PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Prototype Course Syllabus

Course Title: Clinical Chemistry 1

Course Description:

The course deals with the quantitative measurement of biochemical substances found in body fluids essentially blood. This involves the knowledge and understanding of the
basic concepts and principles of their metabolism, laboratory analyses, and pathophysiology. Quality assurance and safety are given due emphasis.

Course Credit: 4 units (3 units lecture, 1 unit laboratory)

Contact Hours: 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory per week (54 hours lecture and 54 hours laboratory per semester)

Prerequisites: Biochemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Placement: Third Year, 1 Semester

Terminal Competencies: At the end of this course, the student is able to:
1. explain the different biochemical substances, their metabolism, actions, reference ranges and variables that may affect their analyses
2. correlate test results with pathologic conditions
3. apply concepts and principles of instrumentation in the laboratory
4. perform basic laboratory calculations
5. practice quality assurance and laboratory safety
6. perform correctly laboratory assays used to measure concentration of specific analytes
7. solve common problems encountered in the clinical laboratory
8. manifest professionalism

References:
1. Anderson, Shauna and Susan Cockyane. Clinical Chemistry: Concepts and Applications. USA: Waveland Press Inc., 2007.
2. Arneson, W. and J. Brickell. Clinical Chemistry: A Laboratory Perspective. USA: F.A. Davis Co., 2007.
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3. Ashwood E., D. Bruns and C. Burtis. Tietz’s Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry 6 ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co., 2007.
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4. Ashwood E., D. Bruns and C. Burtis. Tietz’s Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics 4 ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co., 2007.
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5. Bishop, Michael L. et.al. Clinical Chemistry: Principles, Procedures, Correlation’s, 5 ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams, Philadelphia, 2005.

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 th
6. Crook, Martin. Clinical Chemistry and Metabolic Medicine 7 ed. USA: Hodder Arnold Publication, 2006.
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7. Furr, Keith. CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety 5 ed. USA: CRC, 2000.
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8. Garza, Diana and Kathleen Becan-McBride. Phlebotomy Handbook: Blood Collection Essentials 7 ed. USA: Prentice Hall, 2004.
9. Helms, Joel R. Mathematics for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Professionals. USA: Delmar Learning, 2008.
10. Hibbert, Brynn. Quality Assurance in the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory. USA: Oxford University Press, 2007.
11. Hoeltke, Lynn. Phlebotomy: Principles and Procedures. USA: Delmar Learning, 2006.
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12. Kaplan, A., A. Pesce and S. Kazmierczak. Clinical Chemistry: Theory, Analysis, Correlation 4 ed. Edinburgh: Mosby, 2002.
13. Lewandrowski, Kent. Clinical Chemistry: Laboratory Management and Clinical Correlations. USA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2002.
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14. Marshall, William and Stephen Bangert. Clinical Chemistry 5 ed. Edinburgh: Mosby, 2004.
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15. McClatchey, Kenneth. Clinical Laboratory Medicine 2 ed. USA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2002.
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16. Mcpherson, Richard A. and Matthew R. Pincus. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods 21 ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Inc., 2007.
17. Prichard, Elizabeth and Victoria Barwick. Quality Assurance in Analytical Chemistry. USA: Wiley-Interscience, 2007.
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18. Sacher, Ronald and Richard McPherson. Widmann’s Clinical Interpretation of Laboratory Tests 11 ed. Thailand: F.A. Davis, 2000.
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19. Scott M., A. Gronowski and C. Eby. Tietz’s Applied Laboratory Medicine 2 ed. USA: Wiley-Liss, 2007.
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20. Wu, Allan. Tietz’s Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests 4 ed. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 2006.

Electronic References:
1. http://webpages.chhs.niu.edu/williams/AHP318/ClinicalChem.htm
2. http://www.dgrhoads.com/links.shtml
3. http://www.kmcsystems.com/invitro_clinical.asp#1
4. http://www.ualberta.ca~intd410/departments/spoc.html
5. http://www2.apsu.edu/~thompsonj/clin-chem-page1.htm

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 Learning Objectives / T.A. Teaching Strategies Skills Values Evaluation/Assessment
Intermediate Competencies Content
Lecture Laboratory
At the end of this unit, the student is I. Introduction Large group Demonstration of Technical skills Accuracy Quiz
able to: Lecture: 3 discussion pipetting technique Honesty Recitation
1. Define terms in clinical 1. Scope of Clinical Chemistry hrs and volume Accountability Return Demo
chemistry 1.1 Overview measurement Responsibility Practical Exams
2. Identify the duties of a Med 1.2 Importance Performance Checklist
Tech in Clinical Chemistry 1.3 Role of Medical Technologists Discussion of
section 1.4 Definition of terms - laboratory wares
3. Describe the functions of the - water &
measuring devices in terms of Laboratory: 6 chemicals
when and how to use them 1. Clinical Laboratory Apparatus and hrs - supplies
4. Cite the differences between Supplies
the different measuring devices 2. Volume measurement
used in Clinical Chemistry
5. Correctly used pipettes (for
measurement and delivery of
liquid) & weighing balance
At the end of this unit, the student is II. Laboratory Mathematics Large group Demonstration Technical skills Accuracy Quiz
able to: Lecture: 8 discussion Honesty Recitation
1. Compute for Normality, 1. Laboratory Mathematics hrs Preparation of Safe handling of Accountability Return Demo
Molarity, % solutions 1.1. Unit conversions Board work solutions samples and Responsibility Practical Exams
2. Carry out unit conversions 1.2. Percent solutions chemicals Teamwork Performance Checklist
3. Prepare various dilutions of 1.3. Normality Assignments Preparation of
samples and chemicals 1.4. Molarity dilutions Problem solving
1.5. Dilutions Seatwork skills
1.6. pH and pOH

Laboratory: 3
1. Preparation of solutions and dilutions hrs
At the end of this unit, the student is III. Laboratory Safety Large group Demonstration Technical skills Accuracy Quiz
able to: Lecture: 3 discussion Honesty Recitation
1. Apply the universal precautions 1. Universal Precautions hrs Preparation of Safe handling of Accountability Return Demo
2. Discuss the different laboratory 2. Laboratory Hazards Board work solutions samples and Responsibility Practical Exams
hazards 2.1. Biological chemicals Teamwork Performance Checklist
3. Demonstrate laboratory safety 2.2. Chemical Assignments Preparation of
practices and proper waste 2.3. Electrical dilutions Problem solving
disposal 2.4. Fire Seatwork skills
4. Cite the significance of 2.5. Radiation
laboratory waste management 2.6. Others
3. Safety equipment
4. Laboratory waste management
4.1. Segregation
4.2. Storage
4.3. Treatment

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 4.4. Disposal

Laboratory: 3
1. Hand washing hrs
2. Cleaning of glassware
3. Disinfection of working areas
4. Laboratory Waste management
At the end of this unit, the student is IV. Specimen Collection and Processing Large group Demonstration Technical skills Patience Quiz
able to: Lecture: 6 discussion - skin prick Compassion Recitation
1. Establish guidelines on 1. Specimen hrs -venipuncture Communication Accountability Return Demo
acceptability of blood samples 1.1. Types Assignment - arterial puncture skills Responsibility Practical Exams
submitted to Clinical laboratory 1.1.1. Blood Beneficence Performance Checklist
2. Cite the duties of a Medical 1.1.2. CSF Case Centrifugation of Phlebotomy care Confidentiality
Technologists with regards to 1.1.3. Urine presentation blood Adherence to
proper specimen collection, 1.1.4. Others standards of
processing, and handling 1.2. Collection and Labeling Preparation of practice
3. Given a request slip, 1.3. Handling, Transport Processing, Serum, Plasma
rationalize the steps to be Storage and Preservation and Whole Blood
undertaken in patient 2. Specimen Variables
preparation and specimen 2.1. Pre-analytical
collection, processing and 2.1.1. Patient identification and
handling preparation
4. Correctly perform venipuncture 2.1.2. Anticoagulants and
and finger-prick methods of preservatives
blood collection 2.2. Analytical
5. Enumerate the precautions to 2.3. Post-analytical
be consider in proper
specimen collection Laboratory: 6
6. List the pre-analytical variables 1. Blood Collection hrs
that may affect laboratory 2. Skin Puncture
analyses & effects on test 3. Venipuncture
results 4. Syringe
7. Prepare serum/plasma 5. Evacuated system
8. Correctly label blood, 6. Arterial Puncture
serum/plasma samples 7. Preparation of Serum, Plasma and Whole
Blood
8. Laboratory Safety
9. Laboratory Waste Management
At the end of this unit, the student is V. Quality Management Large group Preparation of QC Problem solving Patience Quiz
able to: Lecture: 5 discussion chart skills Compassion Recitation
1. Compute & establish the values 1. Introduction hrs Accountability Return Demo
of central tendencies, 1.1. Importance Board work Case study Responsibility Practical Exams
dispersions (x, SD, CV, etc) 2. Definition of Terms Confidentiality Performance Checklist
2. Prepare guidelines on how to 3. Statistics Compute with Adherence to
prevent the interference of pre- 3.1. Descriptive set problems standards of
analytic variables on test results 3.1.1. Mean practice
3. Explain the concepts of internal 3.1.2. Median Assignment Teamwork

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 and external quality control 3.1.3. Mode
programs 3.1.4. SD Case
3.1.5. CV presentation
3.1.6. Variance
3.1.7. SEM
3.2. Inferential
3.2.1. t tests
3.2.2. F tests
4. Quality Control Charts
4.1. Levey-Jennings
4.2. Westgard Rules
4.3. Six-sigma
4.4. Others
5. Intra-laboratory QC Monitoring
6. Proficiency Testing
7. Method Selection
8. Issues and Concerns

Laboratory: 6
1. Preparation and interpretation of QC chart hrs
2. Application of Westgard Rules
At the end of this unit, the student is VI. Instrumentation Large group Spectrophotometer Technical skills Patience Quiz
able to: Lecture: 8 discussion Reading Accountability Recitation
1. Discuss the concepts & 1. Methods hrs Troubleshooting Responsibility Return Demo
principles of instrumentation 1.1. Photometry Assignment Use of available skills Adherence to Practical Exams
2. Enumerate the components of 1.2. Spectrophotometry automated standards of Performance Checklist
each instrument and their uses 1.2.1. AAS machines operation
3. Differentiate instruments 1.2.2. FES
according to components, 1.2.3. Reflectance Calibration of
analytes measured & uses; Spectrophotometry instruments
operations 1.3. Nephelometry
4. Explain correctly proper 1.4. Turbidimetry Preventive
specimen collection, handling 1.5. Fluorometry maintenance of
and transport according to tests 1.6. Electrophoresis laboratory
requested 1.7. Chromatography instruments
5. Use spectrophotometer, UV-Vis 1.8. Ultracentrifugation
& IR spectrophotometer 1.9. Chemiluminiscence
6. Discuss the principles & 1.10. Electrochemistry
concepts & advantages of 1.11. Immunochemistry
automation 1.12. Dry Chemistry
7. Classify the different types of 2. Automation
automation used in Clinical 3. Point of Care Testing
Chemistry 4. Current Trends

Laboratory: 6
1. Operation and maintenance of hrs
Spectrophotometer and other laboratory

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 instruments
2. Preventive maintenance of laboratory
instruments
At the end of this unit, the student is VII. Carbohydrates Discussion Actual Technical skills Compassion Quiz
able to: Lecture: 6 performance of Accuracy Recitation
1. Define common terms 1. Biochemistry hrs Case glucose assays Communication Honesty Return Demo
associated with carbohydrates 1.1. Classification presentation and others skills Confidentiality Practical Exams
2. Describe carbohydrates 1.2. Metabolism Responsibility Performance Checklist
according to composition, 2. Specimen Considerations Case analysis Method selection Reliability
classification, chemical 3. Glucose Measurement
properties 3.1. Methods Mathematical
3. Discuss the metabolism of CHO 3.2. Reference Range skills
in the body 4. Clinical Significance
4. Explain the mode of actions of 4.1. Diabetes mellitus Validation and
different hormones in the 4.2. Hyperglycemia Correlation of
maintenance of blood glucose 4.3. Hypoglycemia results
levels 4.4. Other related diseases
5. Discuss the different processes 5. Tests for Diabetes mellitus
involved in the maintenance of
normal blood glucose level Laboratory: 6
6. Rationalize the considerations 1. Enzymatic methods for glucose hrs
in patient preparation, 2. HbA1c
specimen collection, transport 3. Tolerance Tests
and processing & handling 4. Laboratory Safety
7. Describe the specimen of 5. Laboratory Waste Management
choice, principle involved,
advantages of the different
laboratory methods of glucose
determination
At the end of this unit, the student is VIII. Non-Protein Nitrogen Compounds Discussion Actual Technical skills Compassion Quiz
able to: Lecture: 5 performance of Accuracy Recitation
1. Define common terms 1. Biochemistry hrs Case assays for NPN Communication Honesty Return Demo
associated with renal function 1.1. Types presentation skills Confidentiality Practical Exams
tests 1.1.1. Urea Case analysis Responsibility Performance Checklist
2. Enumerate the different non- 1.1.2. Creatinine Method selection Reliability
protein nitrogen (NPN) 1.1.3. Uric Acid
substances present in the blood 1.1.4. Ammonia Mathematical
3. Discuss the sources, 1.1.5. Amino acid skills
metabolism, formation and 1.1.6. Others
excretion of uric acid, urea, 1.2. Metabolism Validation and
creatinine and ammonia 2. Specimen Considerations Correlation of
4. Discuss the different factors 3. NPN Measurement results
that may affect the level of uric, 3.1. Methods
urea, creatinine and ammonia 3.2. Reference Range
in the blood 4. Clinical Significance
5. Rationalize the requirements of 4.1. Uremia
specimen collection, transport, 4.2. Azotemia

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 processing and handling 4.3. Gout
6. Describe the principle involved, 4.4. Hepatic coma
advantages of the commonly 4.5. Others
used methods of uric, area, 5. Other Kidney Function Tests
creatinine and ammonia
determination Laboratory: 6
7. Recognize the effect of age and 1. Methods for NPN measurement hrs
sex on the value of BUN, BUA, 2. Laboratory Safety
creatinine 3. Laboratory Waste Management
At the end of this unit, the student is IX. Proteins Discussion Actual Technical skills Compassion Quiz
able to: Lecture: 5 performance of Accuracy Recitation
1. Correlate test results with 1. Biochemistry hrs Case assays for Proteins Communication Honesty Return Demo
pathologic conditions 1.1. Structure presentation skills Confidentiality Practical Exams
2. Given an electrophoresis 1.2. Classification Case analysis Responsibility Performance Checklist
pattern, identify and correlate 1.3. Functions Method selection Reliability
abnormal result with pathologic 1.4. Metabolism
findings 2. Specimen Considerations Mathematical
3. Compute for the AG ratio and 3. Measurement of Proteins skills
interpret test results with 3.1. Methods
pathologic conditions 3.1.1. Colorimetric Validation and
4. Enumerate different types of 3.1.2. Electrophoresis Correlation of
amino acids 3.2. Electrophoretic patterns results
5. Explain the process of amino 3.3. Reference Range
acid synthesis and metabolism 4. Clinical Significance
6. Discuss the different types of 5. Amino acids
aminoacidopathies 5.1. Types of amino acids
5.2. Disease correlations of amino acids

Laboratory: 6
1. Methods for Protein measurement hrs
2. Laboratory Safety
3. Laboratory Waste Management
At the end of this unit, the student is X. Lipids and Lipoproteins Discussion Actual Technical skills Compassion Quiz
able to: Lecture: 5 performance of Accuracy Recitation
1. Describe terms associated with 1. Biochemistry hrs Case assays for Lipids Communication Honesty Return Demo
lipids 1.1. Classification presentation and Lipoproteins skills Confidentiality Practical Exams
2. Describe lipids according to 1.1.1. Lipids Responsibility Performance Checklist
composition, classification, 1.1.2. Lipoproteins Case analysis Method selection Reliability
properties 1.2. Functions
3. Discuss the metabolism of lipids 1.3. Metabolism Mathematical
in the body 2. Specimen Considerations skills
4. Rationalize the requirements 3. Measurement of Lipids and Lipoproteins
regarding patient preparations; 3.1. Methods Validation and
specimen collection; transport 3.1.1. Colorimetric Correlation of
processing and handling 3.1.2. Electrophoresis results
5. Discuss the principle involved, 3.2. Electrophoretic patterns
advantages and disadvantages 3.3. Reference Range

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 of laboratory methods of lipid & 4. Clinical Significance
lipoproteins 4.1. Hyperlipidemia
6. Enumerate the reference value 4.2. Hyperlipoproteinemia
of each lipid measured 5. Lipoprotein Phenotyping
7. Correlate laboratory results with
patients lipid or lipoprotein Laboratory: 6
status 1. Methods for Lipid and Lipoprotein hrs
8. Relate the laboratory data in measurement
the assessment of risk or 2. Laboratory Safety
coronary heart disease (CHD) 3. Laboratory Waste Management
9. Discuss the significance played
by cardiac proteins and
enzymes in the diagnosis of
heart diseases
10. Perform correctly laboratory
methods of lipid determination
11. Demonstrate safely precautions
during performance of tests

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 Technical Working Group for Prototype Course Syllabi Development
(2007-2008)

Zennie Aceron Frederick Llanera Anacleta Valdez

Petrona Benitez Carina Magbojos Rowen Yolo
Sergia Cacatian Gregorio Martin
Zenaida Cajucom Fe Martinez and other PASMETH members
Edwin Cancino Josephine Milan not cited in this page who in
Jacinta Cruz Ferdinand Mortel one way or another has
De Carlos Leon Magdalena Natividad contributed greatly to the
success of this endeavor…
Oliver Shane Dumaoal Rodolfo Rabor
Bernard Ebuen Ma. Teresa Rodriguez
Nini Lim Celia Roslin

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