CLINICAL CHEMISTRY

This course is designed to be introductory to the field of Clinical Chemistry that is the field of Chemistry concerned with testing of human derived specimens for the purpose of healthcare. We will explore topics including basic principles and practices of clinical chemistry including specimen requirements, specimen collection, lab supplies, reagents, method evaluation, quality management, and statistics. We will delve into analytical techniques used in the contemporary clinical chemistry lab including spectrophotometry, photometry, electrochemistry, electrophoresis, chromatography, mass spectrometry, proteomics, and osmometry. We will also explore the principles of clinical chemistry automation, Immunoassay, Molecular (Nucleic Acid Based) techniques, and Point of Care testing. In the second half of the course, we will further expand topics including basic principles and practices of clinical chemistry including lab safety, specimen requirements, specimen collection, lab supplies, reagents, method evaluation, quality management, and statistics. We will work on polishing those hands-on skills necessary to be a successful entry level MLT. We will cover the topics of body chemistry to include electrolytes, blood gases, pH, buffer systems, trace elements, porphyrins and hemoglobin. We will learn the laboratory role involved with each of the organ systems such as hormones: pituitary, adrenal, gonadal, and thyroid, calcium homeostasis, liver function, renal function, pancreatic function, gastrointestinal function, and body fluid analysis. We will also learn about specialty areas of the clinical lab to include: therapeutic drug monitoring, toxicology, and tumor markers. Students should develop a masteryofskills necessary to enter the clinical rotations at various laboratories.