vcc.ca
MLAB 1120: Infection Control and Safety
Effective date
January 2027
Department
Medical Lab Assistant
School
Health Sciences
Description
In this course, students will learn and apply infection control guidelines and safety standards. Students learn about relevant legislation and laboratory practices and apply these principles to performance of the MLA duties. This includes safe laboratory practices for biological, chemical, electrical and fire safety to contribute to a safe environment for self, persons receiving care and others.
Credits
3.5
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Articulate the components of Routine Practice and Infection Control that relate to medical laboratory procedures.
- Identify hazards, warning signs and safety rules related to biological, chemical, electrical and fire safety.
- Describe pathogens, their routes of infection in the laboratory and associated preventative measures.
- Identify transmission based precautions and interpret signage for the clinical environment.
- Demonstrate proper use of personal protective equipment appropriately for specimen collection, handling, transport and patient interactions.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 35
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 15
Total Hours: 50
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 15
Total Hours: 50
Instructional Strategies
This course includes lecture, assignments, on-line activities and experiential learning through laboratory exercises.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
B-
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
10-20 |
Case based learning |
|
Lab Work |
10-15 |
Formative and summative assessment graded by rubric. |
|
Exam |
20-25 |
Exam 1 |
|
Exam |
20-25 |
Exam 2 |
|
Exam |
20-25 |
Exam 3 - Final Exam |
Course topics
- Infection Control (includes lab activities)
- Routines Practice and Transmission-Based precautions (includes lab activities)
- Disinfection and Sterilization in the Lab
- Chemical Hazards
- WHMIS
- Safe Use of Electrical Equipment
- Fire Safety
- Transport of Dangerous Goods
Learning resources
Resources on the PHSA Learning Hub.
CSMLS Safety Guidelines
CSMLS Safety Guidelines
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.