Course Title: Perform haematological tests

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2016

Course Code: ONPS5666C

Course Title: Perform haematological tests

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5283 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology Testing)

Course Contact: Amberlee Mitton

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 8053

Course Contact Email: amber.mitton@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Andrea McAdam

andrea.mcadam@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 130

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

ONPS5659C Biological procedures

ONPS5198 Perform microscopic examination

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the ability to determine levels, function, activity and interactions of cellular and plasma components of blood using tests and procedures identified with the discipline of laboratory haematology. This course does not cover the laboratory aspects of transfusion science; these are covered in "Perform immunohaematological tests". While this unit focuses on the laboratory investigation of human physiology and pathology, it reasonably describes aspects of work performed in veterinary settings.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSL975002A Perform haematological tests

Element:

1. Process samples and associated request details

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Sort specimens according to tests requested, urgent status and volume
1.2. Return samples and request forms that do not comply with requirements to their source with
reasons for non-acceptance
1.3. Log acceptable samples and request forms, applying required document tracking mechanisms
1.4. Process samples as required by requested tests
1.5. Store samples and sample components appropriately until ready for testing

Element:

2. Perform tests

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Select authorised tests that are indicated for the requested investigations
2.2. Conduct individual tests according to documented methodologies, applying required quality
control procedures
2.3. Record all results, noting any phenomena that may be relevant to the interpretation of results
2.4. Seek advice of section head or other responsible colleague when result interpretation is outside
parameters of authorised approval
2.5. Store unused sample or sample components, for possible future reference, under conditions
suitable to maintain viability

Element:

3. Maintain a safe environment

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety
and that of other laboratory personnel
3.2. Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment
from contamination
3.3. Minimise the generation of wastes
3.4. Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance
with enterprise procedures

Element:

4. Maintain laboratory records

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or
transcribing required data as required
4.2. Update instrument maintenance logs as required by accreditation checklists
4.3. Maintain security and confidentiality of all clinical information, laboratory data and records


Learning Outcomes


Competency based


Details of Learning Activities

Laboratory classes with instructional talks and practical bench work

Keeping records in a logbook and laboratory computer system

Online material and review questions

Interactive tutorials
 


Teaching Schedule

SEMESTER 1

Week 1
Date: Wed 10 Feb
Theory topic: Introduction to Haematology
Practical laboratory work: Laboratory protocols, workflow, telephoning

Week 2

17 Feb
Sample collection / specimen types
Introduction to blood

Week 3
24 Feb
Platelets, automated analysers, full blood count (FBC)
Analyser & QC; microscope review – normal blood film

Week 4
2 Mar
Blood films and the full blood examination (FBE)
Analyser – routine samples, making blood films, staining

Week 5
9 Mar
Red cell parameters
Analyser – interpreting red cell parameters

Week 6
16 Mar
White cells
Analyser & manual white cell count, WC differential

Week 7
23 Mar
Infection & inflammation
White cell differential; manual platelet count; ESR

24 – 30 Mar
MID-SEMESTER BREAK

Week 8
4 – 8 April
MID-SEMESTER 1 EXAMS

Week 9
13 April
Haemostasis, plasma components
Manual coagulation tests

Week 10
20 April
Prothrombin time, INR, APTT and others
Manual coagulation tests + automated & QC on STAGO analyser

Week 11
27 April
Defects & deficiencies
STAGO – Case studies

Week 12
4 May
Plasmolysis
STAGO + Latex D-Dimer test; Case studies (DIC, DVT)

Week 13
11 May
Prothrombotic conditions & tests
Case studies

Week 14
18 May
Reporting blood films
Examining films – systematic process

Week 15

25 May
Revision

Week 16
30 May – 3 Jun
END-SEMESTER 1 EXAMS


SEMESTER 2
Schedule and topics for Semester 2 to follow


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Suggested texts and resources for further information will be provided on the RMIT online learning system Blackboard (Learniing Hub)


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course may include tests, quizzes, assignments and practical assessment


Assessment Tasks

Written tests of theory, and demonstration of applied knowledge

Documentation, including entering results into simulated laboratory computer system

Laboratory log book, including morphology records

Practical skills testing


Assessment Matrix

SEMESTER 1

Written tests:
Mid semester    20%
End semester   25%

Documentation:
Coagulation results S / NYS (Satisfactory / Not Yet Satisfactory)

Practical skills:
Run FBC on analyser and produce report  S / NYS

SEMESTER 2

Written tests:
Mid semester   15%
End semester  30%
 

Applied knowledge:
Haematological condition - fact sheet 10%

Documentation:
Morphology record book S / NYS

Practical skills:
Blood film identification S / NYS (must achieve >75%)

Other Information

Assessment Information

This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also utilises graded assessment
CHD: Competent with High Distinction (80 – 100%)
CDI: Competent with Distinction (60 – 79%)
CC: Competent with Credit (50 – 59%)
CAG: Competency Achieved – Graded (0 – 49%)
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did Not Submit for assessment

 

  • All assessment types must be passed (exams, prac, and assignments etc.). For example, if there are two tests you need to have an average of 50% to pass. You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (e.g. pass the tests but fail the prac component).
  • Attendance at practical classes is compulsory. A minimum of 80% attendance is required to pass this course. If you are sick you should submit a medical certificate to 6th floor office addressed to the Program Coordinator
  • Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension will not be corrected.
  • APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME FOR SUBMISSION OF ASSESSABLE WORK- A student may apply for an extension of up to 7 days from the original due date. They must lodge the application form (available online http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension) at least 24 hours before the due date. The application is lodged with the School Admin Office on Level 6, Bdg 51, or emailed to the Coordinator (amber.mitton@rmit.edu.au).
  • Students requiring extensions longer than 7 days must apply for Special Consideration (see the ‘Help me’ link in blackboard, via myRMIT studies or http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration) For missed assessments such as exams - you (& your doctor if you are sick) must fill out a special consideration form. This form must be lodged online with supporting evidence (e.g. medical certificate), prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination.
  • If you miss an assessment task due to unavoidable circumstances, you need to follow the procedure of special consideration and apply within the allowed time frame.


 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview