Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

What does the prefix "hypo" generally indicate?

1. Above normal

2. Normal

3. Beneath normal

4. Excessive

The correct answer is: Beneath normal

The prefix "hypo" typically indicates a status that is beneath or lower than normal. In medical and scientific terminology, it is commonly used to refer to conditions or levels that are below the standard reference range. For example, "hypoglycemia" refers to lower-than-normal blood sugar levels. This prefix helps convey important information about the relative degree of a particular measurement or condition. The other options do not accurately represent what "hypo" means. Terms like "above normal" or "excessive" are represented by different prefixes, such as "hyper," which denotes an increase or excess. Therefore, understanding prefixes like "hypo" is essential when interpreting clinical terms and applying them to laboratory settings and diagnostics.