Lesson 1Pre-analytical QC checks before testing (haemolysis, lipaemia, icterus indices)Learners will carry out visual and automated pre-analytical checks for haemolysis, lipaemia, and icterus. This section explains index thresholds, common causes, and when to reject, comment, or proceed with testing per lab policy.
Visual inspection versus automated indicesCommon pre-analytical causes of hemolysisRecognizing and managing lipemic samplesIcteric samples and bilirubin interferenceResult reporting and comment strategiesLesson 2Specimen identification and patient matching protocolsThis section explains accurate specimen identification, patient verification, and labelling at reception. It covers matching to orders, handling multiple samples, and preventing mix-ups that can affect patient safety and test accuracy.
Primary and secondary patient identifiersMatching samples to electronic ordersManaging multiple samples per patientHandling unidentified or emergency patientsCorrecting near-miss identification errorsLesson 3Order of draw and phlebotomy-related haemolysis preventionHere we review correct order of draw, tube selection, and venepuncture technique to prevent haemolysis. Focus is on mixing, tourniquet time, needle choice, and transport practices that maintain sample quality for further testing.
Standard order of draw sequenceImpact of additives on sample integrityVenipuncture technique to reduce traumaTourniquet time and fist clenching limitsPneumatic tube and transport precautionsLesson 4Chain-of-custody documentation and paper-based logging strategiesHere we outline chain-of-custody needs for legal or critical samples, including documentation, secure storage, and transfer logs. Paper-based logging ensures traceability when electronic systems are unavailable or limited.
When chain-of-custody is legally requiredCompleting custody forms and signaturesSecure storage and restricted accessPaper logbook structure and key fieldsReconciling paper logs with LIS recordsLesson 5Special handling for troponin (timing, chilled transport) and HbA1c (EDTA whole blood storage)This section focuses on special handling for troponin and HbA1c, including draw timing, transport conditions, and EDTA whole blood storage. Emphasis is on reducing delays and preventing temperature-related degradation.
Timing of serial troponin collectionsChilled versus ambient troponin transportAvoiding delays before troponin analysisHbA1c stability in EDTA whole bloodTransport and storage during off-hoursLesson 6Acceptable tube types and additives for CBC, chemistry, CRP, troponin I, and HbA1c (EDTA, SST/serum, lithium heparin, citrate)Learners will review acceptable tube types and additives for CBC, chemistry, CRP, troponin I, and HbA1c. The section clarifies colour codes, anticoagulants, clot activators, and effects of wrong tube selection on results.
EDTA tubes for CBC and HbA1cSerum and SST tubes for chemistry testsLithium heparin tubes for plasma chemistryCitrate tubes and their limited indicationsCRP and troponin I tube selection rulesLesson 7Centrifugation parameters: speeds, times, brake settings for serum/plasma separationLearners will learn centrifugation parameters for serum and plasma separation, including speed, time, temperature, and brake settings. The section highlights common errors causing haemolysis, poor gel barriers, or incomplete separation.
RCF versus RPM and rotor radiusRecommended times for serum and plasmaEffect of temperature on centrifugationBrake settings and gel barrier formationRecentrifugation and post-spin inspectionLesson 8Sample storage conditions and stability windows for CBC, chemistries, troponin, CRP, and HbA1cThis section details storage temperatures, maximum hold times, and processing delays for CBC, chemistry panels, troponin, CRP, and HbA1c. Focus is on preventing degradation, cellular changes, and analyte loss before analysis.
Room temperature versus refrigerated storageCBC stability and time to analysisChemistry panel stability and separation timeTroponin and CRP short-term stability limitsHbA1c storage in EDTA whole bloodLesson 9Label verification, test requisition reconciliation, and handling mislabelled or incomplete requestsThis section covers verifying tube labels against requisitions, resolving discrepancies, and documenting corrections. Learners will manage incomplete, duplicate, or conflicting requests while ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance.
Comparing labels with paper and electronic ordersResolving missing or conflicting identifiersProcedures for duplicate test requestsDocumenting label corrections and relabelingRejecting and recollecting irreconcilable samplesLesson 10Aliquoting, sample pooling, and minimising contamination risksThis section explains safe aliquoting and pooling techniques to avoid contamination and misidentification. Learners will choose suitable tubes, label aliquots properly, and know when pooling is acceptable for testing.
Selecting aliquot tubes and capsLabeling aliquots with full identifiersAvoiding carryover between specimensCriteria and limits for sample poolingDocumentation of aliquots and pooled samples
