Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

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

1. Explain basic clinical laboratory procedures and interpret laboratory results in accordance with current laboratory safety protocols.
2. Describe the steps and safety measures involved in blood collection by venipuncture and skin puncture, emphasizing the importance of obtaining high-quality specimens for analysis.
3. Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication that reflects competence and professionalism in clinical laboratory and patient settings.
4. Identify and explain laboratory safety measures and equipment to prevent accidents and exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
5. Describe laboratory regulations and quality assurance measures to ensure accurate test results, maintain patient confidentiality, and communicate result information with other healthcare providers.

This online course is delivered through lecture/discussion, audio-visual presentations, handouts, web-based instructional media, and other educationally sound practices. Hands-on laboratory content will be learned through on-the-job training, with classroom instruction focusing on the theoretical background necessary to perform laboratory tasks. There is no laboratory component in this course.

Assessment methods may include written examinations, homework assignments, quizzes, and discussion activities. Evaluation will focus on students’ understanding of theoretical knowledge, problem-solving skills, communication, and comprehension of clinical laboratory protocols, safety regulations, and quality assurance measures. Practical lab skills will be assessed during on-the-job training, rather than in the classroom.

Course Themes:

1. Laboratory Safety

 -  Bloodborne pathogens, universal precautions, personal protective equipment (PPE)

 -  Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

 -  Biohazard material disposal

 -  Chemical hygiene plans and exposure prevention

2. Laboratory Operations

 -  Organizational structure and laboratory flow (pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical)

 -  Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)

3. Laboratory Regulations and Quality Assurance

 -  Certification, licensure, and accreditation

 -  Quality control measures

 -  Health insurance portability and accountability act (HIPAA)

 -  Reporting patient results and laboratory communication protocols

4. Basic Laboratory Equipment and Techniques

 -  Operation of laboratory equipment (pipette, centrifuges, microscopes)

 -  Microscopy and staining

 -  Point-of-care testing

5. Phlebotomy Theory

 -  Anatomy of veins and arteries

 -  Theory supporting venipuncture and skin puncture techniques

 -  Specimen processing and documentation

6. Professionalism in Healthcare

 -  Code of ethics, patient confidentiality, and reporting protocols

 -  Professional conduct and communication in clinical settings

Course Skills:

1.  Cognitive Skills:

 -  Explain the organization and operation of clinical laboratories and safety protocols.

 -  Integrate knowledge to interpret and analyze laboratory results.

 -  Apply phlebotomy theory to describe safe and effective blood collection techniques.

 -  Understand and articulate laboratory regulations and quality assurance measures.

2.  Communication Skills:

 -  Demonstrate professional written and verbal communication in clinical and patient settings.

 -  Present and discuss laboratory findings within healthcare teams.

3.  Safety Awareness Skills:

 -  Recognize laboratory safety equipment and proper usage.

 -  Understand and communicate the importance of safety measures in preventing accidents and exposure to pathogens.

4.  Performance and Professional Skills:

 -  Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and professionalism through classroom participation and discussions.

 -  Engage with course materials independently, showing motivation and commitment to learning.

 -  Adapt theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world laboratory settings during on-the-job training.