Glossary

ABO typing - ABO typing is blood typing for the four major blood type groups (A, B, AB and O). An Rh factor is also obtained, either negative or positive, which is important in blood transfusions, but not as important for solid organ tissue typing.

Anesthesiologist - A doctor who administers special medicine in the operating room to allow your child to sleep during surgery. The same doctors are responsible for providing pain medication during and after the surgery.

Antibody – A molecule produced in response to an antigen.  Antibodies are specific; meaning they only react with the antigen that caused them to be formed.  Once an antibody is formed, it will always prevent the body from being affected by the antigen.

Antigen - An antigen is a substance that triggers an immune response. It is the molecule that the body recognizes as foreign. For example, the antigen for chicken pox is the virus varicella. Because the body does not recognize the virus, the immune system triggers antibodies to fight off the infection. The antibodies have memory, so the next time your child is exposed to chicken pox, his body “remembers,” and chicken pox does not develop.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) - A test that measures how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is in the blood.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) - Lung fluid and mucus obtained during a bronchoscopy. BAL samples are routinely obtained during every bronchoscopy to monitor for infection.

Bronchoscopy - A procedure to view the inside of the lungs using a fiber optic light and camera.

Central line - An indwelling intravenous catheter used to provide medications, nutrition and blood products. They can also be used for blood drawing.

Child Life Specialist - A member of the staff that provides emotional support and diversional activities for hospitalized children. They can provide information about your child’s growth and development and assist with adjustment to the hospital environment.

CT Scan (Computerized Tomography) - A test that combines an x-ray machine and a computer to measure the size of the lung. This is one of the tests performed on a living donor candidate as well as the organ recipient.

Echocardiogram – A test to study the structure and function of the heart. Sound waves are used to develop a picture of the heart. This is a non-invasive test where a transducer with gel is placed on the child’s chest.

Edema - The presence of too much fluid in the cells which results in swelling in the abdomen, feet and legs.

Electrocardiogram (EKG) - A noninvasive procedure to measure and record the heart beat. One of several tests performed during the transplant evaluation.

Endotracheal Tube - A long narrow plastic tube placed through the mouth or nose into the trachea to provide an airway. The trachea is the tube that connects the mouth/nose to the lungs. Children who are intubated are unable to speak or cry.

FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) - This is the volume of air that your child can blow old in one second. The FEV1 measurement is used to monitor for rejection.

FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) - The total amount of air that you child can expel from his or her lungs. FVC is measured during pulmonary function testing.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - A special scanning device used to provide detailed pictures of the body without x-rays.

PFTs (Pulmonary Function Tests) - These tests measure how well your child’s lungs are functioning using specialized machinery that measures the capacity and airflow within the lungs.

Rejection - When the body’s immune system attacking the new lung. Almost every recipient experiences some rejection, usually during the second or third week after transplantation.

Seronegative/seropositive - A seronegative patient does not have antibodies to a specific virus (i.e., CMV or EBV) in his or her blood. A seropositive patient has antibodies to a specific virus. A positive test indicates the person has had the virus in the past or currently has the virus.

TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) - Intravenous nutrition that provides proteins, vitamins, electrolytes and fats.

Transbronchial Biopsy (TBB) - A procedure to remove a small piece of lung tissue during a bronchoscopy. The lung tissue is viewed under a microscope to look for signs of infection or rejection.

TRC (Transplant Resource Center) - The organization that manages the procurement of donated organs in Maryland.

Ultrasound - Use of high frequency sound waves to create an image of the internal organs.

V/Q Scan (Ventilation/Perfusion Scan) - A nuclear medicine test that measures the airflow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) into the lungs.

Ventilator - A machine that is used to help your child breathe when he/she is not able to breath on their own.