Training activity information
Details
Select, perform and interpret tests for parasitological infections using the following techniques and suggest options for management:
- Microscopy
- Serology
- Rapid antigen detection
Applied to the following sample sources:
- Blood
- Stool
- Eyes
- Genitals
- Urine
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.
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
- How will this DTA broaden your experience with diagnostic techniques beyond bacteria and viruses to include parasitic infections in various sample types (blood, stool, eyes, genitals, urine)?
- What is your existing knowledge of common parasitic infections and their detection methods (microscopy, serology, rapid antigen detection) in different sample types?
- What experience do you have with examining these sample types for parasites?
- What specific morphological features of common parasites in different sample matrices do you hope to learn to identify microscopically?
- How will you learn about the appropriate use and interpretation of serological and rapid antigen detection tests for parasitic infections?
- How will this activity improve your ability to suggest appropriate management strategies for different parasitic infections?
- How will you prepare for this DTA?
- Will you review parasitology identification guides and staining techniques?
- Will you discuss with your training officer the local referral pathways for confirmed parasitic infections?
- What challenges might you encounter due to the potentially low numbers of parasites in samples or their varied morphological stages?
- ow will you differentiate between clinically significant parasites and commensals?
- How do you feel about learning to diagnose these often geographically-linked infections?
In action
- What specific parasitological infection tests are you currently performing or interpreting, and for which sample type (e.g., stool microscopy for ova and cysts, malaria blood film, Giardia antigen test on stool)?
- How are you approaching the execution or interpretation of these assays?
- Why are you doing it this way (e.g., using specific staining techniques for microscopy, following kit instructions for rapid tests)?
- What decisions are you making regarding the identification of different parasitic stages or the interpretation of rapid test results?
- What aspects of performing or interpreting these tests feel intuitive to you, and what requires more conscious effort (e.g., distinguishing different parasite species, recognising artefacts in microscopy)?
- How effective are your current actions in obtaining or interpreting accurate results for different sample types?
- What challenges are you facing during the process (e.g., low parasite load in samples, interpreting faint bands on rapid tests)?
- What can you learn about parasitological diagnostics and the importance of considering the sample source as the activity unfolds?
- How does this activity connect to your understanding of parasitology, travel-related infections, and global health?
- Are there alternative approaches you could be considering if initial tests are negative but clinical suspicion remains high (e.g., requesting serial samples, using concentration techniques for microscopy)?
- What support or guidance might you need in this moment from a senior colleague or the training officer regarding the identification of unusual parasites or the interpretation of serological results?
- Are you working within your scope of practice when selecting, performing, and interpreting these tests and considering management options?
On action
- Begin by summarising the key points of the experience working with parasitological investigations across various sample types.
- What were the most significant observations regarding the different techniques (Microscopy, Serology, Rapid antigen detection) or the appearance of parasites in specific sample types?
- What skills or knowledge did you develop or improve through this DTA, specifically in preparing and examining samples for microscopy, performing serological or rapid antigen tests for parasites, interpreting findings across different sample types, or suggesting management? Were there any unexpected challenges (e.g., identifying rare parasites, dealing with difficult sample matrices) or successes?
- What did you learn from these? In what ways did your ‘reflection-in-action’ influence your approach during the activity, such as selecting specific stains for microscopy or choosing the most appropriate test for the clinical presentation?
- What areas for continued development have been identified, particularly concerning the morphological identification of parasites or understanding the lifecycle relevant to diagnosis?
- How can you apply the learning from this activity to your routine practice when handling diverse samples for parasitology?
- Identify the specific actions or ‘next steps’ you will take to enhance your skills in parasitological diagnostics. What support or resources might you need to further develop in these areas?
Beyond action
- Revisit your initial reflect-on-action notes for this DTA.
- What additional insights have you gained since the initial reflection?
- Has discussing unusual parasitic findings or cases involving returning travellers with colleagues or specialists altered your perspective?
- How did this specific parasitological testing experience compare to testing for bacterial or fungal infections?
- What unique challenges (e.g., sample preparation, identifying specific morphological forms) have you identified across different sample sources?
- Have you discussed parasitological diagnostics or management approaches during professional discussions or reflected on visits to reference laboratories? What new perspectives did this bring?
- How have the skills (e.g., specific microscopy techniques, understanding the limitations of rapid tests, considering geographical context) you developed during this DTA influenced your approach to identifying rare or unusual pathogens in other sample types?
- Have you applied the learning from this DTA, such as recognising the importance of appropriate sample collection or liaising with clinicians regarding travel history, to other aspects of your microbiology practice?
- How does the learning from this DTA contribute to your preparedness for interpreting microscopy or knowing when to refer samples?
- What transferable skills in identifying unusual pathogens, applying specific techniques, understanding the importance of sample source and patient history, and knowing when to seek expert advice or refer, developed through this DTA, will be valuable throughout your training and beyond?
- Identify clear actions for continued development related to parasitological diagnostics or travel medicine microbiology based on your cumulative experiences and reflections.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Select and perform tests to investigate common infections from a range of sample types following guidance and fulfilling health and safety requirements |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Interpret the results of tests used to investigate common infections from a range of sample types with consideration of laboratory quality assurance and quality control |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Identify options for management of common infections based on test results and clinical context, considering infection control, guidelines and public health requirements |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Select and interpret tests for the investigation and management of drug resistant pathogens |