MLT 254 - Microbiology Practicum

This course provides students the opportunity to rotate through the microbiology department, focusing on practical skills such as testing, quality control, calibration, preventive maintenance, and corrective actions. Students will perform both CLIA-waived microbiology tests and gram stains. Manual and automated microbiological testing will be incorporated, and classroom knowledge will be directly applied in the clinical setting.

Corequisites: MLT 253 Parasitology & Mycology  
Prerequisites: Successful completion of MLT 250 Clinical Microbiology  
Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives:
Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic phases of microbiology testing.
2. Identify proper specimens and collection methods for microbiological testing.
3. Explain quality control procedures for reagents, ID systems, media, and equipment.
4. Perform and interpret microbiological tests accurately.
5. Demonstrate accurate record-keeping and reporting.
6. Apply safe techniques when handling and disposing of infectious materials.
7. Exhibit professional conduct in all clinical interactions.

Clinical Rotation Student Objectives:

Microbiology Rotation:

1. Properly collect, transport, and identify microbiology specimens.
2. Identify criteria for rejecting specimens and take corrective actions.
3. Record and report significant results accurately.
4. Safely dispose of infectious materials following laboratory procedures.
5. Evaluate quality control results for reagents, ID systems, media, and equipment; take corrective action when needed.
6. Perform and interpret results from staining procedures (e.g., gram stain, acid-fast stain).
7. Conduct proper inoculation and isolation procedures based on specimen type and media.
8. Recognize colony characteristics of normal flora versus pathogens from different body-site specimens.
9. Understand and apply proper methods for determining the significance of colony counts in urine specimens.
10. Identify significant isolates from specimens containing normal flora, skin contaminants, or from sterile sites.
11. Perform antibiotic susceptibility testing on isolates.
12. Report culture and sensitivity results accurately to healthcare providers.
13. List and recognize the medically significant species of mycobacterium.
14. Perform and interpret acid-fast stains and related procedures for mycobacteria.
15. Understand the classification of mycobacterium into Runyon groups based on growth rate and pigmentation.
16. Perform and interpret fungal stains (e.g., Gram, India ink, KOH, Lactophenol cotton blue).
17. Demonstrate proficiency in identifying and interpreting parasitic infections, using available clinical resources.

Affective Clinical Objectives:

1. Attendance and Punctuality:
   • Arrive on time and begin work promptly.
   • Inform the instructor when leaving the work area.
   • Stay late if necessary to complete procedures.
   • Adhere to designated break times.
2. Cooperation:
   • Maintain a positive, professional attitude.
   • Work well in a teacher-student environment.
   • Show respect and understanding of cultural diversity.
   • Keep the work area neat and replenish supplies as needed.
   • Use resources efficiently and economically.
3. Professional Conduct and Responsibility:
   • Pay attention to details and complete all assignments.
   • Find tasks to stay busy during downtime.
   • Show empathy and respect for patients.
   • Handle errors responsibly and take corrective action.
   • Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.
   • Maintain a professional appearance.
4. Adaptability:
   • Ask relevant questions and follow written procedures.
   • Show consistent attention to detail and confidence after instruction.
   • Handle equipment appropriately and perform maintenance as required.
5. Safety and Lab Regulations:
   • Adhere to universal precautions and lab safety regulations.