Course Descriptions
Body Fluids
(1 credit hour)
Lecture: The physical, chemical and biological properties of human body fluids to include cerebrospinal fluid, seminal fluid, synovial fluid, transudate, exudate and urine. Topics emphasize anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical applications.
Clinical Rotation: Practical laboratory instruction is provided for each test method and instrument used.
Clinical Chemistry
(6 credit hours)
Lecture: A presentation of the theories and principles of clinical chemistry with emphasis on quality assurance, laboratory statistics, current clinical methodologies and instrumentation, pathophysiology and clinical applications.
Clinical Rotation: Laboratory instruction is provided for all current chemistry methods on state of the art instrumentation. This module includes instruction in laboratory automation, quality control and quality assurance.
Hematology/Coagulation
(5 credit hours)
Lecture: A presentation of the concepts of hematopoiesis; the morphogenesis, physiology and pathophysiology of erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes; the principles of the cellular disease mechanisms; concepts of hemostasis and coagulation; and clinical applications.
Clinical Rotation: Practical instruction in blood cell counting, identification and differentiation in blood and body fluids is provided using both manual and automated methods. This rotation also features instruction on hematology automation equipment and updated instrumentation methods. Instruction in routine and specialized coagulation test methods is included.
Immunihematology
(5 credit hours)
Lecture: The human immune system and genetic mechanisms in relation to blood groups with topics including principles of immunohematology; ABO, Rh and other blood group systems; HLA antigens and antibodies; components and donor selection; erythroblastosis; and clinical applications.
Clinical Rotation: Instruction in pretransfusion testing, antibody identification and special techniques is provided. An emphasis is placed on inventory control and immunohematologic instrumentation including automation. Principles of current transfusion practice and component therapy are taught with an emphasis on quality assurance and problem solving.
Specialized Testing (Immunology, Serology, Molecular Diagnostics
(5 credit hours)
Lecture: The human immune system in relation to principles of immunology; immunophysiology; hypersensitivity; immunochemistry; immunities to infectious agents; disorders of the immune system; and clinical applications. The course includes principles of current clinical molecular techniques, methodologies and instrumentation, result interpretation and clinical applications.
Clinical Rotation: Laboratory instruction is provided for the following: cellular immunology including flow cytometry, molecular diagnostics, testing methods for evaluation of infectious and inflammatory disease states, and special chemistry tests including electrophoresis.
Laboratory Operations: Management and Education
(2 credit hours)
Lecture: A basic introduction to the principles and theory of management and education as related to the clinical laboratory. The special job responsibilities of the clinical laboratory scientist in areas such as phlebotomy and specimen processing, reference laboratories, laboratory information systems, point of care testing, critical pathways and interpretive laboratory algorithms, clinical research project methodologies, client services, customer service, safety and laboratory quality/performance improvement are included.
Microbiology
(6 credit hours)
Lecture: Pathogenic bacteria, viruses and animal and mycological parasites of humans are presented in relation to pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestation, infectious diseases, antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy.
Clinical Rotation: Practical laboratory instruction in bacteriology, mycology, mycobacteriology, parasitology and virology isolation techniques and identification methods is provided.