During this course various methods of obtaining blood and bone marrow are taught. The determination of hemoglobin, the counting of red and white cells, preparation of blood smears, differential counts, the hematocrit, platelet counts, and other analytical procedures are stressed. Anemias, leukemias, and other disorders are investigated. Students are taught both automated and manual cell counting techniques. The crossmatching of patients and donor blood Keeping of records on donors and recipients of transfusions.
Students also have extensive training in antibody detection and identification.
Students are taught both manual and automated testing methodologies using the spectrophotometer, electrophoresis, and several state of the art automated analyzers. The function of each major organ system is discussed. Test results are correlated with clinical diseases. In this course, the morphology and physiology of bacteria, viruses, fungi, spirochetes and human parasites are studied. Immunology and antigen-antibody reactions and bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics are stressed.