Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2024
Course Code: ONPS7814C
Course Title: Perform haematological tests
School: 535T Social Care and Health
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5434 - 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
Andrea McAdam
Course Coordinator (teacher)
51.7.05
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
MSL973028 Perform microscopic examination
Course Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge 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 unit applies to laboratory technicians and technical officers working in the biomedical industry sector. While this unit focuses on the laboratory investigation of human physiology and pathology, it reasonably describes aspects of work performed in veterinary settings. The unit of competency assumes that technical personnel would perform tests and procedures under close supervision. The results of their work would also normally be integrated, interpreted and reported on by supervising scientists and medical pathologists. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow workplace procedures that will clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures, interpreting data and for communicating test results to people outside the laboratory. People performing haematology tests will meet the requirements of the laboratory that they are working in regarding the education and training they must have to perform the tests.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
MSL975063 Perform haematological tests |
Element: |
1. Process samples and associated request details |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with workplace requirements 1.2 Record any discrepancies or sample quality issues and indicate action required 1.3 Register samples, in accordance with workplace procedures, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody traceable to employee |
Element: |
2. Perform tests |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Conduct individual tests according to workplace procedures, applying required quality control 2.2 Prepare blood films in accordance with workplace procedures 2.3 Use appropriate manual haematological techniques 2.4 Identify normal and abnormal morphological characteristics of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets 2.5 Classify and count cell populations 2.6 Calculate red cell indices and white blood cells absolute counts 2.7 Interpret automated analyser results and correlate with blood film morphology 2.8 Record results in accordance with workplace procedures using correct terminology |
Element: |
3. Maintain laboratory records |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Record and/or check results in accordance with workplace procedures 3.2 Follow procedures to ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
Learning sessions each week include:
- background theory and case studies
- interactive online and live laboratory classes to perform tests & processes used in industry
- simulated decision-making applied by medical scientists
- morphology case studies using microscope examination of blood films (slides)
In practical classes, students use a range of industry-standard laboratory techniques, analysers and equipment, interpret pathology results, work with macroscopic and microscopic specimens, keep records of results, and write reports to industry standards.
Teaching Schedule
Week |
Date |
Knowledge Evidence |
Laboratory Practical Skills |
Assessments |
1 |
15 July |
INTRO |
PRAC 0 |
AT1 Lab Records |
2 |
22 July |
BLOOD 1
|
PRAC 1 |
|
3 |
29 July |
BLOOD 2 |
PRAC 1 cont.Observe blood films |
|
4 |
5 Aug |
BLOOD 3 |
PRAC 2 |
Upload |
5 |
12 Aug |
MONDAY Public Holiday |
PRAC 2 cont.Perform manual differential, calculate absolute values |
|
6 |
19 Aug |
BLOOD 4 |
PRAC 3 Run automated FBC analyser Interpret FBC results |
Upload |
7 |
26 Aug |
RED CELLS 1 |
TUESDAY ONLY |
|
FRI 2 – SUN 8 September Mid-semester break – No lab or theory
8 |
9 Sep |
RED CELLS 2 |
FRIDAY ONLY |
|
9 |
16 Sep |
RED CELLS 3
|
PRAC 4 Run ESR, Red cell inclusions |
Upload |
10 |
23 Sep |
WHITE CELLS 1 & 2 |
PRAC 5 |
Upload |
11 |
30 Sep |
AT2 Knowledge Quiz A |
Catch-up PRACS ONLINE PRAC 5a Case study – blood film reporting practice |
AT2 Knowledge Quiz A |
12 |
7 Oct |
HAEMOSTASIS 1 |
PRAC 5 cont. |
|
13 |
14 Oct |
HAEMOSTASIS 2 |
PRAC 6 |
Upload |
14 |
21 Oct |
HAEMOSTASIS 3 Coagulopathies |
PRAC 6 cont. |
|
15 |
28 Oct |
REVIEW |
Prac catch-up |
Upload |
16 |
4 Nov |
AT2 Knowledge Quiz B |
AT3 Report blood films |
AT2 Knowledge Quiz B |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
See Canvas for all resources.
There is no set textbook, although certain online texts are recommended, and available through RMIT Library.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment may include:
- knowledge tests
- practical skills test
- practical logbooks
- presentations
- group work
- research
- lab reports
- assignments
Assessment Tasks
AT1Lab Records
Perform and record lab tests
Maintain logbook records that document samples, controls, and results of haematology bench tests.
SUBMIT after each laboratory practical class - see Canvas
AT2Knowledge Evidence
Interpret haematology results
Part A
Calculate values, interpret clinical conditions, troubleshoot possible analytical errors, and apply haematological terms
ONLINE QUIZ Week 11
Part B
Integrate material from the whole course to evaluate results & interpret case studies
ONLINE QUIZ Week 16
AT3Perform Skills
Report blood films
Examine three blood films microscopically: interpret FBE and write a report on each
MORPHOLOGY LAB Week 16
Assessment Matrix
Other Information
Success in the course
To complete the course successfully, you need to achieve a satisfactory result for every assessment task.
For each assessment you will be given up to two (2) attempts, however, to be granted the second attempt at any assessment, your first attempt must be an appropriate attempt to try and gain a satisfactory outcome. For example, you must appropriately attempt each question or aspect of the assessment task.
If your first attempt fails to meet the above standard, you may not be eligible for a second attempt at that task.
A third (3rd) attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic
Grades
This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment.
The final outcome may be:
CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment
Individual assessment tasks are marked Satisfactory | Not Satisfactory | Not Observed
Attendance
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.
Submitting Assessment Tasks
You are expected to prepare all assignments and other written work in a professional manner. More information on general academic study and writing skills can be found on the “Learning Lab” http://emedia.rmit.edu.au/learninglab/.
Submit or perform all assessment tasks by their due dates.
You must keep a copy of all submitted assessments including electronic copies.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism including AI
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
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has certain restrictions in this course. Please refer to assessment instructions for guidelines on the conditions for the use of AI tools in assessments.
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 by using the Extension tool in Canvas at least one working day before the due date. The Program Coordinator, not your teacher, will decide whether to grant the extension, and inform you if the application is approved.
If you need an extension of greater than seven days, you must apply for special consideration.
Special Consideration
If you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (eg test, practical assessment), because of illness or other unforeseen circumstance, 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.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview