Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

In this course, the student will gain basic knowledge of the principles of the most common reactions and measurements in clinical laboratory analytics and the quality management of a clinical laboratory.

Upon completion of this course the student:
• has acquired knowledge of the principles of operation, measurement methods, and applications of measurement devices used in clinical laboratories, along with an understanding of their common sources of error
• has gained understanding of the principles of manufacturing, storage, and use of reagents, calibrators, and controls
• understands the fundamentals and practices of quality control in Finland
• is familiarized with the fundamentals of establishing reference values and the principles of using reference values, target values, and decision limits
• has knowledge of the factors guiding the selection of analysis methods and the fundamentals of testing
• has learned working in a supervised small group, considering their own and others' work safety and ergonomics.

Content (course unit)

• Storage and use of reagents, calibration and control of methods and devices
• Principles of basic methods in clinical chemistry and hematology and the operating principles of common analyzers
• Fundamentals of quality management in clinical laboratories: quality management systems, internal and external quality assessment and national standards guiding laboratory operations
• Principles guiding the selection of laboratory methods and testing
• Significance of reference values, target values, and decision limits
• Practical work in a clinical laboratory environment and working in small groups

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student:
• can identify the operating and measurement principles of common measurement devices
• can list some pre-analytical and analytical error factors disturbing measurements
• recognizes basic aspects of quality management but cannot describe their content
• requires significant guidance and support in practical exercises
• works in the teaching laboratory considering safety aspects but cannot explain reasoning behind their actions
• is active groupwork and can give and receive feedback.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student:
• can explain basics of the operating and measurement principles of common measurement devices
• can list the main pre-analytical and analytical error factors disturbing measurements and explain their effects on result reliability
• can explain concepts and contents of quality management
• performs laboratory exercises under supervision, relying on given instructions
• works in the teaching laboratory considering safety aspects, follows given instructions, and can justify their actions
• is active groupwork and can give and receive feedback.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student:
• can analyze differences in the operating and measurement principles of common measurement devices
• can explain pre-analytical and analytical error factors disturbing measurements and their mechanisms affecting measurements and result reliability
• understands the general view of laboratory quality management and explains its basic elements
• performs laboratory exercises with some guidance, relying on given instructions, and consults the teacher when necessary
• works in the teaching laboratory considering safety aspects, follows given instructions, and can justify their actions
• is active groupwork and can give and receive feedback .

Assessment scale

0-5