Medical Definitions & Laboratory Test Information

VETERINARY MEDICINE DEFINITIONS & TERMS

Consumers' Research Council of America Veterinary Glossary

A listing of terms that are commonly used in veterinary medicine was developed by the Consumers' Research Council of America. "This list is for education only, and is in no way intended to replace proper veterinary care and diagnosis."

Veterinary Definitions and Abbreviations

A resource created by Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Search by word or abbreviation. It is an extensive but not an all inclusive dictionary.

HUMAN MEDICINE DEFINITIONS & TERMS

Healthopedia.com Medical Encyclopedia

"Comprehensive and reliable medical information in patient-friendly language on over 1,500 topics covering diseases, conditions, tests, symptoms, injuries, surgeries, nutrition, and special topics. Find your topic by using the A-Z listing or the search function."

Medline Plus Health Information

"Medline Plus is the National Institutes of Health's Web site for patients and their families and friends. Produced by the National Library of Medicine, it brings you information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues in language you can understand. Medline Plus offers reliable, up-to-date health information, anytime, anywhere, for free." There are directories, a medical encyclopedia, a medical dictionary, easy-to-understand tutorials on common conditions, tests, and treatments, and extensive information on prescription and nonprescription drugs. To begin, just type the word that you would like to find.

LABORATORY DIAGNOSTIC TESTING INFORMATION

Laboratory tests are among the most important aspects of modern medicine. They are necessary to obtain information which cannot be learned from the history and physical examination. Many health care decisions are based on clinical laboratory tests. The information from laboratory tests guides veterinary decisions regarding diagnosis, appropriate treatment and prognosis.

The more you know about your pet's laboratory tests the more you can actively engage in the discussions with your veterinarian about the significance and interpretation of the results. Your involvement is a vital component of your pet's health care decisions.

VETERINARY LABORATORY TESTING GENERAL INFORMATION

What Do Those Lab Tests Mean?

The WSU College of Veterinary Medicine provides general information on some commonly performed laboratory tests and what results may indicate. "The results of laboratory tests on a patient are compared to reference ranges established by measuring the laboratory parameters in a group of normal animals. The reference ranges for each laboratory test differ between laboratories and across species. Be careful interpreting laboratory tests. Your veterinarian will interpret laboratory tests in light of the entire evaluation of your pet. Always provide your veterinarian with information about any drug your pet is receiving. Inquire when you make an appointment for veterinary care, whether you should fast your pet before the visit in case laboratory samples are collected."

Laboratory Testing

The American Animal Hospital Association supports this site to provide general information about laboratory testing with links to additional information. "During your pet's routine wellness exam or if it is suspected that something is wrong, your veterinarian may wish to run laboratory tests using a sample of your pet's blood, urine, skin, hair or feces. These tests are important to help your veterinarian understand your pet's health status."

HUMAN LABORATORY INFORMATION SITES WITH GENERAL AND DETAILED TESTING INFORMATION

Lab Tests Online

"Clinical lab tests often provide the link between the patient's presentation of symptoms and the doctor's diagnosis of and prescribed treatment for a particular condition or disease. Through preventive screening, lab tests also aid in the early detection of potentially fatal conditions and, in so doing, lead to early treatment. In short, lab tests can help both to save lives and to improve the quality of life. Lab Tests Online has been designed to help you to better understand the many clinical lab tests that are part of routine care as well as diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of conditions and diseases."

Medline Plus Laboratory Test Information

This is a human laboratory testing information site developed by the National Institute of Health to explaining many topics. "Laboratory tests check a sample of your blood, urine or body tissues. A technician or your doctor analyzes the test samples to see if your results fall within the normal range. The tests use a range because what is normal differs from person to person. Many factors affect test results. Your doctor may also compare your results to results from previous tests. Laboratory tests are often part of a routine checkup to look for changes in your health. They also help doctors diagnose medical conditions, plan or evaluate treatments, and monitor diseases.