Training activity information
Details
Perform the faecal analyses involved in the detection of major organ disease and cancers to laboratory standard operating procedures to include:
- Faecal elastase
- FIT
- Faecal calprotectin
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Local and national training guidelines, including standards and pathways
- Method selection, including assay advantages and limitations, and quality parameters
- Equipment calibration and maintenance
- Quality control; EQA and IQC
- National and international guidelines
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What is the purpose of performing faecal elastase, FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test), and faecal calprotectin assays? What do these tests indicate in the context of major organ disease and cancers?
- What are the principles behind each of the faecal analyses: faecal elastase, FIT, and faecal calprotectin? What analytes are being measured and how do the assays work?
- What are the clinical indications for requesting each of these tests? In what major organ diseases and cancers are they relevant?
- What sample types are required for each analysis, and what are the correct sample handling and storage procedures?
- What are the normal reference ranges for faecal elastase, FIT, and faecal calprotectin? What do elevated or decreased levels typically indicate?
- Are there any specific safety precautions to be aware of when handling faecal samples and performing these assays?
- Consider any potential challenges you might encounter, such as difficult samples or troubleshooting assay issues.
In action
- Pay attention to your actions during each step of the faecal analysis procedure (faecal elastase, FIT, and faecal calprotectin). How are you ensuring accurate sample preparation according to the SOPs? Why are you performing each step in this particular order?
- What decisions are you making as you perform the assays? Are you ensuring correct reagent volumes are used? Are you setting up the instruments according to the required parameters?
- What aspects of performing these assays feel intuitive based on your previous laboratory experience, and what aspects require more conscious attention to the SOPs?
- Are you observing the samples during the process? Are there any unusual characteristics of the samples that you are noting?
- How effective are your actions in following the SOPs for each assay? Are you encountering any technical difficulties or deviations from the expected procedure?
- What challenges are you facing during the performance of these analyses? Are there any steps that you find particularly challenging or require more concentration? Are there any issues with the equipment or reagents?
- What can you learn from performing each of these faecal analyses as it unfolds? Are you gaining a better understanding of the practical steps involved and potential sources of error?
- How does performing these specific faecal analyses connect to your understanding of the laboratory’s role in investigating major organ diseases and cancers?
- If you encounter a problem during the assay (e.g., instrument error, unexpected result in a control), are there alternative troubleshooting steps you could consider based on the SOPs or your previous experience?
- What support or guidance might you need in this moment if you are unsure how to proceed with a particular step or if you encounter an unexpected issue? Are you aware of the correct escalation procedures?
- Are you ensuring that you are handling the faecal samples and reagents safely and according to laboratory guidelines? Are you working within your level of training and competency for performing these analyses?
On action
- Begin by summarising the key points of performing the faecal analyses. What were the specific steps involved in each of the assays (faecal elastase, FIT, and faecal calprotectin) that you performed? Did you encounter any variations in the samples you analysed? Were there differences in consistency, colour, or other visual characteristics? Were there any critical steps in the procedures that required particular attention or precision?
- What skills or knowledge did you develop or improve through performing these faecal analyses according to the SOPs? Did you become more proficient in sample handling, reagent preparation, or instrument operation? Were there any unexpected challenges or successes during the performance of the assays? What did you learn from these? For example, did you encounter any technical difficulties with the equipment? Did you perform a particular step more efficiently than expected?
- In what ways did your reflection-in-action (during the activity) influence how you performed and interpreted the analyses? Did your awareness of potential pitfalls lead you to be more cautious at certain steps? Did you adjust your technique based on real-time observations?
- How does this experience relate to the detection of major organ diseases and cancers using faecal markers?
- What areas for continued development have been identified as a result of performing these analyses? For example, do you need to focus on improving your technique for a specific assay or your understanding of the principles behind each test?
- Identify the actions / ‘next steps’ you will now take to support the assimilation of what you have learned. This might include reviewing the relevant SOPs, seeking feedback from a supervisor, or practicing specific techniques. What support or resources might you need to further develop in the areas identified through this reflection? Do you require further training on specific instruments or techniques related to faecal analysis?
- How does faecal analysis differ from other more routine serum analyses in the laboratory? Are there any special considerations?
Beyond action
- Have you interpreted these assays since? Have you noticed any trends or common challenges in performing these tests either yourself, or being raised by others?
- Have you identified any general laboratory/analytical skills or techniques that you have refined and now apply routinely as a result of this faecal analysis training activity?
- Has your understanding of the critical steps in these procedures or your approach to quality control changed as you have gained more experience?
- How has this specific experience contributed to your confidence and competence in following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and maintaining laboratory standards?
- How have you applied the practical skills and knowledge gained from this training activity in your routine work as a trainee clinical scientist? Are you more aware of potential sources of error or limitations of this test? How has this influenced your interpretation of results?
- Identify the transferable skills you have developed through this training activity, such as attention to detail, adherence to protocols, and problem-solving when encountering technical issues. How will these skills be valuable as you progress through your training?
- Identify clear actions for continued development. Are there specific assays or instruments you would like to gain more experience with as you progress in your career?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Perform biochemical assays involved in the assessment of major organ function and cancer diagnosis and monitoring. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Analyse and interpret biochemical data generated in the assessment of major organ function and cancer diagnosis and monitoring. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Evaluate the national guidelines for diagnosis and management of diseases associated with the major organ systems and cancer. |