MCCCD Program Description

Practicum: Basic Specimen Processing

Course: PLB121

First Term: 2025 Fall

Laboratory 2.0 Credit(s) 8.0 Period(s) 0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: B - Site Based Experience Load

Description: Application of specimen processing techniques in a clinical laboratory setting or health care environment.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Use quality assurance procedures while processing specimens. (I) 2. Check specimens for proper information on labels. (II, III) 3. Determine appropriateness of specimen to analyses requested. (II, III) 4. Process specimen for tests ordered. (III) 5. Prepare and organize samples for transport. (IV) 6. Use proper safety techniques. (V) 7. Practice health care facility`s policies. (VI)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Quality Assurance II. Specimen Evaluation A. Patient information B. Container/preservation C. Appearance D. Volume III. Specimen Handling A. Separation of components B. Preservatives C. Aliquot portion D. Storage requirements E. Labels IV. Specimen Transporting A. Reference/sendout ordering B. Packaging C. Delivery V. Safety A. Guidelines and techniques B. Infection control VI. Facility`s Policies A. Policy manual B. Safety procedures C. Procedure manuals

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 25, 2014

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.