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Calcium Information and Courses from MediaLab, Inc.

These are the MediaLab courses that cover Calcium and links to relevant pages within the course.

Learn more about laboratory continuing education for medical technologists to earn CE credit for AMT, ASCP, NCA, and state license renewal and recertification. Or get information about laboratory safety and compliance courses that deliver cost-effective OSHA safety training and continuing education to your laboratory's employees.

Laboratories Individuals

CLIA Chemistry / Urinalysis Review
Identify the urine sediment elements shown by the arrow:View Page
Which one of the following crystals is not found in normal urine:View Page
Which two of the following crystalline elements are found in acid urine:View Page
Which of the following forms of calcium is biologically active:View Page
Which of the following anticoagulants will not produce a significant effect on calcium levels in plasma:View Page
Ionized calcium is most commonly measured using which of the following method:View Page
Which two of these urine elements are found exclusively in acid urine:View Page

CLIA General Laboratory Review
Match the urine sediment or crystal to the correct description.View Page
Serum calcitonin is typically elevated in which of the following conditions:View Page

CLIA Hematology / Hemostasis Review
Choose the anticoagulant most commonly used for hemostasis testing:View Page
Which of the following would be the most characteristic finding in synovial fluid in a case of pseudogout:View Page
Which is the best method for examination of synovial crystals:View Page
Which changes Fibrinogen into Fibrin Monomer:View Page

CLIA Microbiology / Serology Review
Which of the following is the most suitable specimen for the isolation of Bordetella pertussis:View Page
Which one of the following statements about E.coli O157:H7 is false:View Page

Fundamentals of Hemostasis
Primary Hemostasis – Platelet Kinetics

Kinetic Processes Specific to Platelets. Adhesion – When platelets adhere to exposed collagen, they take on a characteristic “spiny” shape. Their inherent stickiness, and the aforementioned spiny shape serve to compliment each other during this process. Von Willebrands Factor (vWF) is absorbed by surface receptors on both the platelet and exposed subendothelial tissue, thereby linking the platelets to the tissue. Release – This process occurs prior to aggregation. Platelets dump the contents of their granules (ADP, Serotonin, & Calcium), which aids the upcoming aggregation process by acting as a chemical signal. Aggregation – Platelets physically bind to each other, not just to the exposed subendothelial walls and collagen of the breached vessel. Platelet aggregation requires sufficient chemical signal stimulation. Stabilization (technically part of secondary hemostasis as fibrin is a product of secondary hemostasis)– This process strengthens the platelet plug with the addition of interwoven fibrin strands, ultimately producing a fibrin clot. The durable fibrin clot is the ultimate goal of hemostatic processes.

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Secondary Hemostasis – The Intrinsic Pathway

Next, activated factor XI (XIa) catalyzes the conversion of factor IX into IXa, in the presence of ionized Calcium.

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Secondary Hemostasis – The Intrinsic Pathway

Then, activated factor IX (IXa), along with ionized calcium, platelet factor, and factor VIII, activate factor X, which is a direct precursor of thrombin in the common pathway. The activation of factor X signals the beginning of the common pathway. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is used to monitor the intrinsic pathway and the effectiveness of heparin therapy.

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Secondary Hemostasis – The Common Pathway

Activated factor X (Xa), in the presence of factor V (necessary cofactor), ionized calcium, and platelet factor act to convert prothrombin (precursor) to its active form, thrombin, by cleaving the prothrombin molecule.

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Phlebotomy
Basic metabolic panel (BMP)

Consists of an electrolyte panel, plus: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which a measure of renal function. Creatinine (Creat), which also measures renal function Glucose, the most important blood sugar, and Calcium. Run on serum or plasma

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Plasma electrolytes

Electrolytes are salts dissolved in water, including:Sodium (Na) Potassium (K) Chloride (Cl) Bicarbonate (CO2). Calcium (Ca)

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The Urine Microscopic: Microscopic Analysis of Urine Sediment
Common crystals which can be found in acid urine include:(Choose ALL of the correct answers)View Page
What element is present in this slide?View Page
What element is present in this slide?View Page
What element is present in this slide?View Page
What element is present in this slide?View Page
What element is present in this slide?View Page
Normal Crystals

Normal crystals include uric acid, calcium oxalate, amorphous urates or phosphates, triple phosphate, ammonium biurate and calcium carbonate.

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Calcium Carbonate Crystals

Calcium carbonate crystals appear as tiny dumbbells or small colorless spheres.

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Crystals in Normal Acid Urine

Crystals found in normal acid urine include uric acid, calcium oxalate and amorphous urates. This slide shows an example of uric acid crystals.

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Crystals in Normal Alkaline Urine

Crystals found in normal alkaline urine include triple phosphate, ammonium biurate, calcium carbonate, amorphous phosphates, and calcium oxalate. This slide shows an example of triple phosphate crystals. These may appear as four to six sided prisms resembling coffin lids. They indicate either stasis of the bladder or a stale sample.

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Calcium Oxalate Crystals

Calcium oxalate crystals have a characteristic octahedral or envelope shape. Fine focusing will cause the "x" to be refractile. Size may vary from extremely small to quite large. They are associated with diets high in oxalic acid or chemical toxicity. Occasionally calcium oxalate crystals are dumbbell or oval in shape.

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Please identify these crystals.View Page
Please identify these crystals.View Page
Which of the following may be found in normal acid urine?View Page