Training activity information
Details
Resolve a technical issue with assays involved in measuring immune response for two of the following:
- Acute phase reactants
- Complement level or function
- Measurement of immunoglobulins
- Functional assays to detect humoral immune responses to pathogens
- Cellular components and function
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
- Limitations of techniques
- Critical thinking, troubleshooting and root cause analysis
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 potential technical problems can occur with these different types of assays? What troubleshooting steps are typically involved in resolving technical issues in the laboratory?
- What quality control procedures are in place for these assays, and how can they help identify problems?
- What do you anticipate learning about the common technical challenges that can arise with these specific types of assays? What is your current understanding of quality control procedures and troubleshooting strategies in the laboratory setting? What challenges might you encounter in diagnosing and resolving technical issues, and what resources or support might you need?
- How will you prepare for this activity? Will you review relevant SOPs, quality control data, and potential sources of error for these assays? Will you discuss common technical issues with experienced laboratory staff?
In action
- As you are troubleshooting the technical issue, what steps are you taking to identify the root cause of the problem? What information or observations are guiding your actions in the moment?
- What root cause analysis tools are you using, and how are you systematically ruling out factors?
- What resources (e.g., manuals, colleagues) are you accessing or considering accessing to help resolve the issue?
On action
- Describe the technical issues you encountered with the two chosen assays. What were the initial indicators of a problem? What steps did you take to investigate and troubleshoot the issues? What was the eventual resolution to the technical problems?
- What did you learn about the potential technical pitfalls associated with the specific assays you worked with? How did you develop your problem-solving skills in a laboratory setting? What did you learn about internal quality controls and their importance in identifying technical issues?
- What specific aspects of troubleshooting laboratory assays do you want to learn more about? What resources or mentorship could further develop your technical skills?
Beyond action
- Have you encountered other technical issues with laboratory assays since resolving these initial problems?
- How did your experience in troubleshooting these specific assays equip you to handle subsequent challenges?
- How has this DTA enhanced your problem-solving skills in the laboratory?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 4 |
Outcome
Practice in accordance with quality and accreditation standards, assess the performance of laboratory tests or procedures and take corrective action where required. |