1. Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science
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Definition: The study of laboratory tests and analyses used to diagnose, monitor, and
treat diseases.
Importance: Medical laboratory science plays a critical role in patient care and medical
research.
Key Areas:
o Clinical Chemistry
o Hematology
o Microbiology
o Immunology
o Histology
o Blood Banking
2. Laboratory Safety
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, gowns, goggles, masks.
Safety Protocols: Proper handling of hazardous materials, waste disposal, spill response.
Chemical Safety: Proper storage, labeling, and handling of chemicals.
Infection Control: Universal precautions, sterilization, and disinfection procedures.
3. Laboratory Equipment and Instruments
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Microscope: Used to examine cells, tissues, and microorganisms.
Centrifuge: Used to separate components of blood, urine, etc.
Spectrophotometer: Measures the concentration of substances in a solution.
Autoclave: Sterilizes equipment using high-pressure steam.
Incubator: Maintains optimal conditions for growing microbial cultures.
4. Laboratory Techniques
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Sample Collection:
o Blood: Venipuncture, capillary puncture.
o Urine: Midstream clean-catch, 24-hour urine collection.
o Stool: Collection for parasitology, culture.
o Sputum: Collected for microbiological analysis.
Sample Processing:
o Centrifugation (separation of components like plasma or serum).
o Staining (e.g., Gram stain, Wright’s stain).
o Culture (growing microorganisms for identification).
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Laboratory Testing:
o Clinical Chemistry: Analyzing blood and body fluids for substances like
glucose, proteins, enzymes, and electrolytes.
o Hematology: Studying blood components and disorders (e.g., complete blood
count, blood smear).
o Microbiology: Identifying bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
o Immunology: Testing for antibodies, antigens, and autoimmune conditions.
o Histology: Examining tissues for abnormalities or disease.
5. Types of Medical Laboratory Tests
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Routine Tests:
o Complete Blood Count (CBC)
o Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
o Liver Function Tests (LFT)
o Urinalysis
Specialized Tests:
o Blood cultures
o PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) for detecting DNA/RNA of pathogens.
o Electrophoresis for protein analysis.
6. Medical Laboratory Professionals
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Role: Medical laboratory scientists/technologists perform complex laboratory tests and
analyses.
Key Skills:
o Technical proficiency in handling instruments.
o Knowledge of laboratory information systems (LIS).
o Attention to detail and accuracy.
o Good communication skills for reporting findings to healthcare providers.
7. Laboratory Quality Control and Assurance
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Quality Control (QC): Routine procedures to ensure test accuracy (e.g., calibration of
instruments, control samples).
Quality Assurance (QA): Systematic actions to monitor and improve laboratory
services, ensuring compliance with standards and regulations.
Accreditation: Laboratories often need to be accredited by agencies like the College of
American Pathologists (CAP) or Joint Commission to maintain high standards.
8. Ethics and Professionalism in the Laboratory
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Confidentiality: Ensuring patient data and test results are kept private and secure.
Professional Conduct: Adhering to ethical standards in testing, reporting results, and
interacting with patients and colleagues.
Continuing Education: Keeping up-to-date with advances in medical technology,
techniques, and regulatory change