Monroe Technology Center
The Governor’s Career and Technical Academy of Loudoun
STEM Course Syllabus for:
Medical Laboratory Technology I
2012-2013
Teacher
Availability
Salle Sappington, MHS, MLS(ASCP)
E-Mail salle.sappington@lcps.org
Office hours by appointment (571) 252-2080
Course Description:
This second year curriculum is designed to prepare students to gain foundational knowledge and skills appropriate for a
variety of medical-related career paths in the field of medical laboratory technology. They are introduced to diagnostic and
therapeutic laboratory procedures that support medical research and practice, and investigate safety, quality assurance,
and ethical concerns associated with the field of medical laboratory technology. Medical laboratory disciplines studied
include: Clinical Chemistry, Urinalysis, Clinical Hematology and clinical laboratory biotechnology techniques Students will
have the opportunity to shadow in a professional setting as well as participate in organized field experiences. The
opportunity exists for students to receive dual enrolled college credits for specific units of study.
Minimum education requirements for a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) are a baccalaureate degree and completion of
an accredited MLS program. Minimum education requirements for a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) are an
associate degree and completion of an accredited MLT program. An MLS performs a full range of laboratory tests, from
simple blood tests to high complexity laboratory tests. An MLT works under the supervision of an MLS and performs
routine laboratory testing.
Prerequisites:
Introduction to Health and Medical Science
Competitive application process
Health care provider CPR
Current immunization record
Documentation for a negative two-step TB skin test
Text(s):
1. 7th edition Phlebotomy handbook Blood collection Essentials; Diana Garza and Kathleen Becan-McBride; Pearson
Prentice Hall Upper Saddle River NJ, Copyright 2005
2. Linne & Ringsruds Clinical Laboratory Science, 6th edition; Mary Louise Turgeon; Mosby St Louis Missouri
copyright 2007
3. Biotechnology; A Laboratory Skills Course: J. Kirk Brown; Bio-Rad. Copyright 2011
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Grading:
Grading will follow the policy of Loudoun County Public Schools.
A+
98 – 100
C+
79 – 77
A
93 – 97
C
76– 73
A-
92 - 90
C-
72 – 70
B+
89 – 87
D+
69 – 67
B
86 – 83
D
66 – 63
B-
82 - 80
D-
62 - 60
F
59 – 0
Assessments:
 Written, oral and performance assessments of both a formative and a summative nature
will be given throughout each unit and at the conclusion of each unit of study.
 Assessments will consist of :
Tests, Quizzes, Projects, Community service participation, Individual & Group presentations, and
Professional development
Requirements and Dress Code:
The HMS Program dress code is intended to develop workplace professionalism. The dress code consists of designated
scrubs, a white lab coat, and closed toe shoes. You are expected to arrive to Monroe in dress code; the dress code is to
be maintained until you leave Monroe. Participation in clinical sites will require additional guidelines for jewelry, perfumes,
& hair.



Current immunization records on file, 2 step PPD test, and a flu shot.
Activity fee: $25
Additional Scrub sets may be purchased for a fee of approximately $35
Expectations and Hints for success:
 Students will adhere to all policies of LCPS.
 Students will arrive each day prepared with necessary text and supplies.
 Students will act & transition in a professional manner in class & clinical sites
 No cell phone or iPod usage as they interfere with group instruction.
 Seek permission to leave the class room. Keep these to a minimum by utilizing time in the mornings at
MTC and during lunch.
 Do not interrupt others. There should be only one person speaking at a time, your thoughts as well as
others are important, so please be courteous.
 Assist with organization and cleanliness of your work space and class room, it is everyone’s responsibility.
 Health care is team work. Many assignments will be done in groups. Get to know your class mates, form
study groups, exchange contact info as this will be helpful on missed class days for make-up work.
 Listen to others; be empathetic to their concerns; strive for excellence.
 Get organized. Forgetting is not an acceptable reason – it is an excuse!
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Course Outline:
Exploring Foundations in Medical Laboratory Technology. Explain the following foundations: evolving roles of laboratory
technology in medicine, the interaction with other members of the health care team, the importance of working within the
scope of practice, the importance of communication skills, the concept of determining normal ranges in testing and the
significance of results outside those ranges. Describe government, industry and professional regulatory bodies pertaining
to medical laboratory technology and the adherence to these various regulations. (Includes lab time at MTC)
Maintaining a Safe Environment. Explain the importance and techniques of infection control; identify the types of isolation
and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Demonstrate the use of Material Safety Data Sheets, procedures for
handling and disposing of infectious and/or hazardous materials and how to maintain safety equipment, a clean work area
and laboratory storage supply area. Identify common laboratory hazards, first aid situations, supplies, emergency
protection areas and action of first responder. (Includes lab time at MTC)
Performing Basic Laboratory Skills. Practice aseptic techniques, perform mathematical equations and conversions and
demonstrate basic pipetting techniques. Explain the concepts of sample and sampling technique, the process for making
stock reagents and solutions and the importance of sterile reagents and equipment. Use basic weighing and measuring
techniques and the scientific method when performing research. (Includes lab time at MTC)
Maintaining Quality Assurance. Explain the concepts of quality assurance, quality control, validation testing and product
testing specifications. Perform statistical analysis of data.
Understanding the Basics of Phlebotomy. Explain the importance of accurate patient identification, the composition of
blood and the order of the draw (for tubes). Demonstrate safe positioning of patients, specimen collection procedures and
blood collection handling and processing during venipuncture procedures. (Includes lab time at MTC)
Understanding the Basics of Urinalysis. Describe various collection methods and explain the importance of accurate
specimen identification. Perform routine physical and chemical examination of urine, including quality control.
Demonstrate the proper use of the microscope in urinalysis. Correlate abnormal urinalysis laboratory results with disease
processes. (Includes lab time at MTC)
Understanding the Basics of Body Chemistry. Identify chemical components of the body. Explain the theory behind routine
clinical chemistry procedures and the impacts of chemistry instrumentation on specimen testing. Correlate abnormal
chemistry laboratory results with disease processes. Present an overview of instrumentation methodology. (Includes lab
time at MTC)
Understanding the Basics of Hematology Explain the components of a complete blood count (CBC) and a peripheral blood
smear evaluation. Correlate abnormal hematology laboratory results with disease processes
Understanding the Basics of Molecular Diagnostics. Explain the advantages, disadvantages and uses of molecular
diagnosis. Explain polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. (Includes lab time at MTC)
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