Course content

General laboratory techniques and quality management. Specimen collection and other preanalytical confidentiality rulesvariables including venous and capillary blood specimen collection. Hygiene and exposure hazards. Practical teaching in hospital duration 3 days. Organization of the public health system in Norway and the role of the biomedical laboratory scientist. Professional use of communication and interprofessional cooperation. Relevant laws and ethical guidelines for biomedical laboratory scientists with emphasis on confidentiality rules.

Students will acquire knowledge of laws, ethical theories and reflection models to process ethical dilemmas. They must practice ethical sensitivity, understand their responsibilities as health professionals, and practice dealing with ethical dilemmas. It is important for bioengineering students to be able to apply their own professional ethical guidelines in discussions.

Blood sampling of patients under supervision in external practical training is an important part of this subject. Here the students will be socialized for their future profession, will use knowledge and skills in their meeting with patients, and will also gain knowledge of how the laboratories handle blood samples.

Learning outcome

Knowledge - The student:

• has knowledge of basic laboratory techniques and quality assurance in medical laboratory work
• can explain preanalytical conditions that can affect the test result
• has knowledge of blood and blood cells
• has knowledge of venous and capillary blood sampling
• understands the importance of infection control and hygiene measures in connection with patient contact and medical laboratory work
• has knowledge of HES work in the medical laboratory
• has knowledge of intercultural communication, interaction and conflict management
• has knowledge of interprofessional interaction
• knows about the structure and organization of the health service in Norway, including the role of the biomedical laboratory scientist
• has knowledge of relevant legislation
• has knowledge of key topics in the field of professional/medical ethics for biomedical laboratory scientists
• have developed a holistic view of human integrity and rights
• have knowledge of the biomedical laboratory scientists ethical guidelines
• have knowledge of ethical theory and ethical reflection models
• have knowledge of research and development in professional ethics

Skills - The student:

• can perform basic biomedical laboratory techniques according to procedures such as the use of microscope, pipettes and analytical instruments
• can perform venous and capillary blood sampling according to procedures
• can safeguard health, environment and safety in patient contact and in medical laboratory work
• can use communication skills in collaboration with others
• have developed the ability to reveal conflict of values and ethical dilemmas in practical health and social work at individual, group and societal level
• have developed the ability for ethical reflection and developed ethical interaction skills
• have practiced communication skills in meeting with the patient
• have developed a basis for processing their own experiences related to the patient
• have reflected on the perspective on human life with the values ​​of the profession
• have practiced interprofessional interaction

General competences - The student

• has the basis for further practical studies within biomedical laboratory science
• understands the importance of communication within the health service
• has insight into the field of biomedical laboratory scientists
• is aware and can reflect on practice in the best interest of the patient
• have acquired the ability to reflect on their own work
• have acquired the ability to adjust their own behavior under supervision
• know the biomedical laboratory scientist professional practice and their role in the health services
• has knowledge of the suitability assessment

Learning methods and activities

Work load: Lectures (80h) and compulsory laboratory work (180h).

Emphasis is layed on students active ways of learning such as student projects.

Pedagogical methods: Lectures, written assignments, group work and seminars. Internal and external practical studies.

Mandatory assignments: laboratory work of five courses, including a total of 19 assignments. Each laboratory course is ended with a practical examination.

Three full days practice in primary health service. The objective is an obeservational role, and includes a written description of medical laboratory scientists' and other health professionals' roles.

Mandatory training in communication skills in groups.

Obligatoriske aktiviteter

• Prosjektarbeid i gruppe
• Individuell oppgave/avhandling
• Praksis

Compulsory assignments

• Laboratory Practice and test
• External Practice
• Group assignments in communication skills

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Approved for the study program

Course materials

Rodak's hematology Laboratory syllabus (newest edition). For the laboratory course, a separate workbook will be issued. Communication theory, teacher will inform. Communication in relations, Eide and Eide.

Credit reductions