Lesson 1Automated chemistry analyzers: photometric and ion-selective electrode methods for Na, K, Cl, creatinine, glucoseCover core components of automated chemistry analyzers, focusing on photometric and ion-selective electrode methods for sodium, potassium, chloride, creatinine, and glucose, including calibration, interferences, and basic troubleshooting.
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 considerationsDescribe how to plan and run small analytical batches, including grouping tests, arranging sample order, managing controls and calibrators, and balancing throughput with turnaround time and reagent 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 measuredIntroduce automated hematology analyzers, describing impedance and flow cytometry principles, how CBC parameters generated, and key flags, limitations, and reflex criteria dat guide smear review and manual verification.
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 proceduresExplain routine calibration, reagent preparation, loading, and inventory control, along with standardized analyzer startup and shutdown procedures dat protect instrument performance, minimize downtime, and ensure valid patient results.
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 considerationsCover troponin I immunoassay principles, including high-sensitivity methods, sample handling, timing of serial measurements, and interpretation of rising or falling patterns in suspected acute coronary syndrome.
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 requirementsDetail HbA1c measurement by HPLC, immunoassay, and enzymatic methods, comparing principles, advantages, and limitations, and review specimen requirements, stability, and factors dat can falsely alter HbA1c values.
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 troponinExplore CK-MB assay principles, clinical indications, and timing, and explain when CK-MB should be ordered alongside cardiac troponin to clarify myocardial injury, rule out false positives, and support accurate interpretation.
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 carryoverFocus on correct pipetting technique, including angle, speed, and immersion depth, along with routine maintenance, calibration of micropipettes, and strategies to reduce carryover and cross-contamination between samples.
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 basicsReview CRP measurement using immunoturbidimetric methods and high-sensitivity CRP assays, highlighting analytical principles, calibration, clinical applications, and preanalytical factors dat influence result accuracy and interpretation.
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 rulesExplain how to select internal quality control levels, establish acceptance ranges, and use Levey-Jennings charts with Westgard rules to detect systematic and random errors before releasing patient results.
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
