Laboratory aspects of microbiology and virology

Details

Title

Laboratory aspects of microbiology and virology

Type

Stage One

Module code

HLS213

Requirement

Compulsory

Module objective

By the end of the training period trainees will, in respect of laboratory aspects of microbiology and virology, be able to:

• analyse, synthesise, evaluate and apply knowledge
• perform a range of technical and clinical skills and procedures and
• demonstrate the attitudes and behaviours necessary for professional practice as a consultant clinical scientist dealing with the complexities, uncertainties and tensions of professional practice at this level.

Knowledge and understanding

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise relevant knowledge and its application to their professional practice in relation to:

• detection and identification of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and protozoa
• laboratory techniques in the use of antimicrobial agents
• systems for ensuring the quality assurance of test procedures and reagents
• validity and reliability of test results and their application
• the potential utility of new technologies and novel anti-microbial agents.

Technical and clinical skills

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of current relevant research, theory and knowledge and its application to the performance of the following technical procedures and laboratory skills:

• detection and identification of organisms
  • staining techniques and microscopy
  • culture, including automated techniques
  • biochemical techniques
  • antigen/antibody detection immunoassays
  • typing techniques, including reference laboratory referral where appropriate
  • nucleic acid based techniques including direct sequencing
  • proteomics, including mass spectroscopy
• laboratory techniques
  • conventional techniques for susceptibility testing including disc, broth dilution, E-test
  • automated/semi-automated susceptibility testing
  • nucleic acid techniques, including gene sequencing
  • reference laboratory referral where appropriate
  • antimicrobial monitoring assays
  • assessing host factors affecting antimicrobial response
• systems for ensuring the quality assurance of test procedures and reagents
  • use of appropriate internal controls and monitoring assay performance
  • internal quality assurance
  • external quality assurance
• validity and reliability of test results and their application
  • understanding of uncertainty of measurement
  • using systems to produce timely, accurate and relevant laboratory reports with appropriate interpretative comments.

By the end of the training period the trainee will be able to apply knowledge of laboratory aspects of microbiology and virology to perform the clinical skills necessary to manage under supervision:

• to advise appropriately on the tests required to investigate a potentially infected patient.