LABORATORY ANALYSIS:

Diagnostic Description Purpose Nursing Responsibilities

CBC A group of tests that evaluate To review your Explain test procedure.
the cells that circulate in blood, overall health, to Explain that slight
including red blood cells (RBCs), diagnose a medical discomfort may be felt
white blood cells (WBCs), and condition, to monitor when the skin is
platelets (PLTs). The CBC can a medical condition, punctured.
evaluate your overall health and and to monitor Encourage to avoid stress if
detect a variety of diseases and medical possible because altered
conditions, such as treatment. A physiologic status
infections, anemia and leukemia. complete blood influences and changes
normal hematologic
count may be
values.
used to monitor Explain that fasting is not
your health if necessary. However, fatty
you're taking meals may alter some test
medications that results as a result of
may affect blood lipidemia.
cell counts. Apply manual pressure and
dressings over puncture
site on removal of dinner.
Monitor the puncture site for
oozing or hematoma
formation.
Instruct to resume normal
activities and diet.

CXR-APL An X-ray picture in which the
beams pass from front-to-back
(anteroposterior). As opposed to
a PA (posteroanterior) film in
which the rays pass through the
body from back-to-front.
Often used to Remove all metallic
evaluate suspicious objects. Items such as
areas within the jewelry, pins, buttons etc
lung apices that can hinder the
appeared obscured visualization of the chest.
by overlying soft No preparation is
tissue, upper ribs or required. Fasting or
the clavicles on medication restriction is
previous chest not needed unless
views directed by the health
care provider.
Ensure the patient is not
pregnant or suspected to
be pregnant. X-rays are
usually not recommended
for pregnant women
unless the benefit
outweighs the risk of
damage to the mother
and fetus.
Assess the patient’s ability to
hold his or her

U/A Urinalysis is the physical,
chemical, and microscopic
examination of urine. It involves
a number of tests to detect and
measure various compounds
that pass through the urine.
breath. Holding one’s
breath after inhaling
enables the lungs and
heart to be seen more
clearly in the x-ray.
Provide appropriate
clothing. Patients are
instructed to remove
clothing from the waist up
and put on an X-ray gown
to wear during the
procedure.
Used to detect and Instruct the patient to void
manage a wide directly into a clean, dry
range of disorders, container. Sterile,
such as urinary tract disposable containers are
infections, kidney recommended. Women
disease and should always have a
diabetes. A clean-catch specimen if a
urinalysis involves microscopic examination
checking the is ordered. Feces,
appearance, discharges, vaginal
concentration and secretions and menstrual
content of urine. blood will contaminate
Abnormal urinalysis the urine specimen.
results may point to Collect specimens form
a disease or illness. infants and young
children into a disposable
collection apparatus
consisting of a plastic bag
with an adhesive backing
around the opening that
can be fastened to the
perineal area or around
the penis to permit
voiding directly to the
bag. Depending on
hospital policy, the
collected urine can be
transferred to an
appropriate specimen
container.
Cover all specimens tightly,
label properly and send
immediately to the
laboratory.
If a urine sample is obtained
from an indwelling
catheter, it may be
necessary to clamp the
catheter for about 15-30
 minutes before obtaining
the sample. Clean the
specimen port
with antiseptic before
aspirating the urine
sample with a needle and
a syringe.
Observe standard precautions
when handling urine
specimens.
If the specimen cannot be
delivered to the
laboratory or tested within
an hour, it should be
refrigerated or have an
appropriate preservative
added.