Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

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

1. Demonstrate basic clinical laboratory procedures using appropriate laboratory techniques and instrumentation and interpret laboratory results in accordance with current laboratory safety protocols. 
2. Complete blood collection by venipuncture and skin puncture in a safe manner to obtain high quality specimens for clinical laboratory analysis. 
3. Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication that represents competence and professionalism in the clinical laboratory and patient settings. 
4. Select and utilize laboratory safety measures and equipment to prevent accidents and exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
5. Describe and apply laboratory regulations and quality assurance measures to ensure accuracy of test results while maintaining patient confidentiality and communicating result information with other healthcare providers.

The class is presented by means of lecture/discussion, audio-visual presentations, handouts, demonstrations, web based instructional media and other educationally sound practices. Comprehensive lab work requires demonstration of competency to receive a satisfactory grade. A laboratory manual is provided. The laboratory exercises provide an opportunity for students to employ the skills, testing principles and methodologies discussed and allow for discussion, application and correlation of the concepts presented.  The student is expected to perform all laboratory procedures according to the criteria established by the department. 

Assessment methods may include written and practical examinations, homework assignments and discussion activities. Student knowledge application, laboratory performance, problem solving skills, punctuality and attendance, participation, and communication skills is assessed in each laboratory exercise utilizing an evaluation rubric that includes cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains.  

Course Themes:

• Laboratory Safety
  • Bloodborne pathogens
  • Universal precautions, safety measures, devices and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
  • Biohazard material disposal
  • Exposure Prevention Plan
  • Chemical Hygiene Plan
• Laboratory Operation
  • Organizational Structure
  • Laboratory Flowchart (pre-analytical, analytical, post analytical steps)
  • Laboratory Departments
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Laboratory Information System (LIS)
• Laboratory Regulations
  • Certification, Licensure,  Accreditation
• Professionalism
  • Code of ethics and conduct in the healthcare industry
  • Patient Confidentiality (HIPAA)
  • Reporting patient results, laboratory communication protocol
• Quality Assurance
  • Quality Control
• Laboratory Equipment and Techniques
  • Operation and maintenance of basic laboratory equipment (pipets, centrifuges, microscopes and safety equipment)
  • Microscopy
  • Staining
  • Point of care testing (POC)
• Venipuncture
  • Anatomy of veins and arteries
  • Equipment and components of collection systems
  • Basic phlebotomy procedures
• Skin Puncture
  • Equipment and components of collection systems
  • Basic skin puncture procedure
• Specimen processing
  • Identification, aliquoting and labeling specimens according to laboratory protocol

Skills:

Knowledge and Application (Cognitive Skills):

• Cognitive processes
  • Explain laboratory organization, operation, safety and regulation that contribute for a high quality and effective clinical diagnostic laboratory
  • Integrate knowledge and make informed judgments about laboratory  test results  in the clinical setting
  • Formulate a clear, answerable question
  • Predict expected results
  • Follow written protocols and verbal instructions
  • Explain Phlebotomy theory supporting blood collection techniques
  • Integrate knowledge and make informed judgments about phlebotomy practice in the clinical setting
• Analysis skills
  • Collect and organize data in a systematic fashion
  • Present data in an appropriate form
  • Assess the validity of the data (including integrity and significance)
  • Draw appropriate conclusions based on the results
• Troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Recognize errors or discrepancies in results during lab procedures
  • Select corrective actions for problem solving
• Safety skills
  • Recognize safety equipment and laboratory safety measures
• Communication skills
  • Introduce herself/himself to the patient

  • Give pertinent information to the patient about the phlebotomy procedure

  • Discuss and present lab results or findings in the laboratory

• Interpersonal and citizenry skills
  • Work effectively in teams or groups so that the task, results, and analysis may be shared
  • Effectively manage time and tasks allowing concurrent and/or overlapping tasks to be done simultaneously, by individuals and/or within a group
  • Integrate knowledge and make informed judgments about general safety in everyday life

Performance (Psychomotor Skills):

• Utilize safety measures and equipment
  • Utilize adequate personal protective equipment, sharp container, fume hood and other safety devices
• Operate laboratory equipment
  • Operate centrifuge
  • Operate microscope
  • Manipulate pipets
  • Operate point of care instrumentation
  • Handle glassware and other fragile laboratory equipment
• Demonstrate to other students how to perform laboratory monitor duties
• Perform Venipuncture

  • Select appropriate materials and equipment

  • Select site for peripheral blood collection using tourniquet and palpation

  • Disinfect collection site

  • Perform venipuncture using vacutainer systems

  • Perform venipuncture using a syringe

  • Label specimens according to laboratory protocol

• Perform skin puncture

  • Select adequate materials and equipment

  • Select site for capillary blood collection

  • Disinfect collection site

  • Perform skin puncture using lancet

  • Label specimens according to laboratory protocol

• Process specimens

  • Mix whole blood sample

  • Centrifuge samples

  • Separate and aliquot specimens

  • Store samples at proper temperature

Professional (Affective) Skills:

• Demonstrate interest, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn as seen through active participation.
• Show initiative and motivation as demonstrated by independence in performing routine procedures, preparation before class, decreased need for supervision, willingness to go beyond the required assignments, and recognition of opportunities to improve quality and productivity of work.
• Adapt to stressful and/or new situations by maintaining composure and flexibility without compromising individual integrity.
• Exhibit teamwork through cooperation, courtesy, respect, and sensitivity towards others.
• Convey a professional attitude as shown by an appropriate level of confidence and a positive outlook toward work and other people.
• Demonstrate integrity as shown by the admission and documentation of errors, recognition of the potential danger of short cuts, and the maintenance of patient and co-worker confidentiality.
• Act responsibly and reliably as measured by punctuality, attendance, dependability, and quality of work.
• Respond favorably to supervision and feedback.
• Persevere until task is completed satisfactorily.