Lesson 1Calibration, linearity, and limit-of-detection concepts for analyzersIntroduces calibration concepts, linearity verification, and limits of detection and quantitation for analyzers, highlighting protocols, acceptance criteria, and how these parameters support method validation and ongoing quality assurance.
Primary and secondary calibratorsCalibration curves and verificationLinearity assessment and reportable rangeLimit of detection and quantitationOngoing monitoring of analytical performanceLesson 2Data interfaces: LIS integration, middleware rules, and result routingExplores LIS connectivity, middleware configuration, and secure data routing, focusing on interface validation, rule-based result handling, error flags, and maintaining data integrity, traceability, and cybersecurity in clinical workflows.
Basic LIS–analyzer communication modelsMiddleware rules for result handlingResult routing, auto-filing, and holdsInterface validation and change controlData security, backups, and audit trailsLesson 3Clinical chemistry analyzers: BMP assays, ion-selective electrode for potassiumReviews clinical chemistry analyzer operation for BMP assays, focusing on photometric and enzymatic methods, ion-selective electrode measurement of potassium, common interferences, calibration, and internal quality checks for reliable results.
Core components of chemistry analyzersPhotometric and enzymatic BMP assaysIon-selective electrode theory for K+Reagent integrity and carryover issuesInternal QC and analyzer performance checksLesson 4Maintenance routines, preventive maintenance logs, and troubleshootingCovers daily, weekly, and periodic maintenance tasks, documentation of preventive maintenance logs, and structured troubleshooting strategies to minimize downtime, extend analyzer lifespan, and preserve accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Daily and weekly maintenance checklistsDocumenting preventive maintenance logsTroubleshooting systematic vs random errorsEscalation to vendor technical supportRegulatory and accreditation documentationLesson 5Delta checks, repeat testing rules, and reflex testing algorithmsExplains delta checks, repeat testing criteria, and reflex testing algorithms, emphasizing evidence-based thresholds, clinical context, and how these tools improve error detection, diagnostic yield, and efficient test utilization.
Principles and setup of delta checksDefining repeat testing thresholdsDesigning reflex testing algorithmsBalancing sensitivity and workloadDocumenting rules and clinician communicationLesson 6Principles of hematology analyzers: CBC methodology and common artifactsDescribes hematology analyzer principles for CBC, including impedance and optical methods, sample flow, and common artifacts such as platelet clumps, cold agglutinins, and lipemic interference, plus strategies for detection and correction.
Impedance and optical counting principlesSample preparation and flow cell designRecognizing platelet clumps and clotsCold agglutinins and RBC agglutinationFlags prompting smear review and repeatsLesson 7Common pre-analytical interferences: hemolysis, lipemia, icterus and their laboratory detectionAddresses pre-analytical interferences from hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus, detailing their biochemical impact, detection by indices or visual inspection, rejection criteria, and strategies to minimize occurrence and misinterpretation.
Mechanisms of hemolysis in specimensLipemia effects on photometric assaysIcterus and bilirubin-related biasHIL indices versus visual inspectionSpecimen rejection and recollection rulesLesson 8Coagulation analyzers: PT/INR methodology (photometric vs mechanical clot detection)Compares coagulation analyzer technologies for PT/INR, including photometric and mechanical clot detection, reagent sensitivity, calibration to international standards, and factors that cause spurious prolongation or instrument error flags.
Coagulation cascade and PT/INR basicsPhotometric clot detection principlesMechanical clot detection systemsISI, INR calculation, and calibrationInterferences and problematic specimensLesson 9Analyte-specific problem: spurious hyperkalemia causes and investigation stepsFocuses on spurious hyperkalemia, outlining pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical causes, stepwise investigation, confirmatory testing, and communication with clinicians to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
Pre-analytical causes of false hyperkalemiaAnalytical and instrument-related issuesComparing serum, plasma, and whole bloodAlgorithm for investigating high potassiumReporting, comments, and clinician follow-upLesson 10Understanding index flags from analyzers and autoverification rulesExplains analyzer index flags, including hemolysis, lipemia, icterus, and instrument error codes, and how autoverification rules use these flags, delta checks, and critical limits to safely release or hold results for review.
Types of analyzer index and system flagsFlag thresholds and analytical limitationsDesigning safe autoverification rulesIncorporating delta and critical limitsManual review and override procedures
