CMLT 2024 - Clinical Chemistry

Description
Clinical Chemistry for Medical Laboratory Technician provides an in-depth exploration of the principles and techniques used in the analysis of body fluids for diagnostic purposes. This course covers the biochemical analysis of blood, urine, and other body fluids, emphasizing the clinical significance of various tests and the interpretation of results. Students will gain practical experience in the use of laboratory instrumentation and the application of quality control measures.

Pre-Requisite
☐ CMLT 2002 Orientation to Clinical Laboratory Science

☐ CMLT 2013 Clinical Urinalysis & Body Fluids

☐ CMLT 2114 Clinical Microbiology I

☐ CMLT 2106 Clinical Practicum I

Co-Requisite
N/A

Cross Listed Course
N/A

4 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
45 Lecture, 30 Lab

6 Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Spring

ACTS Equivalent
N/A

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Demonstrate the fundamental principles of clinical chemistry and the role of biochemical testing in disease diagnosis and management.

Perform and interpret routine and specialized biochemical tests on blood and other body fluids.

Operate and maintain clinical chemistry analyzers and laboratory instruments.

Apply quality control and quality assurance protocols to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.

Correlate laboratory findings with clinical conditions and patient outcomes.

General Education Outcomes Supported

Students develop higher order thinking skills.

Standard Practices

Topics list

• Introduction to Clinical Chemistry:

Overview of clinical chemistry and its importance in healthcare

Basic concepts of biochemistry and physiology related to laboratory testing

• Specimen Collection and Handling:

Proper techniques for blood and urine collection

Specimen processing, storage, and transportation

Pre-analytical variables and their impact on test results

• Analytical Techniques and Instrumentation:

Photometry, spectrophotometry, and chromatography

Enzyme assays and immunoassays

Automation in clinical chemistry

• Metabolic Panels and Profiles:

Basic metabolic panel (BMP) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

Liver function tests, renal function tests, and lipid profiles

Electrolyte and acid-base balance

• Endocrinology and Hormone Analysis:

Thyroid function tests

Adrenal and pituitary hormone assays

Reproductive hormone analysis

• Specialized Testing:

Toxicology and therapeutic drug monitoring

Tumor markers and cardiac markers

Diabetes and HbA1c testing

• Quality Control and Quality Assurance:

Principles of quality control in clinical chemistry

Troubleshooting and corrective actions

Documentation and record-keeping

• Clinical Correlation and Case Studies:

Interpretation of laboratory results in clinical context

Case studies highlighting the role of clinical chemistry in patient care

The role of the medical laboratory technician in healthcare teams

Learning activities

Lectures: In-person or online sessions covering theoretical aspects.
Laboratory Practicals: Hands-on training in clinical chemistry techniques.
Case Studies: Real-world scenarios to illustrate clinical relevance.
Guest Speakers: Insights from experienced clinical chemists.
Assignments and Quizzes: Regular assessments to reinforce learning.

Assessments

The final exam is a course comprehensive exam. Results of the departmental finals will be submitted to the coordinator as part of course outcome assessment. The test will cover a select number of the core learning outcomes.