance of abnormal changes in their numbers.
Homeostasis in the human body is maintained by a sophisticated process of chemical balance. The disorder of this balance results in ill health. The body has its own compensatory mechanisms but intervention may also be required. Blood gas analysis is the primary means of assessing acid base balance and is frequently required in both acute and chronic illness to assess and determine treatment. This article outlines the principles involved in blood gas analysis and acid base balance.
As part of a continuing series focusing on the way the work of clinical laboratories contributes to patient care, this article describes the ESR test, one of the oldest blood tests still performed in clinical laboratories. Consideration is given to the collection of blood for this commonly requested test and the way in which results are used in clinical practice.
As part of a continuing series on how the work of pathology laboratories contribution to patient care, this article looks at the measurement of the concentration of cholesterol and triglyceride in blood. The normal physiological function of cholesterol and triglyceride is described and blood sampling precautions explained. Finally, the causes and clinical consequences of abnormally raised levels are discussed.
As part of a continuing series on how the work of pathology laboratories contributes to patient care, this article looks at the Papanicolaou (Pap) or cervical smear test, which involves the microscopical examination of cells recovered by scraping the surface of the cervix. The incidence, causes and aetiology are described and the organisation of cervical screening is shown. Finally, the range of findings from a positive smear test is explained.
Parent to Parent programs offer a unique model for personalizing family support services according to family preferences. Over 500 of these programs across the United States provide emotional and informational support through careful matching of veteran parents with referred parents who have a child with a disability. A national survey of Parent to Parent program coordinators and participating parents examined referral sources, program supports, program demographics/descriptions, and examples of best practices. Parent to Parent programs can complement health care services by empowering parents through information and support and should be an essential component of a comprehensive family support system.
As part of series concerning the role of laboratory testing in patient care, this article focuses on tests of blood coagulation. These tests are used as first-line screenings in the investigation of patients who have an abnormal tendency to bleed and to monitor the treatment of those who are receiving anticoagulation therapy, most often for the treatment or prevention of deep-vein thrombosis.