NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

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Prepare for the NHA Phlebotomy Certification Exam. Learn with study guides and multiple choice questions. Each question offers detailed explanations. Achieve success on your certification test.

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The prefix that means decreased is:

hypo-.
hyper-.
hetero-.
haplo-.

The correct answer is: hypo-.

The prefix "hypo-" means decreased or lower than normal. It is often used in medical terminology to describe a condition where there is a deficiency or reduction in a certain substance or function within the body. For instance, "hypoglycemia" refers to abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood. Understanding this prefix is crucial for medical professionals, including phlebotomists, as it helps them interpret laboratory results and patient conditions accurately. The other prefixes have different meanings; for example, "hyper-" indicates an increase or excess, which is the opposite of "hypo-." "Hetero-" refers to different or other in a biological sense, while "haplo-" denotes a single or half set, typically used in genetics. Being familiar with these prefixes aids in comprehending various medical terms and conditions encountered in the field.