Emory Healthcare Medical Laboratory Science Program
Course Descriptions: Didactic and Applied Experience
Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science Program (1 week)
This introductory course provides new program students with the fundamental information needed to be successful in other Medical Laboratory Science courses and at Emory Healthcare. Topics include laboratory safety, regulatory requirements, introduction to quality control and assurance, specimen collection and handling procedures, laboratory equipment, information systems, and laboratory math.
Clinical Chemistry (8 weeks)
This course covers principles and interpretation of modern clinical chemistry as it applies to the quantitative and qualitative analysis of body fluids. It includes the study of carbohydrates, acid-base and electrolytes, proteins and other nitrogen-containing compounds, enzymes, lipids, endocrinology, vitamins, toxicology, and therapeutic drug monitoring.
Clinical Microbiology (12 weeks)
This course looks at pathogenic bacteria, mycobacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi of humans in relation to pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, infectious diseases, antimicrobial agents, and chemotherapy. Technical aspects include specimen collection; handling and transport; media composition and utilization; culture, isolation, and identification methods; and automation, quality control methods, and laboratory safety. Practical laboratory instruction covers bacteriology, mycobacteriology, parasitology, virology and mycology isolation techniques and identification methods.
Hematology (8 weeks)
Topics of study cover the physiology and pathophysiology of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets, cellular morphology, cellular diseases, automated and manual determinations, and laboratory operations.
Immunohematology/Blood Banking (8 weeks)
Topics of study include genetics and biology of red cell antigen systems, antibody screening and identification, compatibility testing and solving compatibility problems, additional laboratory analyses, donor requirements, preparation of blood components for transfusion, quality and inventory control, instrumentation, and current practices in component preparation and hemotherapy.
Urinalysis/Body Fluids (4 weeks)
This course of study covers the physical, chemical, and microscopic analysis of urine. Renal function, disease states, and the physiology and clinical analysis of CSF and other body fluids are also covered.
Hemostasis/Coagulation (3 weeks)
This course covers the mechanisms involved in the coagulation system, including platelet function, protein interaction and clot breakdown. Bleeding and clotting disorders as well as treatment modalities are discussed. Laboratory evaluation of the hemostatic process and the correlation of laboratory findings with disease states will be emphasized.
Immunology (3 weeks)
The principles of immunology: antigen/antibody structure function and interaction as they relate to serologic diagnosis are studied. The course looks at the human immune system in relation to immunophysiology, hypersensitivity, immunochemistry, immunities to infectious agents, disorders of the immune system, and clinical applications. The course also provides principles of current clinical techniques, methodologies and instrumentation, result interpretation and clinical applications.
HLA (Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory) (1.5 weeks)
This rotation provides an overview of the theory and testing needed to support a clinical transplantation program. It includes didactic discussions/clinical case reviews focusing on aspects of human histocompatibility, transplant immunology and molecular immunogenetics. Review of basic antigen/antibody interactions includes HLA typing by molecular techniques, antibody detection, antibody identification, and donor/recipient cross-matching. Instruction will be lectures and observation of clinical testing.
Molecular Diagnostics (1.5 weeks)
This course offers an overview of molecular-based principles, techniques, and applications for an array of nucleic acid amplification, signal amplification, and nucleic acid sequenced-based testing. Lectures cover nucleic acid chemistry as well as structure and function.
Flow Cytometry (1 week)
Part of the hematology course, this lecture and clinical series describes the basic principles and applications of flow cytometry. A seminar in cytogenetics is also included.
Special Topic Seminars: 1 Week
Educational Techniques and Terminology Seminar
This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to educate laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and consumers. Fundamentals of adult learning theory, objective writing, evaluation techniques, and modes of instruction are reviewed.
Introduction to Anatomic Pathology and Cytopathology Seminar
This lecture series introduces students to the basic procedures performed in anatomic pathology. Sections include accessing, grossing and basic specimen preparation and the role the pathologist plays in providing an accurate diagnosis. Additional areas covered include cytopathology microscopic review of gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology specimens, review of cytopathology QA/QC and testing procedures, and observations of cytopathology specimen processing. A short tour of the anatomic pathology section is also included.
Point-of-Care Testing Seminar
Get an overview of testing in point-of-care testing (POCT), an emerging specialty in laboratory medicine. Rotation includes a brief history of POCT, test menus, clinical utility, and aspects of analytical performance, regulatory issues, management in the hospital setting and future directions for POCT.
Research Design Seminar
Students learn basic research approaches and have a chance to develop a small-scale research or improvement project for Emory Healthcare.
Clinical Laboratory Operations/Management Seminar
This seminar provides students with an overview of various operating structures in today's hospital environment — including vertically and horizontally integrated healthcare delivery systems and networks, Principles of human resource management, financial management principles, and process improvement as it relates to the clinical laboratory will be discussed.
Other seminar topics will include medical ethics, critical pathways and decision making, communication/team building, and quality management/compliance.
