| Tzanck test | The examination of fluid from a bullous lesion for Tzanck cells (altered epithelial cells, rounded and devoid of intercellular attachments). The periphery of these cells is basophilic and the nucleus is spherical and enlarged with prominent nucleoli. They are characteristic of lesions due to varicella, herpes zoster, herpes simplex, and pemphigus vulgaris. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| Tzanck, Arnault | <person> Russian dermatologist, 1886-1954. See: Tzanck cells, Tzanck test. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Tzanck cells | Acantholytic epithelial cell's seen in the Tzanck test. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Raji cell binding test | <investigation> A test for the detection of soluble IgG antigen complexes. Raji cells are a line of EBV transformed lymphocytes with surface Fc receptors. Complexes are detected by their ability to compete with a radiolabelled aggregated IgG for binding to the cells. (18 Nov 1997) |
| red cell adherence test | The diagnostic application of the immune adhesion phenomenon. Synonym: erythrocyte adherence test, immune adhesion test, red cell adherence test. (05 Mar 2000) |
| sickle cell test | <investigation> A test which looks at red blood cells under the microscope to detect sickle cells after an agent which lowers the oxygen content of the sample is added. A positive test is result is determined by the presence of sickle cells. Abnormal results indicate sickle cell anaemia or sickle cell trait. (27 Sep 1997) |
| le cell test | <investigation> A test for lupus that measures the presence of autoantibodies against nuclear proteins in the blood. Performed on a normal venipuncture specimen, this test is positive in 70 to 80% of patients with lupus. Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and drug-induced lupus may also have a positive test result. (27 Sep 1997) |
| lupus erythematosus cell test | <investigation> A test for lupus that measures the presence of autoantibodies against nuclear proteins in the blood. Performed on a normal venipuncture specimen, this test is positive in 70 to 80% of patients with lupus. Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and drug-induced lupus may also have a positive test result. (27 Sep 1997) |
| T-cell-rich, B-cell lymphoma | <tumour> A B-cell lymphoma in which more than 90% of the cells are of T-cell origin, masking the large cells that form the neoplastic B-cell component. See: adult T-cell lymphoma. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Abbe test plate | <equipment> A long, wedge-shaped coverslip about 0.20 mm thick at one end and 0.10 to 0.12 mm at the other end coated chemically with a silver film on which are ruled horizontal lines. at each variation in thickness of 0.01 mm there are vertical lines. By means of oblique illumination and by focusing on different portions of the plate, it is possible to determine the optimum coverslip thickness for any objective and also, for microscopes with drawtubes, the tube length for best objective performance. The approximate freedom from spherical and chromatic aberrations can also be estimated. Small isolated bits of silver near the edges of the lines form good objects for the star test (05 Aug 1998) |
| acetone test | A test for ketonuria; the suspected urine is shaken up with a few drops of sodium nitroprusside, and strong ammonia water is then gently poured over the mixture; if acetone is present, a magenta ring forms at the line of contact; tablets containing sodium nitroprusside and alkali are now more commonly used. (05 Mar 2000) |
| achievement test | A standardised test used to measure acquired learning, e.g., competence in a specific subject area such as reading or arithmetic, in contrast to an intelligence test which is a useful index of potential ability or learning. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acidified serum test | Lysis of the patient's red cells in acidified fresh serum, specific for paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria. Synonym: Ham's test. (05 Mar 2000) |
| acid loading test | <nephrology> This is a test used in the diagnosis of renal tubular acidosis. The patient takes ammonium chloride capsules for 3 days to acidify the blood (lower blood pH). A sample of the urine and the blood is then collected and the results are interpreted. (27 Sep 1997) |
| acid perfusion test | <gastroenterology, investigation> A test used to diagnosis gastrooesophageal reflux disease. This investigation requires that the patient swallow 3 tiny tubes into the stomach. A mixture of hydrochloric acid (like stomach acid) and saline are alternatively injected into the tubes. The patient then reports any symptoms they may have. Some patients may vomit. (13 Nov 1997) |