Introduction to Clinical Virology

Module details

Title

Introduction to Clinical Virology

Type

Rotation

Module code

SLS201

Credits

10

Requirement

Compulsory

Aim of this module

This module will provide the trainee with the knowledge and understanding of viruses and their role in disease, including the role of the clinical virology laboratory. In the work-based module they will be expected to apply this knowledge as they learn to perform basic techniques for detection and identification of viruses and gain experience in the interpretation of patient results in a variety of clinical settings.

Competencies

#	Learning outcome	Competency	Action
# 1	Learning outcome 1	Competency Interpret request forms and recommend the most appropriate investigation strategy to investigate virology samples.	Action View
# 2	Learning outcome 1,5	Competency Receive process and store common virology specimens, including blood, swabs, urine, faeces, CSF and respiratory samples.	Action View
# 3	Learning outcome 2	Competency Perform cell culture, interpret cell line and perform identification tests for commonly isolated viruses from a range of biological specimens.	Action View
# 4	Learning outcome 2	Competency Perform and critically evaluate the results from a range of assays used to investigate viral infection, including: immunoassay; agglutination; immunofluorescence; neutralisation; immunoblotting; electrophoresis; and gel diffusion.	Action View
# 5	Learning outcome 3	Competency Apply quality standards in the use of manual, semi-automated and automated equipment deployed in the virology laboratory.	Action View
# 6	Learning outcome 3,4,5	Competency Produce reports using validated results on common virology investigations.	Action View
# 7	Learning outcome 5	Competency Use laboratory and hospital information systems for virology applications and to identify and record patient demographics, clinical details and relevant laboratory results.	Action View
# 8	Learning outcome 1,2	Competency Control infection risks in accordance with departmental protocols.	Action View
# 9	Learning outcome 1,2	Competency Minimise risks and hazards in compliance with health and safety policies.	Action View

Assessments

You must complete:

• 1 case-based discussion(s)
• 1 of the following DOPS/ OCEs:

Receive a range of clinical samples, book them in to the appropriate IT system and select the appropriate investigations that are required	DOPS
Perform the range of laboratory techniques used in the work base to investigate important viral infections.	DOPS
Perform internal quality control on a chosen methodology	DOPS
Interpret Q PCR data in an appropriate clinical setting	DOPS
Use laboratory IT systems for handling, processing and storage of patient data	DOPS
Perform and critically evaluate the results from a range of assays used to investigate viral infection	DOPS
An appropriate activity agreed with your Training Officer	OCE

Learning outcomes

1. Interpret routine requests for virology investigations in the correct clinical context and process the specimens that accompany those requests.
2. Perform the range of laboratory techniques used in the workplace to investigate important viral infections.
3. Apply the principles of internal quality control and external quality assessment and draw conclusions about assay performance.
4. Report the results of commonly performed investigations of viral infection.
5. Use laboratory IT systems for handling, processing and storage of patient data.

Learning outcomes

1. Explain the disease process of important viral diseases.
2. Discuss and evaluate the range of clinical investigations used in the detection and management of important viral infections.
3. Describe the design, operation and performance of a range of techniques, including test selection, used in the identification of viruses causing infectious disease.
4. Discuss and evaluate the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in the provision of information for management and treatment of viral infections.
5. Describe the relevant health and safety issues associated with viral detection and identification, including storage and disposal.
6. Discuss and evaluate the quality management systems within a clinical virology department.
7. Discuss the partnership between the clinical microbiology laboratory and other clinical specialisms in the investigation of viral infection and patient care.

Indicative content

• Viral replication and modes of transmission
• Pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical investigation and management of viral infection
• Clinical impact of viral infection
• Commonly encountered viruses and related infections
• Test selection criteria
• Diagnostic tools for detection and identification of viruses
• Investigation and reporting of viruses
• Microbiology health and safety legislation and its application within the laboratory
• Current and new technological developments
• Emerging and changing patterns of viral infections

Activities

• Review, discuss and report on the internal quality control and external quality assessment of two virology methods and draw conclusions about method performance.
• Discuss and report on the procedures for assuring confidentiality of patient information, including the implications of failure to comply with requirements for the service, for the public and for patients.
• Observe, discuss and report on the use of electron microscopy techniques for the identification of common viruses.
• Prepare a portfolio of significant clinical cases reported in your presence and be able to list clinical outcomes and the main learning points in terms of the service delivery, and outcomes for the public and individual patients.
• Participate in multidisciplinary review meetings at which virology results are presented as part of the clinical record. Reflect on your experience and discuss the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach.
• Review and report on the clinical impact of important viral infections and of the appropriate clinical and laboratory investigations.
• Observe, discuss and report on the interpretation and reporting of laboratory results in the context of important viral infections.
• Investigate and discuss the partnership between the clinical microbiology laboratory and other clinical specialisms in the investigation of viral infection and the importance of this partnership to patient and public protection.