Course overview
The aim of this course is to provide students with basic theory and practical skills so as to be able to work safely and professionally in a clinical haematology laboratory. Erythropoiesis, red cell membrane, haemoglobin structure and function; leucopoiesis, leucocyte structure and function; thrombopoiesis, platelet structure and function; metabolism of iron, vitamin B12 and folate; anaemia, thalassaemia and haemoglobinopathies; non-malignant white blood cell disorders; introduction to haematological malignancies; tests performed in haematology; anticoagulants; laboratory safety and decontamination procedures; normal and abnormal blood cell morphology; preparation, evaluation, examination of blood films; automated cell counting and determination of indices; erythrocyte sedimentation rates; quality control, quality assurance and total quality management.
Course learning outcomes
- Describe normal haemopoiesis and the production, structure, function and life span of normal blood cells.
- Evaluate normal erythrocytes, leucocytes and platelets
- Evaluate erythrocyte abnormalities and practice the laboratory detection and evaluation of anaemia and erythrocytosis.
- Evaluate the non-malignant leucocyte and platelet abnormalities and practice the laboratory detection and evaluation of these conditions.
- Understand the basic concepts of the haematological malignancies and practice the laboratory detection and evaluation of these conditions