Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This survey course provides an introduction into the field of clinical laboratory science. The role of medical laboratory sciences will be presented in the context of providing quality patient health care.

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

1. Recognize the role of medical laboratory technology in the context of providing quality
2. Discuss the medical laboratory technology profession, career and professional development opportunities.
3. Describe the basic areas of study within the clinical laboratory and how these areas aid in the diagnosis of disease, including: clinical chemistry, immunology, immunohematology, urinalysis & body fluid, microbiology, and hematology.
4. Demonstrate basic clinical laboratory procedures using appropriate laboratory techniques and instrumentation in accordance with current laboratory safety protocols.
5. Calculate, interpret, and report laboratory results in accordance with laboratory protocols.
6. Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication that represents competence and professionalism in the clinical laboratory setting.

The class will be presented by means of lecture/discussion, audio-visual presentations, demonstrations, web based instructional media, and other educational practices. The course grade will be based on participation and submission of assignments.

At the beginning of the course, the instructor will outline the methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for assigning a grade. Assessment methods may include written homework assignments,  discussions, quizzes, and exams.  

Course Themes

• The role of medical laboratory technology in the healthcare industry.
• Information on the profession including background, employment,  and lab organization
• Lab safety protocols and lab terminology

Concepts

• Clinical Laboratory Overview: 
  • Main laboratory departments
  • Pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical steps
  • Sample types
  • Laboratory Tests
• Research of profession 
  • examine history and current state of profession
  • submit a report and discuss
• Research Job Market 
  • Perform a comparative job search
  • Submit a report and discuss
• Laboratory Safety: 
  • Bloodborne pathogens
  • Chemical hygiene
  • Exposure control plan
  • PPE, safety devices and techniques
• Laboratory Testing 
  • Clinical Chemistry: 
    • Diagnostic testing performed in clinical chemistry
  • Urinalysis 
    • Renal anatomy and physiology
    • Physiologic assessment using urinalysis
    • Correlating diseases with abnormal results
  • Hematology: 
    • Diagnostic testing performed in hematology
    • White blood cell morphology
    • Red blood cell morphology
  • Blood bank: 
    • Testing and information provided by the blood bank
    • ABO and RH blood types
  •  Microbiology: 
    • The role of microbiology in the treatment of human infectious diseases
    • Clinical significant pathogen vs normal flora
    • Bacterial identification
    • Bacterial morphology - Gram stains
  • ​Phlebotomy 
    • Role and importance of phlebotomy in laboratory testing
  • Communication 
    • Importance of effective communication in the clinical setting
    • Effective written communication

Skills:

Cognitive skills:

• Discussing the role of medical laboratory technology in the context of health care
• Integrating knowledge and making informed judgments about laboratory procedures and test results in the clinical setting
• Identifying safety devices and techniques when working in the laboratory
• Calculating laboratory results accurately
• Reporting data in an appropriate format
• Assessing the validity of the data (including integrity and significance)
• Recognizing errors and developing a corrective course of action
• Drawing appropriate conclusions based on the results
• Using appropriate communication skills, such as; 
  • Discussing and presenting lab results or findings in the laboratory in a clear and timely manner

Affective skills:

• Organizing work flow and determining priorities
• Producing accurate work within the allotted time
• Interrelating with instructor and peers in a constructive, professional manner through good communication  and effective team skills
• Willingly following instructions and accepting constructive criticism
• Demonstrating awareness  of own limitations, and seeking help when needed
• Demonstrates integrity when taking examinations, checking for mistakes, repeating questionable results and admitting and correcting mistakes
• Describing safety regulations in the laboratory