Lesson 1Automated chemistry analysers: photometric and ion-selective electrode methods for Na, K, Cl, creatinine, glucoseCovers main parts of automated chemistry analysers, 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 analyser 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 considerationsExplains planning and running small analytical batches, including grouping tests, arranging sample order, handling controls and calibrators, and balancing throughput with turnaround time and reagent use.
Defining a batch and grouping similar testsPositioning calibrators, controls, and patientsOptimising sample order for urgent specimensBalancing throughput with turnaround timeMinimising reagent waste in small batchesLesson 3Automated haematology analysers: principles (impedance, flow cytometry), CBC parameters measuredIntroduces automated haematology analysers, explaining impedance and flow cytometry principles, CBC parameter generation, and key flags, limitations, and reflex criteria for smear review and manual checks.
Impedance counting for RBCs and plateletsFlow cytometry and optical scatter for WBCsMeasured vs calculated CBC parametersCommon haematology flags and error messagesReflex smear criteria and manual review needsLesson 4Calibration, reagent management, and analyser startup/shutdown proceduresCovers routine calibration, reagent prep, loading, and stock control, plus standard analyser startup and shutdown steps to safeguard performance, cut 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 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.
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 requirementsDetails HbA1c measurement via HPLC, immunoassay, and enzymatic methods, comparing principles, pros, cons, and specimen needs, stability, and factors that can wrongly change 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 troponinExamines CK-MB assay principles, clinical uses, and timing, and when to order CK-MB with cardiac troponin to confirm myocardial injury, rule out false positives, and aid 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 minimising carryoverFocuses on proper pipetting technique, like angle, speed, and immersion depth, plus routine maintenance, calibration of micropipettes, and ways to cut 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 basicsReviews CRP measurement with immunoturbidimetric methods and high-sensitivity CRP assays, covering principles, calibration, clinical uses, and preanalytical factors affecting 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 rulesExplains selecting internal QC levels, setting acceptance ranges, and using Levey-Jennings charts with Westgard rules to spot 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
