Laboratory test

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Laboratory test

A Laboratory test (pronunciation: /ˈlabrəˌtôrē test/) is a procedure in which a sample of blood, urine, other bodily fluid, or tissue is examined to get information about a person's health. Some laboratory tests provide precise and reliable information about specific health problems. Others provide more general information that helps doctors identify or rule out possible health problems.

Etymology

The term "laboratory" originates from the Latin word laboratorium, which means a place for labor or work. The term "test" comes from the Old French test, meaning an earthen pot, which was used in alchemical practices to heat substances.

Related Terms

  • Blood test: A laboratory analysis performed on a blood sample that is usually extracted from a vein in the arm using a hypodermic needle, or via fingerprick.
  • Urine test: A test that can detect and measure various compounds that pass through the urine.
  • Biopsy: A medical test commonly performed by a surgeon, interventional radiologist, or an interventional cardiologist involving extraction of sample cells or tissues for examination to determine the presence or extent of a disease.
  • Pathology: The study of the causes and effects of disease or injury. The word pathology also refers to the study of disease in general, incorporating a wide range of bioscience research fields and medical practices.
  • Clinical laboratory: A laboratory where tests are carried out on clinical specimens to obtain information about the health of a patient to aid in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

See also

External links

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