Dictionary

blood titer A blood test that tests for the level, or amount (titer), of something in the blood. For example, a strep titer looks for the level of streptococcus antibodies in the blood.

blood thinner An anticoagulant agent; a medication that works against coagulating process of blood.

blood test A test that requires a sample of blood. Some blood tests require only a finger stick, and others require a venipuncture (blood taken from a vein) or blood withdrawn from an artery.

blood sugar, low See hypoglycemia.

blood sugar, high See hyperglycemia.

blood pressure, low See hypotension.

blood pressure, high See hypertension.

blood pressure The pressure of the blood within the arteries. Blood pressure is produced primarily by the contraction of the heart muscle. The traditional measurement of blood pressure is recorded by two numbers. The first number (the systolic pressure) is measured after the heart contracts, and it is the higher number. The second number (the…

blood poisoning A bacterial infection of the blood. See also bacteremia; sepsis; septicemia.

blood marker A sign of a disease or condition that can be isolated from a blood sample. For example, the monoclonal antibody D8/17 is a diagnostic sign of pediatric autoimmune disorders associated with streptococcus.

blood in the urine Blood that appears in the urine. Also known as hematuria. Gross hematuria refers to blood that is so plentiful in the urine that the blood is visible with just the naked eye. Microhematuria refers to blood in urine that is visible only under a microscope; there is so little blood that…

blood group, ABO See ABO blood group.