Training activity information
Details
Measure CD34 positive stem cells in a donated sample by flow cytometry
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 guidelines and regulations
- Sources and generation of stem cells
- Interpretation of results with regards to stem cell dosage
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
- Why is this measurement important in the context of stem cell transplantation and advanced therapies?
- What are the principles of flow cytometry and how are CD34 positive cells identified?
- What are the specific protocols and quality control measures for this assay in your laboratory?
- How should the donated sample be prepared and handled?
- What are the expected results and potential sources of error?
- Will you review the laboratory’s SOP for this procedure? Will you observe an experienced colleague performing the assay?
- Will you ensure you understand the operation of the flow cytometer and the principles of data analysis?
- What potential difficulties might you encounter during the procedure (e.g., instrument issues, sample quality)?
- How do you feel about performing a technical procedure that requires precision?
In action
- As you perform the different steps of the flow cytometry procedure (e.g., sample preparation, instrument setup, data acquisition), are you consciously checking each stage for potential errors or deviations from the protocol? Why are you performing each step in this particular way?
- During gating and analysis, what decisions are you making about where to set gates and how to interpret the data?
- Are some aspects of the flow cytometry procedure becoming more intuitive for you? Which ones? What aspects still require more focused attention?
- What technical challenges are you encountering (e.g., instrument issues, noisy data)? How are you troubleshooting these problems in the moment?
- What are you learning about flow cytometry and CD34+ cell measurement as you perform the assay?
- If you are getting unexpected results, are you considering potential sources of error and alternative explanations? Are you thinking about when to seek help?
On action
- Summarise the key steps you took during the flow cytometry procedure, from sample preparation to data acquisition and analysis.
- What were the main instrument settings and gating strategies you employed?
- What specific technical skills related to flow cytometry did you develop or refine (e.g., pipetting, instrument operation, antibody staining, gating)?
- What principles of flow cytometry became clearer to you? Were there any unexpected issues or challenges during the procedure (e.g., instrument malfunction, non-ideal staining)? How did you troubleshoot or address these?
- Thinking about your actions during the experiment, how did your in-the-moment adjustments to the protocol or gating strategy affect the final results?
- How critical is precision and attention to detail in flow cytometry for obtaining accurate and reliable measurements of cell populations like CD34+ stem cells?
- What specific aspects of flow cytometry technique or data analysis do you want to practice further or learn more about?
- How will this experience influence your approach to performing flow cytometry assays in the future, particularly when measuring CD34+ cells?
- What are your next steps in terms of reviewing the flow cytometry protocol or discussing your results with a senior colleague?
- Do you need any further training or resources on flow cytometry principles, techniques, or quality control measures?
Beyond action
- Have you performed CD34 positive stem cell measurements by flow cytometry on other occasions since this training activity? Did you encounter similar or different challenges?
- Have you reviewed your reflect-on-action notes for this training activity? Has your understanding of the laboratory techniques to support the use of stem cells deepened?
- Can you recall specific instances where the measurement of CD34 positive cells was critical for patient care (e.g., transplantation)?
- How did your experience in this training activity inform your understanding? Have you discussed the principles and practicalities of CD34 measurement with colleagues? Did you gain any new insights by sharing experiences?
- Has this DTA improved your technical skills and confidence in performing flow cytometric analysis, specifically for CD34 positive cells? Do you now have a better understanding of the quality control measures and potential sources of variability in this assay?
- Has this experience influenced your approach to other flow cytometry-based assays or your interpretation of their results? Has the attention to detail and analytical skills developed during this activity been applicable to other laboratory procedures?
- How will your experience with CD34 positive cell measurement prepare you for working in transplantation laboratories or other areas requiring specialised flow cytometry skills?
- Will your ability to accurately perform and interpret this assay be a valuable asset in ensuring the successful monitoring of stem cell products?
- How might this experience contribute to your professional development and potential involvement in the training of others in flow cytometry techniques?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Practice in accordance with legislation regarding use of human tissue. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Apply laboratory techniques to support the use of stem cells in the treatment of haematological conditions. |
| # 3 |
Outcome
Appraise the application of novel and evolving therapies in the treatment of haematological conditions. |