Course Title: Perform haematological tests

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2025

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)

andrea.mcadam@rmit.edu.au

Office 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	Knowledge Evidence	Laboratory Practical Skills	Assessments
1	BLOOD 1 Analysers | FBC parameters	INTRO to Haematology Sample collection, specimen types ONLINE PRAC 0	AT1 Lab Records AT2 Knowledge Evidence AT3 Perform Skills
2	BLOOD 2 Red cells | Hb structure	PRAC 1 Sample integrity | Blood components Prepare blood films
3	BLOOD 3 White cells	PRAC 1 cont.Observe blood films Describe red cell populations
4	BLOOD 4 Platelets	PRAC 2 Run FBC on analyser Count cells with haemocytometer	Upload AT1 Lab Records 1
5	AT2 Knowledge Quiz A Part 1	PRAC 2 cont. Perform manual differential, calculate absolute values	AT2 Knowledge Quiz A1
6	RED CELLS 1 Anaemia	PRAC 3 Run automated FBC analyser Interpret FBC results	Upload AT1 Lab Records 2
7	RED CELLS 2 Haemoglobinopathies, haemolysis	PRAC3 cont. Blood films: haemolysis haemoglobinopathies

Mid-semester break – No lab or theory

8	RED CELLS 3 Red cell inclusions | Malaria	PRAC 4 Run ESR, Red cell inclusions Blood films – malaria, adjust WCC for nrbc
9	WHITE CELLS 1 & 2 Response to Infection Leukaemia	Catch-up PRACS ONLINE PRAC 5a Case study – blood film reporting practice	Upload AT1 Lab Records 3
10	AT2 Knowledge Quiz A Part 2	PRAC 5 Blood films – infectious mononucleosis, sepsis, leukaemia	AT2 Knowledge Quiz A2 Upload AT1 Lab Records 4
11	HAEMOSTASIS 1 Basics of coagulation	PRAC 5 cont. D-Dimer test | INR Clinic
12	HAEMOSTASIS 2 Tests, anticoagulant therapy	PRAC 6 Observing platelets Blood films – disseminated intravascular coagulation
13	HAEMOSTASIS 3 Coagulopathies	PRAC 6 cont. Mystery slides |Sketchbook catch-up	Upload AT1 Lab Records 5
14	Extra conditions Other proliferative disorders REVIEW Putting it all together	Prac catch-up: sketchbook and film reviews	Upload AT1 Lab Records 6
15	AT2 Knowledge Quiz B	AT3 Report blood films Morphology assessment	AT2 Knowledge Quiz B AT3 Report blood films
16	First Tues Nov Public Holiday	Corrections – flexible timing

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 (AT = Assessment Task)

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 – three quizzes

Part A
Calculate values, interpret clinical conditions, troubleshoot possible analytical errors, and apply haematological terms
ONLINE QUIZ A Part 1 Week 5
ONLINE QUIZ A Part 2 Week 10

Part B
Integrate material from the whole course to evaluate results & interpret case studies
ONLINE QUIZ B Week 15

AT3Perform Skills
Report blood films

Examine three blood films microscopically: interpret FBE and write a report on each
MORPHOLOGY LAB Week 15

Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Success in the course

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, case studies and practical exercises.
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled classes. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, and practise the skills needed to complete this course successfully.

If you miss an assessment or assessable practical class you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence) to the course coordinator/teacher. If you miss a practical class that is a prac report write-up you need to arrange an alternative report with your teacher.

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
SEC Did not submit (one or more items) for assessment | Ceased engaging in course

Individual assessment tasks are marked Satisfactory | Not Satisfactory

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 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 apply 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