Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This is the first term  of a survey course, which provides an introduction into the field of clinical laboratory science. The proper use and care of the microscope, centrifuge and other laboratory supplies and equipment will be presented. The course will focus on the anatomy and physiology of the kidney and the physical, chemical and microscopic assessment of the urine, the structure, function and identification of blood cells, the basic lab safety techniques utilized in clinical laboratories, the transmission and control of bloodborne pathogens, the inheritance, structure and identification of ABO and Rh blood groups. Students will be expected to properly perform laboratory exercises related to the subject matter discussed.

Perform normal differentials, routine urinalysis and ABO-Rh blood typing using appropriate laboratory techniques and instrumentation; calculate (if needed) and properly report laboratory data. Procedures will be performed in accordance with current safety protocol, and blood and body fluid precautions.

The material in this course will be presented in a traditional classroom, or distance-learning format. The course includes required laboratory activities. Traditional classroom instruction consists of discussion, digital images, diagrams, web based instructional media and other educationally sound practices. Distance learning courses are primarily web based with additional multimedia used as needed. Distance learning classes require periodic campus and hospital based laboratory exercises. A laboratory manual will be provided. The laboratory exercises provide an opportunity for students to employ the testing principles and methodologies discussed and allow for discussion, application and correlation the concepts presented.  The student is expected to perform all laboratory procedures according to the criteria established by the department.

The instructor will outline the methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for assigning a grade at the beginning of the course. Assessment methods may include written and practical examinations, homework assignments and discussion activities. Evaluation of problem solving skills, teamwork, attendance, participation, laboratory performance and communication skills may also be included.  Extra credit will not be available.  All laboratory exercises must be completed satisfactorily to achieve a passing grade. All discussion activities and homework assignments, must be turned in on time. Three late discussion or homework assignments will result in the lowering of the grade by one letter.

·       Demonstrate proper care and usage of the microscope.  Identify and explain the function of the various parts of the microscope.

·       Explain the basic principles of the commonly used clinical centrifuges and demonstrate proper care and usage of the instrument.

·       Recognize and explain the purpose of the various pipettes, test tubes and other forms of glassware utilized in the clinical laboratory.

·       Recognize the location and proper use of the various safety devices in the clinical laboratory. Explain and demonstrate understanding of general lab safety practices and procedures. Assess the common electrical, chemical and general safety practices utilized in the clinical laboratory.

·       Identify, describe and distinguish using color, size, nuclear appearance and cytoplasmic characteristics the cells of the myelocytic, erythrocytic, lymphocytic, monocytic, megakaryocytic and plasmacytic cell series.

·       Discuss some of the abnormal blood findings associated with neutrohils, eosinophis, basophils, monocytes, platelets and lymphocytes.

·       Describe, define the terms and state the common diseases associated with normal and abnormal red blood cell morhoplogy including anisocytosis, poikilocytes, polychromasia, rouleaux, RBC inclusions and other RBC findings.

·       Diagram, label and identify the function of the major structures of the nephron, kidney, and urinary tract.  Discuss the most common abnormalities detected by a routine urinalysis.

·       State the various methods of collecting, and handling urine specimens, include the changes that take place in urine upon standing.

·       State the testing methodologies, reference ranges, clinical significance and pathophysiology of disease states associated with the physical assessment of the urine.

·       State the principle, interfering substances, clinical significance, brief pathophysilogy and disease states or conditions associated with the common chemical tests of the urine.

·       Explain the method of testing, pathophysiology, clinical significance and disease states or conditions associated with the various formed elements of the urine.  Identify the formed elements found in normal and abnormal urine.

·       Examine and demonstrate understanding of the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard including the purpose, epidemiology, mode of transmission and preventative measures to protect healthcare workers against exposure to bloodborne viruses.

·       Define the term’s antigen, antibody, homologous, heterozygous, phenotype, genotype, dominant, recessive and explore the inheritance of the ABO/Rh antigens.

·       Discuss the antigens and antibodies of the ABO/Rh system including structure, characteristics and identification principles and methodologies.