Clinical Laboratory Procedures

Catalog description

MA113 prepares learners for the medical assistant’s role in supporting primary care providers during physical examinations and clinical procedures related to the nervous (central and peripheral), sensory (eyes, ears, nose, and throat), and endocrine systems. Instruction includes anatomy and physiology, pathology, diagnostic and treatment procedures, and disease prevention for these body systems. Learners examine patient care principles for adult and pediatric phlebotomy, including equipment selection, venipuncture, capillary blood collection, and maintenance of the chain of custody. Common laboratory tests and their clinical significance are introduced, including Complete Blood Count (CBC), Serum Electrolytes and Chemistry (SMA7), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Prothrombin Time (PT/INR), Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT), and ABO blood groups. The course integrates hands-on laboratory experiences that reinforce theory within the medical assistant’s scope of practice. Learners assist with patient assessments, perform adult and pediatric phlebotomy and capillary punctures, administer intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), and intradermal (ID) injections, and operate EKG equipment. Emphasis is placed on accurate documentation using laboratory forms and electronic health records (EHR), effective communication, and professional development skills related to career readiness and employability.