Lesson 1Automated chemistry analyzers: photometric and ion-selective electrode methods for Na, K, Cl, creatinine, glucoseThis covers main parts of automated chemistry analysers, focusing on photometric and ion-selective electrode methods for sodium, potassium, chloride, creatinine, and glucose in Eritrean settings, including calibration, interferences, and basic problem-solving.
Workflow of a typical chemistry analyzer runPhotometric assays for creatinine and glucoseIon-selective electrodes for Na, K, and ClCommon interferences and flags in chemistry testsCalibration and verification for photometry and ISELesson 2Running a small batch: batching strategy, sample order, and throughput considerationsIt explains planning and running small analytical batches in resource-limited labs, including grouping tests, arranging sample order, handling controls and calibrators, and balancing throughput with turnaround time and reagent use efficiency.
Defining a batch and grouping similar testsPositioning calibrators, controls, and patientsOptimizing sample order for urgent specimensBalancing throughput with turnaround timeMinimizing reagent waste in small batchesLesson 3Automated hematology analyzers: principles (impedance, flow cytometry), CBC parameters measuredIntroduces automated hematology analysers, explaining impedance and flow cytometry principles, CBC parameter generation, and important flags, limitations, and reflex criteria for smear review and manual checks in Eritrean practices.
Impedance counting for RBCs and plateletsFlow cytometry and optical scatter for WBCsMeasured vs calculated CBC parametersCommon hematology flags and error messagesReflex smear criteria and manual review needsLesson 4Calibration, reagent management, and analyzer startup/shutdown proceduresDetails routine calibration, reagent preparation, loading, and stock control, plus standard analyser startup and shutdown steps that safeguard performance, reduce downtime, and ensure valid patient results in local laboratories.
Primary vs secondary calibration and frequencyReagent storage, lot changes, and documentationProgramming and verifying calibration curvesDaily startup checks and background measurementsShutdown, cleaning cycles, and power-off stepsLesson 5Troponin I testing methods: immunoassays and timing considerationsCovers troponin I immunoassay principles, including high-sensitivity methods, sample handling, serial measurement timing, and interpreting rising or falling patterns in suspected acute coronary syndrome within Eritrean clinical contexts.
Troponin I biology and clinical significanceConventional vs high-sensitivity troponin assaysSample type, stability, and hemolysis effectsTiming serial troponin measurements in ACSInterpreting delta changes and decision limitsLesson 6HbA1c measurement methods: HPLC, immunoassay, enzymatic methods, and specimen requirementsExplains HbA1c measurement using HPLC, immunoassay, and enzymatic methods, comparing principles, benefits, and drawbacks, and reviews specimen needs, stability, and factors that can wrongly change HbA1c values in Eritrea.
Principles of cation-exchange HPLC for HbA1cImmunoassay-based HbA1c measurement basicsEnzymatic HbA1c methods and workflowSpecimen type, storage, and stability for HbA1cHemoglobin variants and conditions affecting HbA1cLesson 7CK-MB assay principles and when to run with troponinExamines CK-MB assay principles, clinical uses, and timing, and clarifies when to order CK-MB with cardiac troponin to confirm myocardial injury, exclude false positives, and aid precise interpretation in local settings.
CK-MB isoenzyme biology and clinical significanceAnalytical formats for CK-MB immunoassaysSample type, handling, and interferences for CK-MBTiming CK-MB vs troponin in chest pain workupsInterpreting discordant CK-MB and troponin resultsLesson 8Pipetting technique, maintenance of micropipettes, and minimizing carryoverEmphasises correct pipetting technique, including angle, speed, and immersion depth, plus regular maintenance, calibration of micropipettes, and methods to lessen carryover and cross-contamination between samples in Eritrean labs.
Forward and reverse pipetting best practicesSetting volume, angle, and immersion depthRoutine cleaning and seal/o-ring inspectionPipette calibration checks and documentationPreventing carryover and aerosol formationLesson 9CRP measurement techniques: immunoturbidimetric and high-sensitivity CRP basicsReviews CRP measurement with immunoturbidimetric methods and high-sensitivity CRP assays, stressing analytical principles, calibration, clinical uses, and preanalytical factors affecting result accuracy and interpretation in Eritrea.
Immunoturbidimetric CRP assay principleHigh-sensitivity CRP: method and applicationsSample type, stability, and handling for CRPAnalytical measuring range and dilution strategyInterpreting CRP vs hs-CRP clinical cutoffsLesson 10Using internal quality control materials: levels, acceptance ranges, Levey-Jennings charts and Westgard rulesExplains selecting internal quality control levels, setting acceptance ranges, and using Levey-Jennings charts with Westgard rules to spot systematic and random errors before releasing patient results in laboratory routines.
Choosing QC materials and concentration levelsEstablishing target means and SD-based rangesPlotting and reviewing Levey-Jennings chartsApplying key Westgard rules in daily practiceDocumenting QC failures and corrective actions
