Training activity information
Details
Perform and technically validate investigation of immunodeficiency to including all of the following:
- Lymphocyte subsets
- B cell memory phenotyping
- Extended T cell phenotyping
And one of the following:
- Neutrophil function tests
- Lymphocyte function tests
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
- Sample type, handling/acceptance criteria
- Factors affecting assay validity
- Reference methods
- Performance characteristics, including sensitivity and specificity
- Uncertainty of measurement
- Guidelines and diagnostic criteria
- IQC and EQA and any challenges with quality controlling the procedure
- Analytical and clinical
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 prior knowledge of flow cytometry techniques, cell phenotyping principles, and the specific functional assays is required before undertaking this DTA? What specific skills in performing and validating flow cytometric and functional assays do you aim to develop?
- What do you anticipate learning about the technical aspects of these specific assays (lymphocyte subsets, B cell memory phenotyping, extended T cell phenotyping, and either neutrophil or lymphocyte function tests)? What potential technical or interpretative challenges might you encounter, and how could you address them?
- What steps will you take to prepare for performing and validating these investigations? Will you review standard operating procedures (SOPs), discuss the practical aspects with experienced colleagues, and identify any resources you might need (e.g., reagents, equipment)?
In action
- As you are performing the technical validation, what steps are proving straightforward and which require more concentration?
- Are you encountering any unexpected results or issues with the equipment or reagents? How are you troubleshooting these in the moment?
- When interpreting the data during validation, what prior knowledge of these assays are you drawing upon?
- If you were to repeat this, are there any adjustments you would make to your technique or approach as you are performing it?
On action
- What were the key findings or results obtained? What challenges did you encounter during the performance or validation process? What did you learn from resolving them? What aspects of the procedures went smoothly?
- What did you learn about the technical aspects of performing lymphocyte subset analysis, B cell memory phenotyping, extended T cell phenotyping, and the chosen neutrophil or lymphocyte function test? How did you develop or improve your skills in technical validation? How does the ability to perform and technically validate these investigations contribute to the broader investigation of immunodeficiency in post-programme practice?
- What specific areas related to the performance or validation of these assays do you need to develop further? How will you apply this knowledge and these skills in future laboratory work? What are your next steps for further learning or seeking support in this area?
Beyond action
- Consider how your experience of performing and validating these assays has influenced your current approach to other laboratory procedures.
- How has understanding the technical aspects of these tests impacted your interpretation of results in later DTAs or in your routine work?
- How will this detailed understanding aid you in future troubleshooting or method development?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Select and perform a range of assays for the investigation of primary and secondary immunodeficiency, including a range of flow cytometry assays. |