Study Guide

Objectives

During the course, the student familiarizes themselves with the key clinical chemistry laboratory tests and their execution, as well as understanding their significance in patient care from the perspective of a biomedical laboratory scientist.

After completion of the course the student:
• understands the connection between physiological biochemical phenomena and clinical chemistry tests
• can justify the indications for clinical chemistry tests
• is proficient in collecting samples for clinical chemistry studies and understands the pre-analytical requirements and sources of error
• can conduct the most important clinical chemistry tests under supervision, as well as explain the principles of operation of the available analyzers and the principles of the tests.
• can evaluate the clinical significance and reliability of laboratory test results and apply quality control in their practice.

Content

• Clinical chemistry as a specialty
• Key enzyme, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism tests
• Key tests on fluid and electrolyte balance, waste products, and proteins
• Acid-base balance and blood gases
• Urinary cells and puncture fluids
• Hormone tests, tumor markers, common vitamin and trace element tests, as well as drug and narcotic tests
• Indications for tests, pre-analytics, analytical methods, and clinical significance
• Quality management, validation, and verification
• Laboratory information systems

Prerequisites

Participation in the course requires that the student is capable of working in a clinical laboratory and understands the fundamentals of laboratory methods.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student is familiar with key fundamentals and can identify common pre-analytical and analytical factors related to the examinations. The student requires significant guidance and support throughout the analysis process. The student completes practical assignments under supervision but requires assistance with result evaluation and interpretation. The student works in the teaching laboratory, adhering to safety measures and following given operating instructions. While considering matters from their own perspective, the student collaborates with the group.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student has a solid understanding of key fundamentals and can contextualize concepts in relation to each other. The student can explain the pre-analytical and analytical factors of different examinations and apply this knowledge in practice. The student navigates through the analysis process with the help of instructions, relying on peers and, when necessary, the instructor. The student can interpret results and assess their reliability. The student works in the teaching laboratory, adhering to safety protocols and following provided instructions. The student reflects on and evaluates their work from both individual and group perspectives.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student comprehends complexities and contexts, can apply theory to practice, and justify their decisions. The student can explain the pre-analytical and analytical factors of different examinations. The student largely navigates through the analysis process autonomously. The student works in the teaching laboratory while considering safety measures, adhering to provided instructions, and being able to justify their actions. The student critically evaluates their work analytically from both individual and group perspectives.