LSB425 Quality and Analysis in Clinical Pathology

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

Quality and Analysis in Clinical Pathology develops previous work undertaken in LQB286 and LQB381, and builds towards work which will be undertaken in LSB525 Chemical Pathology. With an emphasis on the discipline of clinical biochemistry, this second year unit explores a range of analytical techniques and the quality assurance standards and practices in real world pathology laboratories. Assays must be performed with accuracy and precision, and data and results validated according to quality standards, and troubleshooting skills also developed. With emphasis on the knowledge, skills and values required for good laboratory practice, and a commitment to high quality results, this unit prepares you for the more complex procedures and automated technologies in the third year units and the clinical pathology workplace.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Apply skills of extrapolation, critical analysis of data and complex reasoning to solve problems in priority areas in the laboratory context.
2. Work independently using Clinical Biochemistry knowledge, skills in scientific writing and digital technologies.
3. Apply knowledge of clinical biochemistry analytical systems, Health and Safety (H&S), Quality Assurance systems in the clinical context.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit engages students in theory-to-practice learning experiences, a constructivist approach and elements of problem solving to formulate responses to real world laboratory contexts. Participation in the practical classes is an integral part of the learning experience. The learning experience involves lectures to cover the theoretical aspects of the unit, practical sessions using digital technologies and entailing individual work in analytical techniques and quality control, and workshops and tutorials linking lectures and practical work, and providing demonstrations, and assistance with calculations and data handling, and interpretations. Together these approaches support the critical interpretation of data and results, troubleshooting of errors, and a commitment to high quality laboratory results. The LSB425 Canvas site is used to provide resource material and regular unit updates.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Formal feedback is provided through assessed reports and a practical test as well as in the tutorial and workshop program and via the Canvas site. Informal feedback is provided weekly in practical classes and in student discussion sessions as well as in formative online quizzes.

Assessment

Overview

For the purpose of meeting professional accreditation standards and successful transition to advanced units in this course, threshold assessment conditions apply to the grading in this unit. A satisfactory achievement (minimum of 50%) in the Quality Control (QC) Project Report and an overall unit passing mark of at least 50% are required to obtain a passing grade for this unit. If you achieve 45-49% for the QC Project Report, and your overall unit mark is greater than or equal to 50%, you have the opportunity to complete one additional assessment (designated by the unit coordinator); if you pass this additional assessment you will receive an overall grade of 4 for the unit. However if you do not pass this additional assessment you will not be eligible to pass the unit and will be awarded a maximum grade of 3. You are advised to seek feedback on your QC Project Report from the unit coordinator prior to undertaking the additional threshold assessment.

Practical Class Assessment
Participation in the practical classes is an integral part of your learning experience in LSB425, if you are unable to attend a practical session, you should inform the unit coordinator by email and provide supporting documentation for your absence e.g. medical certificate on or within two days of the missed practical class. Subject to the above conditions for advice and satisfactory documentation, for approved absences, alternate arrangements as determined by the unit coordinator will be accommodated on up to two occasions. Approved absences in excess of two occasions will need to be discussed with the unit coordinator. In the case of unapproved absence from practicals, no marks will be given for related assessment.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Practical Portfolio

The completion of (a) Practical exercises assessed progressively in quizzes and reports over the semester (25%) and (b) Practical Test: This short answer test of calculations and a data handling and validation exercise (10%) will assess your critical analysis of data and ability to make judgements about the validity of patient results. (formative and summative)

Assessment: Quality Control Project

Quality Control (QC) project based on data collected in practical classes. Results are analysed and assessed for accuracy and precision, test results' validation, consensus with peer group and implications for laboratory practice. Results are formatively assessed weekly and finalised at the end of semester in a final project report (35%) (formative and summative).  Participation and satisfactory completion of associated activities required to meet unit learning outcomes across key training sessions in tutorials and practicals is worth 10%

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Threshold Assessment:

A satisfactory achievement (minimum of 50%) in the Quality Control (QC) Project Report and an overall unit passing mark of at least 50% are required to obtain a passing grade for this unit. If you achieve 45-49% for the QC Project Report, and your overall unit mark is greater than or equal to 50%, you have the opportunity to complete one additional assessment (designated by the unit coordinator); if you pass this additional assessment you will receive an overall grade of 4 for the unit. However if you do not pass this additional assessment you will not be eligible to pass the unit and will be awarded a maximum grade of 3. You are advised to seek feedback on your QC Project Report from the unit coordinator prior to undertaking the additional threshold assessment.

Assessment: Examination (written)

Examination assessing your knowledge and application of the theoretical aspects of the unit (summative).

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Costs

Cost of obtaining lab gown and safety glasses is the responsibility of the student.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Rifai, N , Horvath, A.R., & Wittwer, C.T. (2019). Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics (8th ed.). Saunders; Elsevier.
Also available as an e-book.

Link to Library record: https://qut.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61QUT_INST/1l08vsn/alma991009815189704001

Westgard, J.O. (2016). Basic QC Practices (4th ed.). Westgard QC.

Safety and protective equipment

Practicals will require personal protective equipment supplied by each student:
1. Laboratory Gown - Rear fastening 100% cotton or polyester/cotton mix
2. Safety eye protection glasses - selected and used in accordance with Australian Safety Standards
3. Fully enclosed non-slip shoes

Risk Assessment Statement

This unit includes a laboratory component. In order that you become proficient in necessary practical skills, you will be trained in the handling of equipment, materials and specimens normally associated with this discipline. You are required to view a Health & Safety Induction video and complete an online health and safety quiz prior to being permitted into the laboratory; to access please follow this link Health & Safety Induction. A passing score of 10/10 is required and will be checked prior to entry to the first laboratory session. You may repeat the quiz until this score is achieved. You are also referred to the Faculty of Health's Health & Safety Web Site for further information.

If you have an underlying health condition you are encouraged to consult the lecturer in charge of the unit, as you may be required to take additional precautions on occasions.

Course Learning Outcomes

LS47 Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science

1. Discipline Knowledge
   Relates to: Practical Portfolio, Quality Control Project, Examination (written)
2. Technical proficiency
   Relates to: Practical Portfolio, Quality Control Project
3. Interpretation and application of protocols
   Relates to: Practical Portfolio, Quality Control Project
4. Analysis and interpretation of data
   Relates to: Practical Portfolio, Quality Control Project, Examination (written)
5. Scientific communication skills including information literacy and numeracy
   Relates to: Practical Portfolio, Quality Control Project
6. Quality assurance
   Relates to: Practical Portfolio, Quality Control Project, Examination (written)