Course Title: Perform chemical pathology tests

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2022

Course Code: BIOL5249C

Course Title: Perform chemical pathology tests

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.  

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.  

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.  

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus  

  

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.  

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5388 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology

Course Contact: Rauha Quazi

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4277

Course Contact Email: rauha.quazi@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

rowena.lavery@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

MSL974021  Perform biological procedures

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform tests and procedures associated with the detection and monitoring of tissue and bodily fluid responses to normal physiological processes and disease through the identification and quantifying of chemical components. It covers tests and procedures that are usually associated with the discipline of clinical biochemistry.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSL975037 Perform chemical pathology tests

Element:

1. Process samples and associated request forms

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with minimum industry requirements for labelling, identification and test requests 1.2 Record any discrepancies and indicate what action is required 1.3 Log samples, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody

Element:

2. Perform tests

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Select authorised tests indicated for the requested investigations 2.2 Conduct individual tests, or batches of tests, according to documented methodologies, applying required quality control procedures 2.3 Manage tasks and organise work to ensure efficient use of time 2.4 Flag test results that are outside accepted quality control limits 2.5 Apply quality control processes to discriminate between significant data and artefact 2.6 Confirm with supervisor any further testing requirements 2.7 Record all test data, noting any phenomena that may be relevant to the treatment of data or the interpretation of results

Element:

3. Maintain laboratory records

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Record entries on report forms or into a laboratory information management system, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required 3.2 Ensure samples and associated paperwork maintain traceability throughout testing


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

This course uses Canvas LMS and is run as a combination of laboratory practical classes, workshops, and theory classes.


Teaching Schedule

Ϯ Schedule

 

Session

Week beginning

Topic/Practical

Activities/Assessment

SEMESTER 2

Week 1

 

4/07/2022

 Theory class:

-Introduction to Clinical chemistry, Objectives, Analytical Variables, Quality Control (QC)

-QC manufacturers sheets

No practical this week: Print your practical manual this week and put your PPE (lab coat, protective glasses, and gloves) in your bag in preparation for week 2 laboratory practicals.

 

Week 2

11/07/2022

Theory class:

- Preparation for on campus practical: Lipids I, Cholesterol assay, review the module and complete the quiz

 

Practical #1:

-Cholesterol assay

- HDL/LDL Ratio (calculations)

Early assessment task - Chemical pathology quiz deadline 23.59 Sunday 17th July.

 

AT1: PRACTICAL LOG BOOK ENTRIES (A) (B) (D) (H) –submission deadline for your scanned logbooks entries weeklyonline before Sunday 23.59

Week 3

 

18/07/2022

Theory class:

- Preparation for on campus practical: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

-review the modules and complete the quiz

 

Practical #2:

-ELISA assay - for detection of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) simulation

 

 

 

Week 4

 

25/07/2022

Theory class:

Renal

- Preparation for on campus practical: Renal Tests

-review the module and complete the quiz

 

Practical # 3: Renal practical

1. Urine testing

2. Urine stix (Multistix diagnostic urinalysis)

 

 

 

 

Week 5

 

1/08/2022

Theory class:

-Preparation for on campus practical: Liver function tests (BCG Albumin) : review the module and complete the quiz

 

Practical #4:

-BCG Albumin assay, limitations Beer Lambert

 

 

 

 

 

Week 6

08/08/2022

Theory class:

-Preparation for on campus practical: Liver function tests (Total protein assay) : review the module and complete the quiz

 

Practical #5:

-Total Protein assay, first determine the Endpoint (minutes) of the reaction

 

 

 

Week 7

15/08/22

Theory class:

-Levey Jennings QC Plots (practice)

 

Practical :

Allocated to catch-up practical session for notified students

 

 

Revision sheets activated within canvas

 

Week 8

 

22/03/2022

 

Theory class : on campus AT2: MID-SEMESTER 1 THEORY EXAM (B)

 

On campus theory quiz - topics: Introduction to Chem Pathology, QC controls & Calibrators, Reference ranges & reading results, Electrolytes, Renal, Lipids, Liver,  ELISA & Endocrinology

-AT2 knowledge quiz assessment on campus will be activated during theory class time

 

Practical :

Allocated to catch-up practical session for notified students

 

 

29/08/2022

29th Aug – 4Sept : Mid-semester Break

Week 9

 

 

05/09/2022

Theory class:

- Preparation for on campus practical: Toxicology Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) - Testing for Drugs

Introduction to Chromatography & High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

-review the module and complete the quiz

 

Practical #6:

Separating analgesics drugs using HPLC

 

 

 

Chromatograms will be available the week after this HPLC practical- submit logbook before Sunday 18th Sept 23.59- you will receive a notification from canvas with a link to chromatograms for each standard and the analgesic table that each student group prepared.

Week 10

 

12/09/2022

Theory class:

Automation module -preparation for AT3 assignment

 

Practical: Automation

(half the class, Group A, attend this week’s practical (bring your laptop) and the second half of class attend today)

 

 

 

Week 11

19/09/2022

Theory class:

Electrolytes - review the module and complete the quiz

 

Practical: Automation

(half the class, Group B, attend this week’s practical (bring your laptop) and the second half of class attend this week)

 

 

AT3 –AUTOMATION

Group A and B: complete automation quizzes 1 and 2 due : Sunday 25th September 23.59

 

Week 12

26/09/2022

Theory class:

- Preparation for on campus practical: Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE) using Agarose Gels

-review the module and complete the quiz

 

Practical #7:

SPE electrophoresis (Helena Labs)

 

 

Workshop:

HelenaLab Scientist Georgina Sallmann will attend practical laboratory class this week

Week 13

03/10/2022

Theory class:

Iron studies

- Preparation for on campus practical Haemoglobin (Hb) Electrophoresis

-review the module, case studies and complete the quiz

 

Practical #8:

Hb Electrophoresis (Helena Labs)

Workshop/ HelenaLab Scientist Georgina Sallmann will attend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop:

HelenaLab Scientist Georgina Sallmann will attend practical laboratory class this week

 

Week 14

10/10/2022

Theory class:

- Preparation for on campus practical:

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) - LFT tests part 2

-review the module and complete the quiz

 

Practical #9:

GGT assay

 

 

 

Week 15

17/10/2022

Theory class:

Prep for on campus practical:

Tumour Markers I – Myeloma & Paraproteins Electrophoresis (Helena Labs)

-review the module and complete the quiz

 

Practical :

Allocated to catch-up practical session for notified students

 

 

Revision sheet activated within canvas

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 16

24/10/2022

Theory class : On campus AT4: END OF SEMESTER 1 THEORY EXAM (B)

On campus theory quiz - topics: Use of controls and calibrators, Iron studies, SPE, Tumour markers, HPLC, GGT and LFTs.

-AT4 knowledge quiz assessment on campus will be activated during theory class time.

 

Week 17

31/10/2022

Finalise AT1 observation checklist for weekly PRACTICAL LOG BOOK ENTRIES

Week 18

7/10/2022

Semester break

Note: While all course content in this schedule will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

Ϯ SYLLABUS subject to change pending pandemic conditions and RMIT & government safety advice


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Course resources/ Booklist

The following resources are used in this course.

For more details read the canvas LMS course resource module online.

 

Useful reference for in dept study:

Pagana, Kathleen Deska, author, & Pagana, Timothy James. (2018). Mosby's manual of diagnostic and laboratory tests(Sixth ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Mosby. ISBN-10: 0323446639 ISBN-13: 978-0323446631

 

  1. Practical Manual contains protocols, proforma for lab records and patients slips / laboratory information system (LIS) data input - PRINT AND BRING A COPY TO CLASS. Digital copy available on Canvas. You will scan your weekly records using 'officelens' and upload to canvas.  Automation Manual -digital copy available on Canvas

 

 

  1. Required Texts : Note that the required texts are essential for completion of the weekly practice questions in this course.

 

  • Gaw, M. Murphy, R. Cowan, D. O'Reilly, M. Stewart, J. Shepard. (2008) Clinical Biochemistry, An illustrated colour text, 4th edition. Churchill Livingstone (Elsevier), Sydney, ISBN 9780443069321. Buy this book at the beginning of semester 1. Also available n course resources.

 

 

  • Upfal and O'Callaghan (2001) Your Medical Tests. Every person's guide to common medical tests and diagnostic images. Black Inc. Melbourne ISBN 1-86395-075-3. Required chapters 6 to 11 available to download from canvas within the course resources module and online from RMIT library.

 

 

  1. Recommended Texts

 

  • This is a very nice simple text that explains lots of lab techniques, especially electrophoresis and chromatography techniques and other techniques including enzyme kinetics, spectrophotometry and molecular diagnostics.
    Boyer R. (2006) Biochemistry Laboratory Modern Theory and Techniques, Benjamin Cummings - Available in the library: Call No. 572.078 B791

 

          4. Royal College of Pathologist of Australasia (RCPA) manual: within the RCPA website contains the RCPA manual and normal population reference ranges for every analyte tested: Link to the RCPA website: https://www.rcpa.edu.au/Manuals/RCPA-Manual/Pathology-Tests


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include

reports

knowledge tests

observation of laboratory skills

logbook


Assessment Tasks

Assessment task

Each task must be completed satisfactorily before Competence is achieved for the full subject/unit.

Due Date

Result
S (satisfactory)
NS (not satisfactory)

Methods of Assessment include:

 

A. Direct Observation/
    Simulation Activities

B. Written/Verbal
    Questioning

C. Third Party
     Evidence

D. Portfolio/
     Product

E. Project/
    Report

 

F. Presentation

G. Role Plays

H. Practical Demonstration

I. Other

 

QUIZ - EOP

17/07/2022

S/NS

  1. AT1- logbooks (A) (B) (D) (H)

Weekly

S/NS

  1. AT2- knowledge quiz (B)

Week 8

S/NS

  1. AT3 – automation (A) (B)

Week 11

S/NS

  1. AT4- knowledge quiz (B)

Week 16

S/NS

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through satisfactory completion of assignments, observation checklists, reports, and through the application of learned practical skills and knowledge skills. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS assignments module.

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. 

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

Decision making rules

Every task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved.
Resubmissions are at the discretion of the teacher and/or coordinator.

 

Assessment Information

CA = Competency Achieved

NYC = Not yet Competent

DNS = Did Not Submit (1 or more assessments)

Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension (see below) will not be corrected.


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required. 

Other Information

Attendance: Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. It is strongly advised that you attend ALL timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully. If you are sick you should submit a medical certificate to the program coordinator and course coordinator/teacher. If you miss an assessable practical class you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence), if you miss a practical class that is a prac report write-up you need to arrange an alternative report with your teacher.

 

Information about your studies: You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc. https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

Extensions of time for submission of assessable work:If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days in writing (email) to your Program Coordinator one working day BEFORE the due date. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.

Special consideration: If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this application please visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration or speak to your Program Coordinator.

 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism: RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy. https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

Reasonable adjustment

Reasonable adjustment is an individualised modification made to the training delivery or assessment methods to enable a student with specific needs to access and participate. Reasonable adjustment may include changed assessment conditions, flexibility in assessments, other academic support, and provision of adaptive equipment and in class support.

Reasonable adjustment is applied within the start date and end date for the subject/unit being undertaken.

 

 

 

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview