CMLT 2032 - Clinical Immunology

Description
Clinical Immunology for Medical Laboratory Science delves into the principles and applications of immunology in the clinical laboratory. This course covers the immune system’s structure and function, mechanisms of immune response, and the clinical significance of immunological tests. Students will learn to perform and interpret various immunological assays used in the diagnosis and monitoring of immune-related diseases and conditions.

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

2 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
15 Lecture, 30 Lab

3 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:

Understand the basic concepts and components of the immune system.
Explain the mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity.
Perform and interpret immunological tests and assays.
Apply immunological principles to diagnose and monitor diseases.
Discuss the clinical relevance of immunology in health and disease.

General Education Outcomes Supported

Students develop higher order thinking skills.

Standard Practices

Topics list

• Introduction to Immunology:

Overview of the immune system

Cells and organs of the immune system

Innate and adaptive immunity

• Antigens and Antibodies:

Structure and function of antigens and antibodies

Antigen-antibody interactions

Immunoglobulin classes and functions

• Immune Response:

Primary and secondary immune responses

Cellular and humoral immunity

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and antigen presentation

• Immunological Techniques:

Serological tests: agglutination, precipitation, complement fixation

Immunoassays: ELISA, RIA, Western blot

Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence

• Clinical Applications of Immunology:

Autoimmune diseases: diagnosis and monitoring

Immunodeficiencies: primary and secondary

Hypersensitivity reactions: types I-IV

Transplantation immunology: graft rejection and immunosuppression

• Infectious Diseases and Immunology:

Immune response to bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections

Vaccines and immunization

Serological diagnosis of infectious diseases

• Immunohematology:

Blood group systems and transfusion medicine

Hemolytic disease of the newborn

Compatibility testing and crossmatching

• Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Immunology:

Principles of quality control in immunological testing

Troubleshooting and corrective actions

Documentation and record-keeping

Learning activities

Lectures: In-person or online sessions covering theoretical aspects.
Laboratory Practicals: Hands-on training in immunological techniques.
Case Studies: Real-world scenarios to illustrate clinical applications.
Guest Speakers: Insights from experienced immunologists.
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.