MA 216 - Clinical Diagnostic Orientation

A laboratory course which is designed to provide the medical assistant with entry-level skills in diagnostic laboratory orientation. Patient education for all procedures will be emphasized. Laboratory sessions provide practice in proper procedures for patient preparation, collection, handling, storage and/or transportation of clinical specimens; laboratory testing procedures including reference ranges and their clinical significance; quality control; and aseptic practices. Fundamentals of the purposes and techniques including: special examination, recording of electrocardiogram, recording spirometry, administration of medications, and phlebotomy are presented.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
 

• list ten examples of biologic specimens and describe proper procedures for collection, handling, storage, and/or transport of these specimens;
• instruct a patient in the prior preparation necessary and in what to expect during the collection of the specimen;
• perform venipuncture on training arm using appropriate anticoagulant when necessary;
• identify and define the nine categories of laboratory tests based on function and list the major tests included under each category;
• apply quality control methods in all areas including advance patient preparation, specimen collection, handling, transportation, and laboratory testing;
• identify and incorporate laboratory safety guidelines in performance laboratory test procedures;
• state the reference (normal) ranges for the more common laboratory tests;
• demonstrate proper preparation and administration of oral medication; and correct handling of equipment and dosage for parenteral administration of medication;
• demonstrate competency in the performance of selected laboratory procedures and/or diagnostic tests in the following categories: hematology, clinical chemistry, serology, urinalysis, and immunohematology;
• demonstrate proper procedures for recording and mounting a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram;
• demonstrate proper procedure for performance of spirometry;
• identify the medical assistant’s role in assisting with various specialty examinations;
• apply proper medical terminology in all areas listed above; and
• list the criteria required for the performance of a lab test by writing a test protocol for a laboratory procedure manual.