Lesson 1Pre-analytical QC checks to perform before analysis (hemolysis, lipemia, icterus indices)Learners will do visual and machine checks for blood breakdown, fatty blood, and yellowing before testing. This part explains limit levels, common reasons, and when to reject, note, or continue based on lab rules in our region.
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 part teaches correct sample identification, patient checking, and labeling at arrival. It covers linking to orders, handling many samples, and stopping mix-ups that harm patient safety and test truth in busy South Sudanese labs.
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 hemolysis preventionHere we look at right order of drawing blood, tube choice, and vein puncture methods to stop blood breakdown. Focus is on mixing, tourniquet time, needle pick, and transport ways that keep samples good for later tests in local settings.
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 describe chain-of-custody needs for legal or important samples, including records, safe storage, and transfer notes. Paper logging ways ensure tracking when computer systems are few or not working in South Sudan.
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 part focuses on special care for troponin and HbA1c, including draw times, transport conditions, and storage in EDTA whole blood. Stress is on cutting delays and avoiding heat damage in warm South Sudanese environments.
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 good tube types and additives for CBC, chemistry, CRP, troponin I, and HbA1c. This part clears color codes, blood thinners, clot starters, and effects of wrong tube choice on results in basic labs.
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 know spin parameters for serum and plasma split, including speed, time, temperature, and brake settings. This part points out common mistakes causing blood break, bad gel layers, or poor split in manual spinners.
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 part details storage temperatures, max hold times, and process delays for CBC, chemistry sets, troponin, CRP, and HbA1c. Focus is on stopping breakdown, cell changes, and loss of test parts before analysis in hot climates.
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 mislabeled or incomplete requestsThis part covers checking tube labels against requests, fixing differences, and noting changes. Learners will manage incomplete, repeat, or clashing requests while keeping track and following rules in paper-heavy South Sudanese labs.
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 minimizing contamination risksThis part explains safe splitting and pooling methods to stop dirt and wrong ID. Learners will pick right tubes, label splits well, and know when pooling is okay for tests in shared lab spaces.
Selecting aliquot tubes and capsLabeling aliquots with full identifiersAvoiding carryover between specimensCriteria and limits for sample poolingDocumentation of aliquots and pooled samples
