Clinical Chemistry Course

Lesson 1 • Specimen Collection and Handling

Covers proper collection techniques, anticoagulant selection, and pre-analytical variables. Errors at this stage are the leading source of inaccurate results.

Lesson 2 • Laboratory Safety and Regulatory Compliance

Outlines chemical, biological, and radiation hazards alongside standard precautions. Regulatory frameworks governing laboratory practice are introduced.

Lesson 3 • Role of the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory

Defines clinical chemistry's function within healthcare and diagnostic workflows. Connects laboratory output to clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Basic Laboratory Mathematics

Introduces unit conversions, concentration calculations, and dilution factors essential for reagent preparation and result interpretation.

Lesson 1 • Automation and Analyzer Workflow

Examines automated analyzer architecture, sample routing, and middleware integration. Automation reduces error and increases throughput in high-volume laboratories.

Lesson 2 • Electrochemical and Biosensor Methods

Introduces potentiometry, amperometry, and ion-selective electrodes used for electrolyte and blood gas analysis. Sensor maintenance and calibration are emphasized.

Lesson 3 • Immunoassay Platforms

Describes competitive and sandwich immunoassay formats, signal detection systems, and common interferences. Immunoassays are central to hormone and tumor marker testing.

Lesson 4 • Chromatographic Separation Techniques

Explains HPLC, ion-exchange, and affinity chromatography as applied to hemoglobin variants and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Lesson 1 • Internal Quality Control

Covers Levey-Jennings charts, Westgard rules, and control material selection for daily run monitoring. Students learn to identify out-of-control conditions and take corrective action.

Lesson 2 • External Quality Assessment

Explains proficiency testing programs, peer-group comparison, and regulatory requirements for external assessment. Results guide method evaluation and staff training.

Lesson 3 • Method Validation and Verification

Guides students through precision, accuracy, linearity, and interference studies required before implementing a new method. Validation data support regulatory approval.

Lesson 4 • Calibration and Traceability

Addresses calibrator hierarchy, metrological traceability, and recalibration triggers. Proper calibration links patient results to internationally recognized reference standards.

Lesson 1 • Diabetes Diagnosis and Classification

Applies diagnostic criteria for type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes using fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance, and HbA1c. Correct classification guides treatment selection.

Lesson 2 • Glucose Measurement Methods

Compares enzymatic methods including glucose oxidase and hexokinase, and evaluates point-of-care glucose devices. Method selection affects accuracy in critical care settings.

Lesson 3 • Ketones, Lactate, and Metabolic Complications

Covers laboratory assessment of diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar states, and lactic acidosis. These acute complications require rapid and accurate biochemical evaluation.

Lesson 4 • Glycated Hemoglobin and Long-Term Monitoring

Explains HbA1c formation, standardization, and analytical methods including HPLC and immunoassay. HbA1c reflects average glycemia over the preceding two to three months.

Lesson 1 • Lipoprotein Classification and Function

Distinguishes chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL, LDL, and HDL by composition, density, and metabolic role. Each fraction carries distinct cardiovascular risk implications.

Lesson 2 • Advanced Cardiovascular Risk Markers

Introduces Lp(a), apolipoprotein B, non-HDL cholesterol, and high-sensitivity CRP as emerging risk markers. These analytes refine risk stratification beyond the standard lipid panel.

Lesson 3 • Lipid Panel Measurement Methods

Describes enzymatic methods for total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, including Friedewald estimation. Pre-analytical fasting requirements and interferences are addressed.

Lesson 4 • Lipid Biochemistry and Metabolism

Reviews fatty acid structure, triglyceride synthesis, and cholesterol biosynthesis pathways. Metabolic context is required to understand dyslipidemia patterns.

Lesson 1 • Creatinine, Urea, and GFR Estimation

Covers Jaffe and enzymatic creatinine methods, urea measurement, and eGFR equations. These markers are the primary tools for staging chronic kidney disease.

Lesson 2 • Urinalysis and Urine Chemistry

Explains dipstick, microscopy, and quantitative urine chemistry for detecting proteinuria, hematuria, and casts. Urinalysis is a cost-effective first-line renal assessment tool.

Lesson 3 • Acid-Base Balance and Blood Gas Analysis

Teaches systematic interpretation of arterial blood gas results including pH, pCO2, pO2, and bicarbonate. Students classify primary disorders and identify compensation patterns.

Lesson 4 • Kidney Physiology and Filtration

Reviews glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and secretion as the basis for renal biomarker interpretation. Physiological understanding prevents misinterpretation of borderline results.

Lesson 1 • Hepatic Physiology and Metabolic Functions

Reviews the liver's roles in protein synthesis, detoxification, bile production, and carbohydrate metabolism. This context is essential for understanding which tests reflect which functions.

Lesson 2 • Viral Hepatitis and Autoimmune Markers

Introduces serological markers for hepatitis A, B, and C and autoimmune liver disease antibodies. Correct marker selection and sequencing are critical for accurate diagnosis.

Lesson 3 • Synthetic Function and Liver Failure Markers

Evaluates albumin, prothrombin time, and ammonia as indicators of hepatic synthetic capacity and failure. These markers predict prognosis and guide transplant decisions.

Lesson 4 • Bilirubin Measurement and Jaundice Classification

Covers total, direct, and indirect bilirubin measurement methods and their use in classifying pre-hepatic, hepatic, and post-hepatic jaundice.

Lesson 1 • Tumor Markers: Principles and Applications

Explains the biological basis of tumor markers, their sensitivity and specificity limitations, and appropriate clinical use. No single marker is diagnostic alone; panels and trends matter.

Lesson 2 • Thyroid Function Testing

Covers TSH, free T4, free T3, and thyroid antibody measurement for diagnosing hypo- and hyperthyroidism. TSH is the primary screening test due to its high sensitivity.

Lesson 3 • Specific Tumor Markers and Clinical Use

Reviews PSA, AFP, CEA, CA 125, CA 19-9, and hCG as markers for specific malignancies. Clinical scenarios illustrate appropriate ordering and result interpretation.

Lesson 4 • Adrenal and Pituitary Hormones

Addresses cortisol, ACTH, aldosterone, and dynamic stimulation and suppression tests for adrenal disorders. Pituitary hormones GH and prolactin are also covered.