Medical Laboratory Technology, introduction to medical laboratory sciences

Basic laboratory techniques and quality assurance in biomedical engineering work including patient-centered analyzes (PNA). Preanalytical conditions that may affect the test result. Venous and capillary blood sampling. Infection protection and hygiene. Health, environment and safety (HES). Professional interaction and communication in theory and practice The structure of the Norwegian health care service and the role of the biomedical laboratory scientist. Relevant laws and regulations. Ethics with emphasis on confidentiality and consent.

Knowledge:

The candidate:

• Is familiar with methods, laboratory equipment and biomedical laboratory science tasks within the medical laboratory specialties medical biochemistry, medical microbiology and hematology
• Has knowledge of correct blood sampling of adults, children and newborns
• Has knowledge of the correct treatment of different types of human biological specimen, and has knowledge of how analytical, pre- and post-analytical conditions affect analysis results
• Has knowledge of the chain of infection, basic infection control routines and aseptic work procedures in medical laboratory work.
• Has knowledge of how point-of-care analysis and self-testing are performed and quality assured
• Is familiar with that the operation of medical laboratories involves making professional choices that promote sustainability and HSE
• Is familiar with the rules for proper waste management with respect to the risk of infection and the environment
• Is familiar with interprofessional interaction and communication for the benefit of the patient
• Has knowledge of topics in the field of professional/medical ethics, and duty of confidentiality, that are key for biomedical laboratory scientists.
• Has knowledge of aptitude assessment and what this entails for the individual student
• Is familiar with the services needed by children and young people as related to biomedical engineering work and understands how to ensure their participation and rights
• Has knowledge about the structure and organization of the health service in Norway, including the role of the biomedical laboratory scientist

Skills:

The candidate:

• Knows how to use some analytical instruments and laboratory equipment used in medical laboratories in the fields of medical biochemistry, medical microbiology and hematology
• Knows how to use simple methods for biomedical laboratory sciences work in a structured and accurate manner, in accordance with laws and procedures
• Knows how to do capillary and venous blood sampling of adults, and under guidance perform blood sampling of children. Furthermore, the candidate shall contribute to security and predictability for the patient in the sampling situation
• Knows how to master some basic laboratory techniques and biomedical laboratory science terminology
• Knows how to communicate with and guide patients, relatives and other healthcare professionals with sampling, point-of-care analysis, and use of analysis equipment for self-testing
• Is familiar with how to reflect on their own and others' role in interprofessional cooperation

General competence:

The candidate:

• Has insight into some relevant ethical issues
• Has a basis for further practical studies within biomedical laboratory science
• Can communicate simple problems and solutions, has relational and communication competence for cooperation with colleagues, other health professions, patients and relatives
• Can plan and carry out simple work tasks alone and as a participant in a group, and in accordance with ethical requirements and guidelines
• Can perform simple reflection on their own professional practice, acquire new knowledge and receive guidance
• Knows about the health and welfare system, laws, regulations and guidelines in their service as a biomedical laboratory scientist

This course contains a high degree of student active learning. Expected total workload 400 hours. Planned hours: Lectures approx. 60 hours, internal practice studies approx. 55 hours. Laboratory report (incl. guidance) about 20 hours. External practice studies approx. 50 hours. Self study including group work: 215 hours.

Internal practical studies, some lectures, group work, seminar classes and other learning activities throughout the academic year will have compulsory attendance.