Laboratory & Pathology Reports Flashcards

In a culture and sensitivity report, the abbreviation 'MIC' stands for:

Answer: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration

MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) is the lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent that prevents visible growth of a microorganism, guiding antibiotic selection.

A laboratory report noting a specimen is 'hemolyzed' indicates:

Answer: Red blood cells have ruptured, potentially interfering with test results

Hemolysis refers to the rupture of red blood cells releasing intracellular contents into the serum, which can falsely elevate potassium, LDH, and other analytes, compromising result accuracy.

In surgical pathology, a 'frozen section' examination refers to:

Answer: Rapid intraoperative tissue examination while the patient remains in surgery

A frozen section is a rapid technique where tissue is snap-frozen, sectioned, stained, and examined microscopically within 15–20 minutes to guide intraoperative surgical decisions.

In the TNM tumor staging system transcribed in pathology reports, the letter 'N' designates:

Answer: Regional lymph node involvement

In the TNM classification, T = primary Tumor size/extent, N = regional lymph Node involvement, and M = distant Metastasis, forming the basis of cancer staging.

The Gleason score documented in a pathology report is used specifically to grade:

Answer: Prostate adenocarcinoma

The Gleason grading system (scores 2–10) is specific to prostate adenocarcinoma, reflecting the degree of glandular differentiation and predicting biological behavior and prognosis.

In a coagulation panel, the abbreviation 'PT' stands for:

Answer: Prothrombin time

Prothrombin time (PT) measures the time for plasma to clot via the extrinsic pathway; it is commonly reported alongside INR and used to monitor warfarin therapy and assess liver function.

Which histochemical stain is most commonly referenced in pathology reports to identify the presence of iron in tissue sections?

Answer: Prussian blue (Perls) stain

Prussian blue (Perls iron stain) reacts with ferric iron deposits (hemosiderin) in tissue, producing a blue color, and is used to evaluate iron storage disorders and hemosiderosis.