Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Introduces basic immunology, including the innate and acquired immunity. Presents serology principles and its application in the diagnosis of infectious diseases such as Lyme disease, syphilis, viral hepatitis, HIV infection, infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus and other viral infections. 

• Use an understanding of general immunity, serology principles, accurate performance of serological assay procedures and correct interpretation of test results, to make appropriate and effective on-the-job professional decisions.
• Perform basic serological laboratory testing, assess laboratory data and report findings according to laboratory protocol.
• Adapt serology laboratory techniques and procedures when errors and discrepancies in results are obtained to effect resolution in a professional and timely manner.

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:

• General Immunology
  • Innate and acquired immunity
  • Antigen and antibodies
• Serology Principles
  • Specificity, sensitivity, affinity and avidity
  • Primary reactions vs secondary reactions
  • Indicator Labels
• Serology Methods
  • Agglutination
  • Precipitation
  • Immunoelectrophoresis and Immunofixation electrophoresis
  • Enzyme immunoassays
  • Immunofluorescent assays
• Serology applications
  • Lyme Disease
  • Syphilis
  • Viral Hepatitis
  • Cytomegalovirus infection
  • Infectious mononucleosis
  • HIV infection

Skills:

Knowledge and Application (Cognitive Skills):

• Cognitive processes
  • Explain immunity and serology theory supporting test principles
  • Integrate knowledge and make informed judgments about serology  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
• Perform serological tests
  • Prepare samples for serological assays
  • Dispense sample and reagents on to enzyme immunoassay microtiter plates
  • Manipulate samples, latex agglutination reagents and cards
  • Manipulate samples, hemagglutination reagents and cards
  • Manipulate lateral flow rapid tests
  • Evaluate serological assay results and report 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.