Revised 8/2025

MDL 260 - Laboratory Instrumentation (2 CR.)

Course Description

Teaches the theory, principles of operation, methodologies, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the more common instrumentation used in the clinical laboratory. Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 1 hour. Total 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

To provide current students with the theory and skills necessary to ensure valid lab results using automated analysis by commonly utilized laboratory instrumentation. To include Instrument Quality Assurance, troubleshooting and general maintenance of the instruments; Principles of LIS interface; current instrument methodology.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite(s): for Medical Laboratory Technology students: MDL 101, MDL 125, MDL 140, and MDL 215 with a grade of “C” or better. Corequisites: MDL 225 and MDL 263. Students should be enrolled in the first year of the Medical Laboratory Technology AAS degree program or program approval.
Prerequisite(s): for Medical Laboratory Assistant prerequisites MDL 100, MDLS 105, MDL 106, MDL 140 grade of “C” or better. Corequisite: MDL 130.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to: 

  • Determine specimen acceptability for all samples being tested on analyzers.
  • List the most common automated test panels.
  • Discuss laboratory safety precautions concerning laboratory instrumentation.
  • Discuss, interpret and analyze laboratory quality control measures and evaluate results.
  • Demonstrate appropriate action when quality control results are outside of the acceptable limits.
  • Demonstrate proper pipetting skills and preparation of dilutions.
  • Perform basic care, maintenance and error troubleshooting procedures of selected instruments.
  • Discuss the relationship between laboratory information systems and automated analyzers.
  • Effectively communicate processes, procedures and results in a multicultural environment.

Major Topics to Be Included

  •  Automated Instrument Quality Assurance and Quality control monitoring
  • LIS/instrument interfacing
  • Analytical principles and methods used in Automated Chemistry
  • Analytical principles of Automated Hematology Cell counting
  • Analytical principles of Automated Coagulation
  • Pipetting skills and preparation of dilutions
  • Traditional and emerging technologies in Total Laboratory Automation (TLA)