• Demonstrate proficiency in aseptic handling of bacteriologic specimens.
• Demonstrate an understanding of bacterial, viral and rickettsial descriptions and classifications.
• Choose the proper media for and correctly process bacteriologic specimens.
• Identify unknown organisms using techniques presented in laboratory exercises.

Methods of Presentation

 

·Lecture and Power Point Presentations

·Blackboard On-line Course System (http://acconline.austincc.edu/)

·Laboratory Practice

·Audio-Visual Materials

·Internet Resources

 

 

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 this course.

 

• SCANS COMPETENCY	Clinical Microbiology Competencies
  Resources	Identify reagents and supplies needed for each lab, organize work so that the reagents, supplies, and equipment are utilized appropriately and work is completed within a reasonable time frame.
  Interpersonal	Recognize limitations of expertise during the performance of procedures and communicate with instructor when problems arise. Maintain confidentiality of patient samples utilized. Demonstrate respect for fellow students during class and lab time. Utilize the Internet to interact with laboratory science students through the Blackboard communication system and regular email programs.
  Information	Apply knowledge gained from lecture, laboratory and the textbook to trouble shoot and problem solve laboratory results obtained during student laboratory. Utilize the Internet and other library resources to acquire information about specific topics as they relate to the field of Clinical Laboratory Science.
  Systems	Apply critical thinking skills to clinical laboratory problems encountered, specifically, utilizing clinical laboratory principles and theories and applying these to results obtained.
  Technology	Achieve competency in routine clinical laboratory procedures utilizing a variety of reagents, supplies and techniques. Utilize provided procedures to obtain appropriate information for performing and trouble shooting clinical laboratory procedures, and determining clinical significance and normal values. Use computers, the Internet, and the Blackboard system to access course materials and other relevant course information.

   

  Required Materials  

  Mahon, Connie R., and Manuselis, George, Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology, Second Edition, W. B. Saunders, ISBN 0-7216-7917-X (Available in EVC Bookstore) 

  MLAB 2434 Course Outline/Objectives and Lab Manual (Available in Blackboard) 

  MLAB 2434 Power Point Presentations (Available in Blackboard)

  Course Requirements, Examinations, and Grading

  Dress Code

  The student will be expected to attend class clean and neatly dressed and wear closed-toe shoes. A disposable laboratory coat will be issued to each student and must be worn snapped during all laboratory sessions. Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be worn up or securely tied back. Gloves must be worn when handling bloody body fluids.

        Student Evaluation

  Measurement, Written

  Approximately six (6) examinations will be given in Blackboard over lecture material covering lecture and the accompanying laboratory exercises, and will comprehensively assess the student's knowledge of concepts, principles, techniques and procedures as related to the instructional material. These exams will be taken in Blackboard and will be timed. Each student is on the honor system to not use unauthorized materials while taking these exams. There will be no routine retests given. If a student misses one exam, the grade of the final exam will be averaged in the place of the missed exam grade. If any other exams are missed, grades of "0" will be given.

  
  Practical

  Points are awarded for the successful completion of laboratory exercises. Student laboratory performance is evaluated using the following criteria:

  Attendance at the laboratory sessions is very important. It will not be possible to make up a missed laboratory assignment due to specimen, reagent and/or instructor availability. (See Attendance Policy.) 

  · Familiarity with procedure.

  ·Setting up and performing procedure.

  ·Appropriate specimens are obtained and utilized.

  ·Proper handling, labeling and disposal of specimens, tubes, etc.

  ·Proper use of equipment, glassware and pipets.

  ·Organization and performance of individual tasks.

  ·Completion of procedures within a reasonable amount of time.

  ·Clean up of work area.

  ·Care and cleaning of microscopes, which are assigned by number to each student.

   Determination of Final Grade

   Lecture – 2/3 of final grade

  Exams in Blackboard = 60%
  Final in class = 40%

  Laboratory – 1/3 of final grade

  Laboratories = 75%
  Unknowns = 25%

   All laboratory exercises and study questions must be organized and turned in at the semester's end, preferably in a binder or notebook, for validation by the instructor.

   A passing grade (75% or better) is required in both the lecture and laboratory components in order to receive a passing grade for this course.

  A = 90-100%
  B = 80-89%
  C = 75-79%
  D = 60-74%
  F = 59% and below 

  Incomplete = To receive an I, a student must have a passing average (75% or better) and have completed at least 80% of the course work. The MLT student will be permitted to register for MAB 2361 (Clinical II) with the understanding that the incomplete will be completed within the same semester. No credit will be given for MLAB 2361 unless MLAB 2434 is completed.

   Withdrawal = Before considering withdrawal, please contact the instructor.

  Attendance

  Attendance is required at all times. Roll will be taken at every class and laboratory meeting. The student is required to notify an instructor if an absence is anticipated. If absences exceed three (3), the student will be dropped from the course unless there are EXTREMELY extenuating circumstances. A student who is five (5) minutes late is considered tardy. Three (3) tardies constitute one absence. It is the student's responsibility to deep track of his/her attendance record and for all assignments, materials, examinations, etc., missed.

   Promotion, Failure, and/or Dismissal from the Department

  A minimum grade of “C” (75%) is required in both the lecture and laboratory components of all medical laboratory technology courses.

  Any student may be dropped from the program due to excessive absences and/or consistently failing to meet class assignments, for disruptive conduct during lecture or lab or for displaying conduct detrimental to the ethics of medical laboratory technology.

   The student may utilize the approved Student Grievance Procedure of Austin Community College as detailed in the ACC Student Handbook in the disposition of a grievance or complaint without fear of recrimination or retaliation as a result of filing a grievance.

   The MLT faculty and staff understand that learning in group situations can be beneficial. However, each student is expected to demonstrate his/her own competency by doing his/her own work. Any student caught cheating on examinations, on unknowns, or sharing lab results will be subject to disciplinary action, including an academic penalty and possible withdrawal from the program.

   Acts prohibited by the college for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to, tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper, projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework.

   Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

   

  Students with Disabilities

  Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester

  Special Laboratory Requirements

  All laboratory exercises must be read before attending the laboratory period. A short pre-test may be given over the scheduled lab immediately prior to the lab.

  Safety Regulations

  Blood, urine, and other biological specimens possibly containing pathogenic organisms will be used in this course; therefore, the following precautions must be observed:

   

  Handwashing Procedure 

  ·Wet hands and apply a small amount of an antiseptic soap (3-5 mL).
  ·Vigorously lather hands and rub together for at least 15 seconds.
  ·Wash well between fingers and up the wrists.
  ·Rinse well with a moderate stream of water in a downward motion.
  ·Dry with a paper towel and use the towel to turn off the faucet. Dry skin adequately to avoid dermatitis.
  ·Hand lotion may be used if hands are dry.

•  

  Universal Precautions

  Since medical history and examination cannot reliably identify the infectivity of all patients' blood and body fluids, universal precautions should be followed for all patients. The concept of universal precautions was first introduced in 1987 by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to decrease the occupational risks of blood-borne diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis B to healthcare workers. The application of universal precautions is continually evolving; all body fluids may soon be handled with the same precautions as blood. This further application is already occurring in some labs, and is known as Body Substance Isolation. Precautions specific for clinical laboratories:

   Use barrier protection routinely to prevent skin and mucous membrane contamination with blood or other body fluids.

  1. Wear gloves:
     a.When cuts, scratches, or other breaks in skin are present.
     b. When performing phlebotomy.
     c. When collecting capillary blood specimens.
     d. Anytime it appears that contamination of the hands may occur.
     e.Change gloves after each patient contact or when visibly contaminated with blood.
  2. Wear a mask, eye glasses or goggles, or face shield during procedures that are likely to generate droplets of blood or other body fluids to prevent exposure of the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes.
  3. Wear a fluid-resistant gown, apron, or other covering when there is a potential forsplashing or spraying of blood or body fluids onto the body.
  4. Wash hands or other skin surfaces thoroughly and immediately if contaminated with blood or other body fluids.
  5. Wash hands immediately after gloves have been removed even when no external contamination has occurred. Organisms on the hands multiply rapidly in the warm moist environment within the glove.
  6. Handle laboratory instruments, especially needles and scalpel blades, with extreme caution.
  7. Place used needles, disposable syringes, skin lancets, scalpel blades, and other sharp items into a puncture-resistant biohazard container for disposal. The container should be located as close as possible to the work area. Phlebotomists should carry puncture-resistant containers with them on their phlebotomy tray.
  8. Needles should not be recapped, purposely bent, cut, broken, removed from disposable syringes, or otherwise manipulated by hand. If recapping is unavoidable (blood gas syringes, etc.), do it with one hand and use great caution.
  9. Place large-bore reusable needles (bone marrow, biopsy needles, etc.) and other reusable sharp objects into a puncture-resistant container for transport to the reprocessing area.
  10. Use mouth pieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices during emergency resuscitation procedures.
  11. Exudative lesions or weeping dermatitis should be covered with an occlusive dressing to prevent contamination.
  12. All specimens of blood and body fluids should be put in well-constructed containers with secure lids to prevent leaking during transport. Care should be taken when collecting each specimen to avoid contaminating the outside of the container and the laboratory form accompanying the specimen.
  13. Use biological safety hoods (Class 1 or 2) for procedures that have a high potential for generating droplets (e.g., blending, sonicating, and vortexing).
  14. Fill evacuation tubes, vials, and bottles by using their internal vacuum only. If a syringe is used, the fluid should be transferred to an evacuation tube by puncturing the diaphragm of the rubber stopper and allowing the correct amount of fluid to flow slowly into the tube along the wall. The tube should not be hand held when puncturing the top. Never force fluid into an evacuation tube by exerting pressure on the syringe plunger.
  15. Use mechanical pipettes for manipulating all liquids (including body fluids, chemicals, or reagents) in the laboratory.
  16. Decontaminate all laboratory work areas with an appropriate chemical germicide after a spill of blood or other body fluids and when work activities are completed. Laboratory countertops should be disinfected at least once per shift.
  17. Rinse off all body fluids from reusable contaminated equipment prior to reprocessing according to your institution policies.

  18. Clean and decontaminate scientific equipment that has been contaminated with blood or other body fluids before being repaired in the laboratory or transported to the manufacturer. Always follow manufacturer's recommendations.

  19. Pregnant laboratory workers are not thought to be at greater risk of infection than others in the laboratory. However, if an infection does develop during pregnancy or the mother is a carrier prior to the pregnancy, the infant is at risk of infection by perinatal transmission. Therefore, pregnant laboratory workers should be especially aware of universal precautions.
  20. Microscopes will be assigned. They must be cleaned and properly stored or points will be deducted from lab grade.
  .

Required Materials

1.   Inoculating loop and holder (to be checked out to student by instructor, if student does not already have one)

2.   Marking pen

3.   Timer (Optional)

General Comments

Most exercises will take 2 or 3 laboratory periods to complete (i.e., gathering data from previous inoculation). It will be necessary, therefore, to bring each laboratory exercise to every laboratory period.

Each person will be responsible for his own work (no sharing results) and for cleaning up his own work area.

 Open laboratory hours will be posted.

 This course will endeavor to provide the student with the most comprehensive experiences possible, but will rely mainly on the commonly measured differential characteristics of select bacterial groups.

 Suggested audio-visual programs (HSC Library)

QWAntimicrobial Susceptibility Testing by Broth Dilution (MIC's)

A631Videotape 1976

QWBasic Colony Identification in Microbiology 25 Slide/Tape B311 1979 C.1

QYBasic Clinical Procedures 4 Part #7 - Throat Culture B311 Videotape 1984

Last Update: July 17, 2005

Web Author: Terry Kotrla, MS, MT(ASCP)BB
Comments: kotrla@austincc.edu
Copyright ©2000 by Terry Kotrla - All Rights Reserved