Hematology/Coagulation

The study and performance of tests related to the enumeration and identification of the cellular elements of blood and body fluids, primarily red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.  Included is Coagulation, the study of hemostasis, which focuses on diagnosing and monitoring bleeding abnormalities, clotting abnormalities, and platelet disorders.
 
OBJECTIVES:

• Demonstrate accurate and precise skills in performance of hematological and hemostatic tasks and procedures.
• Discuss the theories and principles of automated and other analytical instruments and systems– maintenance, calibration, quality control, troubleshooting.
• Recognize out of control results, instrument dysfunction or failure, abnormal and absurd patient results, instrument flags and histogram/scatterplot patterns, and demonstrate appropriate corrective action in resolution of problems encountered.
• Demonstrate proper technique in preparation of a peripheral blood smear for microscopic review, and evaluate a stained blood smear for cell distribution, cell differential, and abnormal cells and morphologies.
• Demonstrate proper technique in performance of enumeration and analysis of non-blood body fluid samples, including differentiation of normal vs abnormal cells.
• In Coagulation; recognize abnormal results, discuss follow-up tests and results that aid in the diagnosis of hemostatic abnormalities, and evaluate results in regards to patient hemostatic management.