MLAB 2431 Immunohematology

Instructor:	Terry Kotrla MT(ASCP)BB, Associate Professor
Office:	RVS, Building D, Room 5021
Phone:	223-6152
Email:	Office kotrla@austincc.edu Home tkotrla@austin.rr.com
Pager:	606-2188
Office Hours:	Monday -- 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Thursday -- 8:00 am - 11:00 am Due to clinical obligations other days are by appointment.

Length of Course: 16 Weeks
Total Number of Hours: (Approximate)

Classroom hours..... 48
Laboratory .............64

Time:

Lecture: Monday & Wednesday 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Laboratory: Wednesday 9:45 am - 1:45 pm

Dates: January 12 - May 5

Location: Room 6101 Bldg. D, RVS Campus

INTRODUCTION

Immunohematology is a specialized branch of laboratory medicine. It involves the study of the theory and practice of a wide variety of procedures used in the following: donor selection, component preparation and use, and techniques used to detect antigen/antibody reactions which may adversely affect a patient receiving a transfusion. The topics to be covered include: donor screening, preparation of components, antigens/antibodies of the ABO, Rh and other blood group systems, pretransfusion testing procedures, hemolytic disease of the newborn, neonatal and obstetrical transfusion practice, autoimmune hemolytic anemias and adverse affects of transfusion.

PREREQUISITES

MLAB 1235 Immunolgy/Serology or department head approval.

COURSE GOALS

Immunohematology is structured to meet the MLT Program goals addressing, but not limited to:

• developing a working knowledge of the principles and procedures of blood bank testing,
• producing accurate, skilled clinical laboratory workers with strong ethical and professional values,

• promoting respect and understanding of allied health professionals through renewed understanding of the clinical laboratory technician's role as a member of the allied health care team.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Describe the immune process as it relates to immunohematology.
2. Describe the donor selection process.
3. Describe the preparation and use of blood components.
4. Identify and describe the characteristics of the antigens and antibodies of the ABO, Rh, and other blood group systems.
5. Perform and understand routine blood bank procedures utilized in pretransfusion testing.
6. Perform and demonstrate an understanding for intermediate level blood bank testing in the resolution of antibody problems, hemolytic disease of the newborn and transfusion reaction workups.
7. Demonstrate improvement in the affective traits of organizational skills, work habits, attitude, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving ability.
8. Apply the principles, theories and practical information from MLAB 1235 Immunology/Serology and MLAB 1315 Hematology to the field of Immunohematology.

SCANS

The U.S. Department of Labor has established the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) to ensure that student's are gaining competencies that are required in the work place. The following competencies will be acquired upon completion of Immunohematology:

METHODS OF PRESENTATION

1. Lecture
2. Demonstration and discussion
3. Laboratory practice
4. Case studies
5. Computer exercises - BlackBoard, Internet Search, Online Quizzes/Exercises

TEXTBOOKS

1. Required: Quinley, Eva, Immunohematology, 2cnd edition, 1998, Lippincott
2. Recommended:

   a. AABB, Technical Manual, 14^th edition,2002.(Available through AABB, http://www.aabb.org)
   b. AABB, Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Service, 22cnd ed, 2003.
   c. Mosby's Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary, current edition
   d. Lippincott, A Manual of Laboratory & Diagnostic Tests, 7^th ed, 2003.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS

1. Attendance Policy
   

   Regular and punctual attendance is required at all lecture and laboratory sessions. Class roll will be taken. Absences must be explained to the instructor on the day of the absence by telephone or personal visit. If an absence is anticipated, the student is to make a scheduling arrangement in advance with the instructor. Four or more absences may be cause to withdraw a student from the course. A student who is five (5) minutes late is considered TARDY. Three (3) tardies constitute one absence. It is the student's responsibility to keep track of his/her attendance record and for all assignments, materials, examinations, etc., missed.

2. Student Assistance Policy

   It is the sincere desire of the program faculty to aid each student in developing his/her professional potential. Academic, clinical, and those personal problems that interfere with the student's development are of concern to the faculty. The program faculty has adopted the following policy:

   a. Personal Problems

   The MLT student should feel free to make an appointment to discuss problems of a personal nature with a faculty member of his/her choice. In addition, the Health Science counselors are available for the student for additional counseling if necessary.

   b. Academic Problems

Problems encountered in the MLT lecture and/or laboratory sections should be brought to the attention of the course instructor. The instructor will work with the student to resolve the problem. If the student feels he/she cannot reach an agreement with the instructor, the student with the instructor should present the situation to the Program Director. All discussions with the faculty will remain confidential.

3. Dress Code:
   a. The student will be expected to attend class clean and neatly dressed.
   b. A white laboratory coat must be worn buttoned during all laboratory sessions.
   c. Footwear appropriate for a laboratory setting will be required.
   d. Loose or dangling jewelry will not be permitted.
   e. Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be worn up or securely tied back.
   f. Strong smelling perfumes or after-shave lotion are inappropriate in the laboratory or clinical setting.
   g. Latex gloves must be worn when handling body fluids or other potentially biohazardous materials.

STUDENT EVALUATION

1. Measurement, Written
   Points are awarded for completion of each of the following:
   a. Six written examinations will be given over the lecture materials. All written examinations will be given online through BlackBoard. All students are expected to take the exam during the time it is available or be given a grade of "0". Academic honesty is imperative. The exam grade average must be comparable to the final exam grade.
   b. Case study homework will be given through out the semester. The average grade will be determined and will count as one exam grade.
   c. An Internet research project will be assigned and will be worth 65 points. This will be part of the lecture component of your grade. This must be 5 pages long with a cover page and bibliography. The instructor will provide the student with a copy of the rubric for determination of the grade.
   d. Rent the video (or borrow the instructor's copy)"And the Band Played On" and write a 2-3 page paper which must include a short review of the film and a statement of your personal opinion about the film. This will be worth 25 points to be a part of the lecture grade.
   e. A comprehensive final examination will be given in the MLT classroom according to the lecture schedule.
   f. Participate and complete the assignments and discussion board posts in BlackBoard.
   g. Score 70% or better on the Online quizzes to be availabe prior to each major exam.
   

2. Measurement, Practical
   Points are awarded for the successful completion of laboratory exercises. Student laboratory performance is evaluated using the following criteria:
   a. Familiarity with the procedure.
   b. Setting up and performing the procedure (organizational skills).
   c. Appropriate specimens and reagents are obtained and utilized.
   d. Proper use of equipment, reagents, supplies and specimens.
   e. Proper labeling, handling and disposal of specimens, tubes, etc.
   f. Organization and performance of individual tasks.
   g. Completion of tests within a reasonable amount of time.
   h. Clean up of work area.
   i. Correct interpretation of results with recognition of discrepancies or abnormal results being brought to the instructor's attention.
   j. Results are recorded and reported in proper format.
   k. Results of laboratory pre-tests.
   l. Proper response to study questions. Laboratory study questions must be turned in on time or will be given a grade of "0". Unless otherwise noted, lab study questions are due the week following the lab procedure.
   m. Results of laboratory practical exams.
   n. A notebook must be turned in on the last class day comprised of the following separate 3 areas: pretests, study questions and result sheets. Each section must be in numerical order according to the laboratory exercise number
   o. Computer software exercises will be assigned through out the semester. The grade obtained will be part of the pre-test grade average.
   p. Procedure cards are to be written for the major labs. The grade received will be added to the lab evaluation grade.
   q. Communication via the internet with the instructor and fellow students at designated times during the semester. Point value of each communication to be added to laboratory exercise grade.
   
   Laboratory sessions are designed not only to develop proficiency in blood bank testing, but also to provide additional information on the given topic areas and to develop professional attitudes. Therefore, students are expected to attend each laboratory session. It will not be possible to make up a missed laboratory assignment due to specimen, reagent and/or instructor availability. (See Attendance Policy.)

3. Determination of Final Grade

   a. Lecture: 2/3 of final grade

   Items 1-6 will comprise 65% of the lecture grade.

   1) Examinations 600 points
   2) Case Studies 100 points
   3) Movie Review 25 points
   4) Internet Search 65 points
   5) Complete BlackBoard Assignments 100 points
   6) Major Exam Online Pretest 60 points (submit print out)
   7) Final Exam = 35%

b. Laboratory: 1/3 of Final Grade

1) Pretests = 10%
2) Lab Evaluation and procedure cards = 40%
3) Study Questions = 25%
4) Laboratory Practicals (2 will be given) = 25%

c. Grading System:

A = 90 -100%
B = 80 - 89%
C = 75 - 79%
D = 60 - 74%
F = 59% or below
I = Incomplete: A student must have a passing average (75% or better) and have completed at least 80% of the course work.

W = Withdrawal: Please meet with the MLT Program Coordinator before making any decision on withdrawal. We will assist you in any way possible with problem areas.

PROMOTION, FAILURE AND/OR DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM

1. A minimum grade of "C" (75%) is required in both the lecture and laboratory components of all Medical Laboratory Technology courses. Failure to meet the minimum passing score in each area will result in a grade of "D" for the course.
2. . Any student may be withdrawn from the program for excessive absences (see Attendance Policy), consistently failing to meet class assignments, disruptive conduct, or for displaying conduct detrimental to the ethics of Medical Laboratory Technology.
3. The MLT faculty and staff understand that learning in group situations can be beneficial. However, each student is expected to demonstrate their own competency by doing their own work. Any student caught cheating on examinations, during lab practicals, or sharing lab results will be subject to disciplinary action including possible withdrawal from the program.
4. The student may utilize the "Student Grievance Procedure of Austin Community College" in the disposition of a grievance or complaint without fear of recrimination or retaliation.

SPECIAL LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS

1. It is the responsibility of the student to come prepared for each laboratory session by reading the procedure prior to the laboratory session.
2. A pre-test will be given at the beginning of each lab exercise to ensure readiness to perform the procedure. Laboratory quizzes may also be given.
3. Each student is responsible for his/her own work. If you are having difficulty with a particular procedure do not bother students around you. Any questions you have about the procedure, reagents or supplies should be directed to the instructor.
4. Due to the complex nature and difficulty of setting up and performing Blood Bank testing, talking is discouraged during laboratory exercises.
5. Each student is responsible for cleaning up he/her work area. This will be closely monitored by the instructor.

LABORATORY SAFETY REGULATIONS

1. Blood specimens possibly containing pathogenic organisms will be used in this course. Eating, drinking or smoking will not be permitted in the laboratory. AVOID PUTTING OBJECTS IN YOUR MOUTH.
2. Wear gloves when working with blood specimens.
3. Wash your hands before leaving the laboratory for any reason.
4. Remove gloves and wash hands immediately. Never wear gloves outside of the laboratory area.
5. Dispose of sharps, used glassware, specimens, contaminated gauze, etc. in properly labeled containers.
6. Disinfect work area thoroughly after each laboratory session by spraying with the 10% Clorox solution provided and wiping the area dry.
7. Cover excessive spills of blood with paper towels, soak thoroughly with disinfectant and wait 15 minutes before cleaning it up.
8. All accidents are to be reported immediately to the laboratory instructor.

REQUIRED LABORATORY MATERIALS

1. White laboratory coat
2. Ink pen (PENCILS are not allowed)
3. Felt tip marking pen (must not be water soluble)
4. Timer is not required but is strongly recommended

MATERIALS OF INSTRUCTION

1. References
   a. American Association of Blood Banks, Technical Manual, 14^th edition, 2002.
   b. American Society of Blood Banks, Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, 22cnd edition, 2003.
   c. Turgeon, M. L. (1995). Fundamentals of immunohematology. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger.
2. Audio-Visual Aids
   a. Selected films/video tapes
   b. Overhead transparencies
3. Computer-Instructor will post assignments to BlackBoard throughout the semester. The student must complete the assignments and post to the discussion forum as a requirement for this course
4. Online quizzes..
   
   

EXTRA CREDIT

A maximum of 20 points may be earned which will be added to the lecture grade total. The purpose of extra credit is to aid students who are very close to a higher grade, for example the student has an 89.4 which is a B, to obtain the higher grade. It is NOT utilized to artificially inflate grades.

The following items are suggestions for extra credit:

1. Volunteer work at Caritas or at health fairs not associated with the MLTSO.
2. Creation of a blood bank case study, 2 references required.
3. Short write up on a blood group system, 2 references required.
4. Turn in three current articles related to immunohematology. Three articles are worth 1 extra credit point
5. Other items/suggestions may be recommended/approved by the instructor.

Last Update: January 20, 2004
Web Author: Terry Kotrla, MT(ASCP)BB , kotrla@austin.cc.tx.us
Copyright ©2000 by Terry Kotrla, MT(ASCP)BB- ALL RIGHTS RESERVED