Category: T

A measurement of lung capacity.  

If elevated, indicates various disease states and metabolic abnormalities. If levels are low, hyperthyroidism, malnutrition, kidney disease and various other disease conditions may be the cause. An acidic plasma glycoprotein; the principal carrier of thyroxine from the thyroid gland to cell membrane receptors on target tissue cells. It bonds more weakly to triiodothyronine.  

A procedure in which the patient is given thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a secretion of the pituitary gland. Its effects on the thyroid are then observed to determine whether thyroid problems are due to pituitary or thyroid dysfunction.  

A blood test done to determine the presence of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins, indicative of thyroid disease.  

Antibodies present in various diseases, such as autoimmune thyroid disease, allergic disorders, and pernicious anemia.  

A test to determine the functional capacity of the liver, performed by mixing a serum sample with thymol. Increased turbidity (cloudiness) indicates liver disease such as hepatitis.  

The time it takes whole blood to generate thromboplastin, a coagulation factor. Deficient thromboplastin generation causes bleeding problems.  

A blood disease whose symptoms include periodic hemorrhages into the skin, a defective clotting mechanism, and deficiency of blood platelets. Removal of the spleen often cures this condition.  

Incubation of a sample of throat secretions in nutrient material, to determine the presence and type of infection-causing microorganisms. A diagnostic examination for strep throat entails gently swabbing the posterior area of the throat and sending the collected sample to a laboratory. The laboratory then analyzes the swab to ascertain the presence of bacteria.  

Monitoring of drug blood levels during treatment to achieve maximum therapeutic effect and minimal toxicity.