Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Evaluate the validity of test results by applying an understanding of abnormal results and their correlation with relevant pathologic conditions.

2. Understand appropriate laboratory techniques, methodologies, instruments and equipment in the performance of clinical chemistry testing to affect quality patient care.

This online course is delivered through lecture/discussion, audio-visual presentations, handouts, web-based instructional media, and other educationally sound practices. Hands-on laboratory content will be learned through on-the-job training, with classroom instruction focusing on the theoretical background necessary to perform laboratory tasks. There is no laboratory component in this course.

Assessment methods may include written examinations, homework assignments, quizzes, and discussion activities. Evaluation will focus on students’ understanding of theoretical knowledge, problem-solving skills, communication, and comprehension of clinical laboratory protocols, safety regulations, and quality assurance measures. Practical lab skills will be assessed during on-the-job training, rather than in the classroom.

Course Themes:

Acid-base Balance

• Physiologic buffers and buffer systems
• Acid-base disorders and their causes
• Compensatory mechanisms and acid-base disorders
• Laboratory procedures for blood gas analysis
• Correlating diseases and conditions with abnormal results

Electrolytes

• Major electrolytes and electrolyte homeostasis
• Principles in electrolyte testing and the instrumentation involved

Non-Protein Nitrogenous waste

• Urea, creatinine and uric acid testing methodology and disease correlation
• Creatinine clearance test and its correlation with kidney function
• Lipids: Cholesterol and Triglycerides
• Normal and abnormal lipid metabolism
• Structure and function of lipoproteins
• Correlation of lipid panel results with disease states and associated risk assessment
• Laboratory methodologies for lipid analysis

Toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring

• Principles of pharmacology
• Thin layer chromatography
• Gas liquid chromatography
• Mass spectrometry
• Immunoassays

Course Skills:
 

Cognitive Skills:

• Explain chemistry theory supporting test principles
• Integrate knowledge and make informed judgments about clinical chemistry test results 
• Predict expected results
• Draw appropriate conclusions based on test results

Performance and Professional Skills:

• Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and professionalism through classroom participation and discussions.
• Engage with course materials independently, showing motivation and commitment to learning.

Safety Awareness Skills:

• Recognize laboratory safety equipment and proper usage.
• Understand the importance of safety measures in preventing accidents and exposure to pathogens.

This structure maintains the integrity of the course while focusing on theoretical knowledge, communication, and professionalism, leaving hands-on training for the workplace.