DIAGNOSTIC AND LABORATORY TESTS

Diagnostic test - A type of test used to help diagnose a disease or condition. Mammograms
and colonoscopies are examples of diagnostic tests. Also called diagnostic procedure.
Laboratory test - A medical procedure that involves testing a sample of blood, urine, or other
substance from the body. Laboratory tests can help determine a diagnosis, plan treatment,
check to see if treatment is working, or monitor the disease over time.
What are Laboratory Tests?
• These are tests that provide information about the client
• These tests may be used for basic screening as part of a wellness check.
Purposes of Laboratory tests:
• To help confirm a diagnosis,
• To monitor an illness
• To provide valuable information about the client’s response to treatment.
Significance of Laboratory Tests to Nurses:
• Primary role of the nurse is to teach the client and family or significant other how to
prepare for the test and the care that may be required following the test.
• Nurses must also know the implications of the test results in order to provide the
most appropriate nursing care for the client
Preparation:
• Instruct the client and family about the procedure for the diagnostic testing
ordered (e.g., whether food is allowed prior to or after testing, and the length of
time of the testing).
• Explain the purpose of the test.
• Instruct the client and family about activity restrictions related to testing (e.g.,
remain supine for 1 hour after testing is completed).
• Instruct the client and family on the reaction the diagnostic test may produce (e.g.,
flushing when the dye is injected).
• Provide the client with detailed information about the diagnostic testing
equipment.
• Inform the client and family of the time frame for when the results will be
available
• Instruct the client and family to ask any questions so that the health care provider
can clarify information and allay any fears.
Blood Tests - Blood tests are commonly used diagnostic tests that can provide valuable
information about the hematologic system and many other body systems.
Venipuncture:
• A venipuncture (puncture of a vein for collection of a blood specimen) can be
performed by various members of the health care team.
• A phlebotomist, a person from a laboratory who performs venipuncture, usually
collects the blood specimen for the tests ordered by the primary care provider.
Venipuncture: Nurse’s Role
• In some institutions, nurses may draw blood samples.
• The nurse needs to know the guidelines for drawing blood samples for the facility
and also the nurse practice act
Complete Blood Count
• Specimens of venous blood are taken for a complete blood count (CBC), which
includes hemoglobin and hematocrit measurements, erythrocyte (red blood cells)
count, leukocyte (white blood cell) count, red blood cell indices, and a differential
white cell count.
• The CBC is a basic screening test and one of the most frequently ordered blood tests.
 Clinical Implication

Serum Electrolytes
• Serum electrolytes are often routinely ordered for any client admitted to a hospital
as a screening test for electrolyte and acid–base imbalances.
• Serum electrolytes also are routinely assessed for clients at risk in the community,
for example, clients who are being treated with a diuretic for hypertension or heart
failure.
• The most commonly ordered serum tests are for sodium, potassium, chloride, and
bicarbonate ions.