Training activity information
Details
Perform and interpret two of the following molecular methods:
- FISH
- PCR
- Sequencing/high throughput sequencing
- Copy number assessment (e.g. cytogenetics, MPLA, SNP array)
- Expression analysis
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 SOPs
- Guidelines and standards, including EQA and IQC
- Maintenance and basic troubleshooting
- Reference intervals
- Limitations of the methods
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
- Which two molecular methods will you be focusing on, and what are the basic principles behind each technique?
- What are the specific applications of these molecular methods in the investigation of haematological disorders (e.g., detection of specific gene mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, gene expression levels)?
- What factors can influence the quality and interpretation of results from these molecular methods, and how will you ensure accurate performance and analysis?
- Consider the specific insights you hope to gain, such as understanding the advantages and limitations of different molecular techniques in specific diagnostic scenarios.
- Reflect on your current knowledge of molecular biology and its application in haematology, and how this training activity will develop your practical skills in this area.
- Discuss with your training officer which two molecular methods you will be focusing on and the specific assays you will be involved in.
- Review the theoretical principles and technical procedures of the chosen molecular methods.
- Think about potential challenges, such as troubleshooting PCR issues, interpreting sequencing data, or understanding FISH results, and consider how you might address them (e.g., reviewing technical manuals, seeking guidance from experienced colleagues).
- Consider your current familiarity with molecular techniques and identify areas where you need to focus your preparation.
In action
- As you perform the chosen molecular methods, what specific quality control measures are you taking during the procedure? What observations are you making regarding the progress of the assay (e.g., during amplification, hybridisation, or data acquisition)?
- What technical difficulties are you encountering?
- Are there alternative molecular approaches you could consider for the diagnostic question?
- Do you need to consult specific protocols or seek advice from experienced molecular scientists?
- Are you adhering to best practices for the chosen molecular techniques?
- During interpretation of the molecular data, what specific genetic alterations are you identifying (e.g., chromosomal abnormalities, gene mutations, copy number changes, altered expression levels)? What potential clinical significance do these findings have?
- What aspects of the interpretation are clear, and what requires careful bioinformatic analysis or literature review?
- How certain are you about the clinical relevance of the identified molecular alterations? What unexpected results have you obtained?
- What are you learning about the interpretation of molecular diagnostic data in the context of haematological disorders?
- How do these findings correlate with your understanding of disease pathogenesis?
- Are there alternative interpretations of the molecular data? Should you discuss these findings with a clinical team member or a clinical geneticist?
- Are you interpreting the results according to relevant clinical and laboratory guidelines?
On action
- Identify the two molecular methods you performed and interpreted.
- What were the crucial steps for each method?
- What were the expected outcomes or control results for these methods?
- What were the key observations in your analyses?
- Were there any technical challenges or unexpected results encountered during the performance or interpretation of these methods?
- How did you approach the interpretation of the molecular data in the context of potential haematological disorders?
- What new skills or knowledge did you develop or improve in performing and interpreting these specific molecular methods?
- Did you encounter any discrepancies or unexpected findings?
- What did you learn from troubleshooting or analysing these?
- How did this activity enhance your understanding of the application of molecular techniques in haematological diagnostics?
- What specific areas within these molecular methods have you identified for further learning and development?
- How will you utilise the knowledge and skills acquired from this activity in future applications of molecular diagnostics?
- What specific steps will you take to enhance your competence and understanding in these techniques?
- Are there any resources or support you believe would be helpful for your continued development in molecular diagnostics?
Beyond action
- Reflect on your experiences of performing and interpreting the two molecular methods you chose for this training activity. Have your understanding of the principles behind these techniques and their applications in haematological diagnostics evolved since you completed this activity?
- Compare your experience with the two molecular methods you undertook. What were the similarities and differences in their application, interpretation, and potential impact on diagnosis?
- Review your initial reflections on this training activity. Have you gained a broader appreciation for the role of molecular diagnostics in haematology as your training has progressed?
- Recognise how understanding molecular methods contributes to your overall diagnostic armamentarium in haematology. How has your learning from this training activity influenced your ability to interpret molecular reports or understand their role in disease classification and monitoring?
- Can you identify situations in your current practice where your knowledge of these molecular techniques has helped you appreciate the rationale for their use in specific clinical scenarios?
- What transferable skills, such as critical evaluation of complex data sets or understanding the application of cutting-edge technologies in diagnostics, did you develop through this training activity? How will these skills be increasingly important in your future career?
- Based on your reflection, what further learning or development in the area of molecular diagnostics in haematology would you like to pursue?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Select techniques for the investigation of clinical presentations in haematology, haemostasis and transfusion science and medicine. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Perform the laboratory techniques required for the investigation of clinical presentations in haematology, haemostasis and transfusion science and medicine. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Interpret the results of the laboratory investigations for cases including red and white cell disorders and haemostatic and platelet disorders, haematological malignancy and transfusion serology. |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Describe the limitations of techniques applied in the investigation of clinical presentations in haematology, haemostasis and transfusion science. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Apply the principles of internal quality control and external quality assessment and draw conclusions about assay performance. |
| # 6 |
Outcome
Demonstrate appropriate communication skills to present the results of investigations and cases clearly to healthcare professional colleagues. |