MLAB 1113: Specimen Collection and Processing

Description

This course focuses on the collection and processing of specimens for medical laboratory testing and analysis. A major focus of the course is blood collection, including venous and capillary collection techniques, according to approved protocols and procedures. Providing instructions to clients for the correct collection for urine, breath, sputum, stool and semen specimens is emphasized and practised. In the lab setting the students practise their skills as well as develop effective communication strategies and professional behaviours.

Credits

6.0

Year of study

1st Year Post-secondary

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Collect blood specimens using venous collection techniques according to approved protocols and procedures.
Collect blood specimens using capillary collection techniques according to approved protocols and procedures.
Describe techniques for collecting blood under special circumstances.
Explain the collection instructions for urine, breath, sputum, stool and semen specimens according to approved protocols and procedures.
Process specimens according to approved protocols and procedures.
Use test libraries.
Perform all procedures safely and professionally in the medical laboratory.

Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)

None

Hours

Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 60
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 120
Total Hours: 180

Instructional Strategies

This course includes lectures, assignments, group work and laboratory exercises with supervised practice of venous and capillary collection techniques. Students practise their blood collection techniques on simulated models as well as on each other.

Grading System

Letter Grade (A-F)

Passing grade

B-

Evaluation Plan

Type	Percentage	Assessment activity
Exam	10	Exam #1
Exam	15	Exam #2
Exam	20	Exam #3
Exam	25	Exam #4
Assignments	20
Clinical Examination	10

Course topics

Venipunctures
Micro-collection
Urine specimens
Semen specimens
Sputum specimens
Stool specimens
Other specimens
Handling and processing specimens
Test Libraries

Notes:

Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/.
To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.