Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Introduces hematopoiesis, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood cells counts and indices with emphasis on methodologies, instrumentation, sources of error, limitations and disease correlation. Normal and abnormal red and white blood cell morphology is reviewed.  Morphologic and etiologic classifications, laboratory findings and clinical correlation of anemia are presented. Provides opportunity to perform hematology procedures (hemoglobin, hematocrit, cell counts and estimations, reticulocyte counts, making and staining smears, differential, morphology evaluation), indices calculations and correlation with red blood cell morphology.

• Use an understanding of blood specimen adequacy, preparation of reagents, accurate performance of routine hematology procedures and correct interpretation of test results to make appropriate and effective on-the-job professional decisions.
• Perform basic hematological laboratory testing, assess laboratory data and report findings according to laboratory protocol.
• Adapt hematology laboratory techniques and procedures when errors and discrepancies in results are obtained to effect resolution in a professional and timely manner.
• Recognize normal and abnormal hematology test results and correlate the data with appropriate pathologic conditions to accurately advise health care providers.
• Recognize anemia and classify it according to blood cell morphology and etiology.

The class is presented by means of lecture/discussion, audio-visual presentations, handouts, demonstrations, web based instructional media and other educationally sound practices. Comprehensive lab work requires demonstration of competency to receive a satisfactory grade. A laboratory manual is provided. The laboratory exercises provide an opportunity for students to employ the testing principles and methodologies discussed and allow for discussion, application and correlation of the concepts presented.  The student is expected to perform all laboratory procedures according to the criteria established by the department. 

Assessment methods may include written and practical examinations, homework assignments and discussion activities. Student knowledge application, laboratory performance, problem solving skills, punctuality and attendance, participation, and communication skills is assessed in each laboratory exercise utilizing an evaluation rubric that includes cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains.  

Course Themes:

• Hematological tests
  • Methodologies and sources of error for blood cell counts, hematocrit and hemoglobin determinations, and the correlation between the three parameters
  • Hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cell count findings in anemias and polycythemias and the various abnormal hemoglobin pigments
  • Hemoglobin, hematocrit, cell count determinations and special stains
  • Formulas for calculating indices (MCV, MCH and MCHC), their clinical applications, limitations and sources of error
• Cell morphology
  • Maturation sequence of the erythrocyte series and each leukocyte series
  • Differentiation and identification the various normal white blood cells to include series, step in the sequence and if the cell is normal or abnormal
  • Identify and describing normal and abnormal red blood cell morphology using acceptable terminology
• Anemias
  • Classifying the various types of anemias morphologically and etiologically
  • General clinical findings of an anemia and the laboratory findings with each anemia discussed
  • Defining and classifying the various Hemoglobinopathies and Thalassemias, and the general clinical findings and laboratory results used in the diagnosis of each

Skills:

Knowledge and Application (Cognitive Skills):

• Cognitive processes
  • Explain hematology theory supporting test principles
  • Integrate knowledge and make informed judgments about hematology  test results  in the clinical setting
  • Formulate a clear, answerable question
  • Predict expected results
  • Follow written protocols and verbal instructions
• Analysis skills
  • Collect and organize data in a systematic fashion
  • Present data in an appropriate form
  • Assess the validity of the data (including integrity and significance)
  • Draw appropriate conclusions based on the results
• Troubleshooting and problem solving
  • Recognize errors or discrepancies in results during lab procedures
  • Select corrective actions for problem solving
• Safety skills
  • Recognize safety equipment and laboratory safety measures
• Communication skills
  • Discuss and present lab results or findings in the laboratory
• Interpersonal and citizenry skills
  • Work effectively in teams or groups so that the task, results, and analysis may be shared
  • Effectively manage time and tasks allowing concurrent and/or overlapping tasks to be done simultaneously, by individuals and/or within a group
  • Integrate knowledge and make informed judgments about general safety in everyday life

Performance (Psychomotor Skills):

• Utilize safety measures and equipment
  • Utilize adequate personal protective equipment, sharp container, fume hood and other safety devices
• Use a bright field light microscope to view and interpret slides, including
  • Setting up and focusing the microscope
  • Handling, cleaning, and storing the microscope
  • Recording microscopic observations according to laboratory protocol
• Perform differential counts, including
  • Preparing blood film smears
  • Staining blood smears
  • Differentiating white blood cells
  • Evaluating red blood cell morphology
  • Performing platelet and leukocyte estimations
  • Recording results according to laboratory protocol
• Performance of hematological test, including
  • Performing blood cell counts utilizing hemocytometer
  • Performing analytical procedures for hemoglobin determination
  • Performing analytical procedure for hematocrit determination
  • Performing erythrocytic sedimentation rate determination
  • Calculating RBC Indices
  • Performing special stains for hematological abnormality confirmations
  • Performing reticulocyte counts
  • Recording results according to laboratory protocol

Professional (Affective) Skills:

• Demonstrate interest, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn as seen through active participation.
• Show initiative and motivation as demonstrated by independence in performing routine procedures, preparation before class, decreased need for supervision, willingness to go beyond the required assignments, and recognition of opportunities to improve quality and productivity of work.
• Adapt to stressful and/or new situations by maintaining composure and flexibility without compromising individual integrity.
• Exhibit teamwork through cooperation, courtesy, respect, and sensitivity towards others.
• Convey a professional attitude as shown by an appropriate level of confidence and a positive outlook toward work and other people.
• Demonstrate integrity as shown by the admission and documentation of errors, recognition of the potential danger of short cuts, and the maintenance of patient and co-worker confidentiality.
• Act responsibly and reliably as measured by punctuality, attendance, dependability, and quality of work.
• Respond favorably to supervision and feedback.
• Persevere until task is completed satisfactorily.