Dear Labby

Welcome to the Laboratory Focus version of Frequently Asked Questions. If you have a pressing question about laboratory testing you have come to the right place. If the answer to your dilemma is not here, just ask, and stayed tuned to Dear Labby for the answer.

Q: My cholesterol report shows "HDL" and "LDL", what are they?

A: HDL and LDL are part of the complete lipid panel. The "good" cholesterol is the HDL and the "bad" cholesterol is the LDL. The LDL is what causes the clogging in the arteries. You want your HDL as high as possible and the LDL as low as possible. An easy way to remember which is which is like this: "H"DL is healthy and high, "L"DL is lousy and low.

Q: I am diabetic and at my last doctor visit my glucose was 105, well within limits, yet my doctor says I am not doing very well at keeping my glucose down. How does he know this?

A: Your doctor probably did a glycosylated hemoglobin. This tells the doctor what your average blood sugar has been over the past 3 months. You cannot fool this test! There are several different names for this test: Hemoglobin A1c, glyco hemoglobin, and glycosylated hemoglobin. Do yourself and your body a favor and strive for a normal glucose level at every possible moment.

Q: Is that a new needle or do you reuse them?

A: Brand-spanking-new! We never, ever, ever reuse needles! All needles have a seal on them similar to seals on medicines on the shelf. If the seal is broken the needle is discarded. No point in risking a patient's health to save a few pennies.

Q: How long after working in a lab before you can become a nurse?

A: Oh, ouch, I've been wounded! Medical Technologist do not aspire to be nurses. Nor do nurses aspire to be Med Techs. Our chosen field is a special field in health care. We are part of your total health care team. We go to school, get a degree, intern for 6 months (for free) and then take a test to prove we know our stuff. Then and only then are we allowed to perform testing on patients. Nursing and medical technology are 2 entirely separate fields of study. Our common bond is you, the patient. We both care about your well being and the quality of your health care.

Q: What is the normal level for alcohol?

A: Well, "normal" is 0! Your body does not make alcohol so you should never have any in your blood unless you put it there. :-) Now, if you are talking about what is the "legal" level, that is a different story. The legal limit varies from state to state so you will have to call your local law enforcement agency to get that information. Remember, they have caller ID...

Teri Stark, MT(AMT)
aka Dear Labby