Lesson 1Automated chemistry analysers: photometric and ion-selective electrode methods for Na, K, Cl, creatinine, glucoseCovers core components 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 for local use.
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 considerationsDescribes 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 in small labs.
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, describing impedance and flow cytometry principles, how CBC parameters are generated, and key flags, limitations, and reflex criteria that guide smear review and manual verification in routine work.
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 proceduresExplains routine calibration, reagent preparation, loading, and inventory control, along with standardised analyser startup and shutdown procedures that protect instrument performance, minimise downtime, and ensure valid patient results in daily operations.
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, timing of serial measurements, and interpretation of rising or falling patterns in suspected acute coronary syndrome for Zambian patients.
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 by HPLC, immunoassay, and enzymatic methods, comparing principles, advantages, and limitations, and reviews specimen requirements, stability, and factors that can falsely alter HbA1c values in diverse populations.
Principles of cation-exchange HPLC for HbA1cImmunoassay-based HbA1c measurement basicsEnzymatic HbA1c methods and workflowSpecimen type, storage, and stability for HbA1cHaemoglobin variants and conditions affecting HbA1cLesson 7CK-MB assay principles and when to run with troponinExplores CK-MB assay principles, clinical indications, and timing, and explains when CK-MB should be ordered alongside cardiac troponin to clarify myocardial injury, rule out false positives, and support accurate interpretation in cardiac cases.
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 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 in manual setups.
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 using immunoturbidimetric methods and high-sensitivity CRP assays, highlighting analytical principles, calibration, clinical applications, and preanalytical factors that influence result accuracy and interpretation in infection monitoring.
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 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 in quality-focused labs.
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
