Lesson 1Calibration, linearity, and limit-of-detection concepts for analysersIntroduces calibration concepts, linearity verification, and limits of detection and quantitation for analysers, 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–analyser communication modelsMiddleware rules for result handlingResult routing, auto-filing, and holdsInterface validation and change controlData security, backups, and audit trailsLesson 3Clinical chemistry analysers: BMP assays, ion-selective electrode for potassiumReviews clinical chemistry analyser 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 analysersPhotometric and enzymatic BMP assaysIon-selective electrode theory for K+Reagent integrity and carryover issuesInternal QC and analyser 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 minimise downtime, extend analyser 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, emphasising evidence-based thresholds, clinical context, and how these tools improve error detection, diagnostic yield, and efficient test utilisation.
Principles and setup of delta checksDefining repeat testing thresholdsDesigning reflex testing algorithmsBalancing sensitivity and workloadDocumenting rules and clinician communicationLesson 6Principles of haematology analysers: CBC methodology and common artefactsDescribes haematology analyser principles for CBC, including impedance and optical methods, sample flow, and common artefacts such as platelet clumps, cold agglutinins, and lipaemic interference, plus strategies for detection and correction.
Impedance and optical counting principlesSample preparation and flow cell designRecognising platelet clumps and clotsCold agglutinins and RBC agglutinationFlags prompting smear review and repeatsLesson 7Common pre-analytical interferences: haemolysis, lipaemia, icterus and their laboratory detectionAddresses pre-analytical interferences from haemolysis, lipaemia, and icterus, detailing their biochemical impact, detection by indices or visual inspection, rejection criteria, and strategies to minimise occurrence and misinterpretation.
Mechanisms of haemolysis in specimensLipaemia effects on photometric assaysIcterus and bilirubin-related biasHIL indices versus visual inspectionSpecimen rejection and recollection rulesLesson 8Coagulation analysers: PT/INR methodology (photometric vs mechanical clot detection)Compares coagulation analyser 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 hyperkalaemia causes and investigation stepsFocuses on spurious hyperkalaemia, 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 hyperkalaemiaAnalytical and instrument-related issuesComparing serum, plasma, and whole bloodAlgorithm for investigating high potassiumReporting, comments, and clinician follow-upLesson 10Understanding index flags from analysers and autoverification rulesExplains analyser index flags, including haemolysis, lipaemia, 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 analyser index and system flagsFlag thresholds and analytical limitationsDesigning safe autoverification rulesIncorporating delta and critical limitsManual review and override procedures
