2.24805 INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

This course is generally about studying the basic concepts and precautions undertaken in a medical laboratory, which are important for quality control and audit purposes. This course covers the basics of laboratory safety, first aid and professional ethics and patient confidentiality. It also covers simple laboratory calculations and measurements which are generally used in preparation of reagents and diagnostic values. Introduction to laboratory instrumentation and laboratory ware such as the colorimeters, pH meters and sterilizers etc with emphasis on the preventative maintenance of these instruments. Also quality control which is an important aspect of a diagnostic laboratory is stressed.

Aims: Promote competence ib basic technuques, which are applicable to the various disciplines of medical laboratory science, and an awareness of the dangers in such environments.

Contact hours: 6 hours per week (2 lectures, 1 tutorial, 3 practical)

Assessment: Course work (assignments, tests, practical write-up, oral presentations) 60%, final exam (theory & practical) (40%).

Text:

Chessbrough, M., 1992, Medical Laboratory Manual for Tropical Countries Vol. I & II, 2nd Ed.,1992, Butterworth - Heinemann, Oxford.