Medical Laboratory Sciences: Microbiology, Hematology, and Biochemistry

Introduction

This course provides a foundational introduction to clinical medical laboratory operations, tailored for individuals with minimal or no background in medicine or clinical laboratory sciences. It is ideal for those seeking to understand the workings of medical laboratories and the roles of laboratory professionals.

The course explores the distinctions between anatomical pathology and general clinical laboratories, highlighting the contributions of various staff members within these environments. The significance of different laboratory departments and their specific functions is emphasized.

Medical laboratories are crucial in healthcare, bridging biology and chemistry. With 60-70% of patient diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, and recovery decisions relying on laboratory results, medical lab scientists play a pivotal role in healthcare decision-making.

Objectives

Upon completion of this medical laboratory technology course, participants will be able to:

• Conduct basic laboratory tests confidently.
• Adhere to and apply safety protocols in the lab.
• Handle and analyze specimens with competence.
• Perform phlebotomy procedures effectively.
• Interpret and report laboratory findings accurately.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure test accuracy.
• Operate laboratory equipment and instruments proficiently.
• Understand biochemistry and immunology concepts relevant to diagnostics.
• Conduct urinalysis and blood bank procedures.
• Apply microbiological techniques and methods effectively.

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures
• Hands-on laboratory sessions
• Case studies and real-life scenarios
• Group discussions and collaborative activities
• Simulation exercises and role-playing
• Guest lectures from industry experts
• Continuous assessment and feedback
• Project presentations

Course Outline

Unit 1: Introduction to the Medical Laboratory

• Overview of medical laboratory science
• Safety measures and rules in medical laboratories

Unit 2: The Medical Laboratory Basics

• Basic lab skills
• Fundamentals of immunology
• Blood sciences
• Clinical chemistry
• Medical sociology and psychology
• Inorganic biochemistry
• General biology

Unit 3: Overview of the Clinical Laboratory

• Phlebotomy and blood sample collection
• Quality control in clinical laboratories
• Urinalysis procedures
• Human body structure
• Blood bank methods
• Coagulation testing
• Basics of microbiological studies

Unit 4: Clinical Chemistry

• Advanced hematologic tests
• Disease study caused by bacteria

Unit 5: Molecular Diagnostics

• Introduction to molecular diagnostics
• Methods and applications in disease diagnosis

Unit 6: Immunology and Serology

• Elementary aspects of immunology
• Principles of serology
• Diagnostic applications in immunology and serology