An introduction to clinical laboratory practices and procedures normally performed in a clinical laboratory, including quality control, laboratory math, safety, laboratory equipment, phlebotomy, accreditation, certification, and professionalism.

An introduction to urinalysis and body fluid analysis, including the anatomy and physiology of the kidney, and physical, chemical and microscopic examination of urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body fluids. Correlation to abnormal findings and disease states will be discussed. Utilizes a student laboratory for experiences in basic urinalysis and body fluids analysis.

An introduction to the theory and application of basic immunology, including the immune response, principles of antigen-antibody reactions, and the principles of serological procedures. Methods of testing for diagnosis of immune system disorders, viral and bacterial infections will be discussed.

Introduction to the theory and practical application of routine and special hematology procedures including, maturation sequence of formed elements, normal and abnormal morphology and associated diseases are discussed. Utilizes a student laboratory for experiences in basic hematology practices and procedures.

Fundamentals of microbiology with emphasis on pathogenic bacteria and infectious disease, including collection, setup identification, susceptibility testing, and reporting procedures. Laboratory experience will include approaches in classification and identification of pathogenic organisms.

An introduction to the principles and procedures of various tests performed in clinical chemistry. Presents the physiological basis for the test, the principle and procedures for the test, and the clinical significance of the test results, including quality control and normal values. Also includes basic chemical laboratory techniques, chemical laboratory safety, electrolytes and acid-base balance, mineral and bone metabolism, carbohydrates, renal function, hemoglobin production disorders. Students will be expected to correlate laboratory test results with normal physiology and biochemistry and with disease states. Utilizes a student laboratory for experiences in basic clinical chemistry procedures.

A study of hemostasis and coagulation in normal and disease processes. A continuation of theory and principles of formed elements and their function in normal and pathologic processes. Also introduced are additional basic practices and procedures in the hematology laboratory.

Fundamentals of microbiology with emphasis on parasitology, mycology, and virology. Proper recovery and handling of specimens, growth requirements, and identification of organisms will be covered. Laboratory experience will include approaches in classification and identification of pathogenic organisms utilizing morphologic, cultural, biochemical, enzymatic, serologic, and nucleic acid analysis. Mycology, parasitology, and virology will be introduced.

A continuation of the principles and procedures of various tests performed in Clinical Chemistry I. Presents the physiological basis for the test, the principle and procedures for the test, and the clinical significance of the test results, including quality control and normal values. Also includes proteins, liver function, lipids, enzymes, metabolites, endocrine function, tumor markers, cardiac markers, therapeutic drug monitoring and toxicology. Students will be expected to correlate laboratory test results with normal physiology and biochemistry and with disease states. Utilizes a student laboratory for experiences in basic clinical chemistry procedures.

A study of blood antigens and antibodies. Performance of routine blood banking procedures, including blood group and Rh typing, antibody screens, antibody identification, compatibility testing, blood donations, and transfusion therapy. Recordkeeping and quality control techniques will also be discussed. Utilizes a student laboratory for experiences in basic immunohematology procedures.

This course is designed to supplement and expand upon the foundational knowledge provided during the didactic portion of the MLT program. The simulated practicum will be completed on campus to provide the training required to apply knowledge gained during the program into practice. Students will be required to work independently to perform both routine and challenging laboratory tests. The collection, processing, and distribution of lab specimens according to standard procedures will be studied. Safety standards, legal and ethical behaviors, and quality control will be emphasized. The course allows students to rotate through key areas of the clinical laboratory including phlebotomy. Concepts, methods, and procedures discussed/studied in lecture and lab will be reinforced in the clinical practicum.

Professional topics in clinical laboratory science, including but not limited to, weekly discussion of materials covered during clinical site visits. Professional certifications and organizations are also discussed. Topics in lab accreditation, inspection, resume writing, professionalism, and management are covered as well.

This course is designed to supplement and expand upon the foundational knowledge provided during the didactic portion of the MLT program. The practicum will be completed at a variety of affiliate laboratories (usually hospital-based) to provide the training required to apply knowledge gained during the program into practice. Students will be required to perform both routine and challenging laboratory tests. The collection, processing, and distribution of lab specimens according to standard procedures will be studied. Safety standards, legal and ethical behaviors, and quality control will be emphasized in a direct patient care setting. The course allows students to rotate through key areas of the clinical laboratory. Concepts, methods, and procedures discussed/studied in lecture and lab will be reinforced in the clinical practicum.