title: Laboratory and diagnostic testing: a perioperative update.
abstract: Perioperative nurses are challenged to stay informed about the rapidly changing field of diagnostic and laboratory testing. The brain natriuretic peptide test primarily is used to differentiate dyspnea caused by heart failure from dyspnea that results from other causes. Virtual colonoscopy is a promising new alternative for detecting colorectal polyps and cancers. The microalbumin urine test provides an early indication of the development of diabetic complications. This update of relatively new laboratory tests and diagnostic studies also provides implications for perioperative nurses.
authors.affiliation: Lycoming College, Williamsport, Pa., USA.
authors.forename: Kathleen D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Pagana
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic / Q000451:nursing; D003113:Colonoscopy; D000075202:Contraindications; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D013527:Perioperative Nursing; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D012709:Serum Albumin; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain