THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT BROWNSVILLE
and
TEXAS SOUTHMOST COLLEGE

IMMUNOLOGY/SEROLOGY
MLAB 1335
COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Instructor: Consuelo Villalon, MPH, MT
Phone: (956) 882-5047  
Office: LHSB 2.424
COURSE DESCRIPTION COMPETENCIES GENERAL OBJECTIVES COURSE OBJECTIVES STATEMENT ON DISABILITIES
UNIT TITLES LECTURE TOPICS REQUIRED TEXTS EVALUATION AND GRADING REFERENCES
Emergency Academic Continuity Program


 

I. COURSE IDENTIFICATION DESCRIPTION:

II. COURSE COMPETENCIES:
  1. Discussion of basic clinical immunology methods.  SCANS: Basic Skills - Speaking, Listening, and Technician 2. Discussion of the theory and principles of routine clinical immunology procedures.  SCANS: Basic Skills - Speaking and Listening 3. Performance and interpretation of routine procedures used in the serological laboratory.  SCANS: Technician, Thinking Skills and Information

4. Reporting of clinical immunology results.  SCANS: Systems and Information, Basic Skills - Writing

5. Following safety and quality control procedures in the serology and blood bank laboratory.  SCANS: Personal Qualities, Information, Basic Skills - Math, Reading

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 III. GENERAL OBJECTIVES: 1. Describe the immunological mechanisms of the body, including cell mediated immunity, and humoral immunity.

2. Discuss the antibody and antigen binding formation of immunoglobulin.

3. Explain principle, perform and interpret testing for syphilis, febrile agglutinations, group A streptococci, mononucleosis, cold agglutinins. C-reactive proteins, rubella and pregnancy.

4. Discuss the epidemiology of HIV and hepatitis and describe current laboratory testing.

5. Describe the component of complement and explain HS significance.

6. Identify and explain alterations on the immune system.

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IV. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student should be able to. LECTURE (Cognitive Domain Objectives):

General Immunology

 2. List and explain at least five modifying factors for immune mechanisms.

3. Describe the functions of the immune system and possible aberrations.

4. Name the two main components of the specific immune response.

5. Differentiate between active and passive immunity.

6. Differentiate between primary and secondary response.

7. Describe the cellular events in the specific immune response.

8. Describe cell mediated immunity and the factors involved in its expression.

9. Define antigen, antibody, serology, toxin, attenuated, adjuvant, anamnestic response, hapten.

10. Differentiate between T and B cells.


Immunoglobulin

 1. List the five classes of immunoglobulin, indicating the three most common types.

2. Diagram the structure of the immunoglobulins, indicating where the F ab and Fc portions are located.

3. Give the most probable function of the Fc portion of the immunoglobulin molecule.

4. Give the outstanding characteristics of the three major classes of immunoglobulins.

5. Give one function of IgE.

6. Give the antibody class capable of crossing the placenta

7. Indicate the antibody class found in secretions.

8. Indicate the order in which the three major antibodies occur during the immune response.

9. Relate the properties of the immunoglobulins to their use in the laboratory.

10. Discuss the significance of elevated levels of IgM in the new born.

11. Name three methods of immunoglobulin assay and describe the principle of each.

12. Define affinity and avidity.


Theory of Immunologic and Serologic Tests

 2. Discuss factors which influence the precipitation reaction including causes of false positive and negative.

3. Discuss the following techniques:

  • Enzyme
  • RID
  • EID
  • ID and
  • Direct Fluorescent Assay
  • Immuno Assay
    •      2. Given the four stages of syphilis and describe the symptoms.

    3. Name three general types of laboratory tests useful in the diagnosis of syphilis.

    4. Briefly describe the procedure for the RPR, VDRL, FTA-ABS, TPI, and microhemagglutination tests.

    5. Compare the advantages and disadvantages for the above tests.

    6. Identify those conditions which may produce a BFP reaction in flocculation tests.

    7. Discuss the development and appearance of antibodies in syphilis and relate this information to laboratory testing.

      

    Febrile Agglutinins

     1. Define heterophile antibody.

    2. Name the causative agent for Mono.

    3. Discuss heterophile antibodies such as Mono, Serum Sickness and Forsman.

    4. Discuss EBV markers:

    a. viral capsid antigens (vca)

    b. EBV nuclear proteins (EBNA)

    c.EBV early antigen (EA)

    d. Anti-VCA IgG and IgM

    e. Anti EBNA IgG

    f. Anti- EA IgG


    Cold Agglutinin
     
     

    1. Define cold agglutinin.

    2. Discuss the principle of the cold agglutinin procedure.

    3. Identify sources of false positive or negative results.

    4. Define the normal titer.

    5. Explain the significance of an increased titer of cold agglutinins.

    6. Discuss I antigen.
    C-Reactive Protein
    1. Given the critical period of pre-natal exposure for rubella.

    2. Give the principle of the hemagglutination test for rubella.

    3. Describe the purpose of kaolin or heparin-mangous chloride treatment of serum.

    4. Explain how to differentiate IgG from IgM antibodies.

    5. Explain the purpose of serum absorption with check red cells prior to performing HI tests.

    6. Compare the rise of CF and HI titers in rubella.

    7. Differentiate between rubella and rubeola.

    8. Given a rubella titer or titers, discuss the clinical significance.

    9. Briefly discuss other methods available for the diagnosis of rubella.

    10. Define TORCH syndrome.


    Hepatitis
    Complement
    Alterations in the Immune System
    2. Briefly discuss the relationship of immunologic deficiency and autoimmunity.

     3. Describe the clinical uses and interpretation of the following:

         4. Describe the fluorescent staining patterns for ANA in various disease states.

    5. Name three categories of autoimmune disorders and give one example of each.

    6. Describe the four major types of hypersensitivity and give at least one example for each

    7. Give the major characteristics of the following immunologic deficiency states:

    a. Bruton's hypogammaglobulinemia

    b. Transient neonatal agammaglobulinemia

    c. IgA deficiency

    d. Nezelof's

    e. Di George's

    f. Sex linked agammaglobulinemia

    g. Swiss type agammaglobulinemia

    h. Wiskott Aldrich

    i. Ataxia Telangiectasia

    j. Chronic granulomatous disease

    k. Chediak-higashi

      

    8. Given various clinical findings, identify a possible immunologic deficiency.

    9. Name at least two carcinofetal antigens and discuss their use in medicine.

    10. Describe causes of alterations in immunoglobulins both normal and abnormal.

    11. Differentiate between multiple myeloma and macroglobulinemia.

    12. Briefly discuss the role of the immune system in immunodeficiency, inflammatory, allergic, autoimmune and lymphoproliferative diseases.


    Pregnancy Testing

     2. Briefly discuss the principle and advantages/disadvantages of bioassay tests for pregnancy.

    3. Discuss the principle, sensitivity and advantages or disadvantages for each of the following immunological methods:

    a. enzyme immunoassays (EIA)

    b. direct hemagglutination

    c. hemagglutination inhibition

    d. agglutination inhibition

    e. levels of enzyme

      

    4. Describe the HCG and in each of the following:

    a. normal pregnancy

    b. ectopic pregnancy

    c. hydatiform mole


    Acquired Immune Deficiency and HIV Virus
    LABORATORY

    Psychomotor and Cognitive Domain Objectives

    Upon completion of the laboratory, the student should be able to:
     

    1. Perform the following serologic procedures using appropriate written procedures and package inserts:
    Mono Test Febrile Agglutinins
    RPR Pregnancy Test
    Streptozyme C-reactive protein
    ASO Latex Test RF Test
    Lupus Latex Test Other card tests as available
    2. Correctly interpret the results for each of the listed procedures.

    3. Identify any critical areas and/or interferences including but not limited:

     AFFECTIVE DOMAIN OBJECTIVES FOR STUDENT LABORATORY AND LECTURES:
     
      1. The student demonstrates dependability by notifying on campus instructor of tardiness and/or absences or tardiness.

    2. The student maintains a rigid attendance policy in which there is only excused absences or tardiness.

    3. The student maintains a clean and orderly work area.

    4. The student accepts constructive criticism as a learning process.

    5. The student demonstrates inquisitiveness by asking necessary questions concerning practical performance or theoretical application of laboratory procedures.

    6. The student acquires competence and independence in the correct performance of laboratory procedures.

    7. The student concentrates on what he is performing, answers questions where necessary and minimally interrupts others during the performance of a laboratory procedure.

    8. The student performs assigned tasks with interest and enthusiasm.

    9. The student understands what he is to do when given oral or written directions.

    10. The student performs work at pace of peer groups with minimum procedural errors.

    11. Students follow all safety policies and adheres to the department's exposure control plan (EPC) and chemical hygiene plan (CHP).

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     V. UNIT TITLES: Unit I: Introduction to the Immune System This unit introduces the basic concepts of immunity including humoral and cellular immunity and antigens and antibodies. The application of these principle in laboratory testing is introduced.   Unit II: Common Serological Tests in the Diagnosis of Disease This unit covers routine serological tests used in the diagnosis of syphilis, febrile illness, infectious mononucleosis, streptococcal infections and primary atypical pneumonia. Proper performance of associated laboratory tests, basic principles and clinical correlation are covered.   Unit III: Pregnancy Testing This unit covers the theory, practice and clinical correlation of pregnancy tests.   Unit IV: Advanced Topics in Clinical Immunology This unit discusses immunological testing and associated clinical correlation for rubella, hepatitis and AIDS. Aberrations of the normal immune system and resulting disease are introduced. The classic and alternate complement pathways are presented.

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          VI. LEARNING ACTIVITIES: B. LECTURE TOPICS:


    VII. TEXT AND MATERIALS, ASSIGNMENTS, TESTS, PARTICIPATION:
     

    A. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK (S):

    Mary Louise Turgeon, Immunology & Serology in Laboratory Medicine, 3rd. edition, Mosby

    B. MATERIALS: 1. Lab coat
    2. Pen or Pencil
    3. Notebook

    C. ATTENDANCE:

    Students are expected to attend each class session and to follow the attendance policies as described in the MLT student handbook. Should a student find it unavoidable to miss a lab session, the student is responsible for arranging to make up the missing work.   D. ASSIGNMENTS: All assignments are due at the time specified by the instructor. Late assignments will have points deducted.   E. COMPUTER RESOURCES

    Associated WEB sites.

    F. JOURNAL and LIBRARY ASSIGNMENTS (Reinforcement of writing skills) 1. A journal will be kept throughout the semester and checked weekly by the instructor.

    2. Library Research and the writing of journal abstracts will be assigned to reinforce writing skills.

          G. TESTING AS SCHEDULED: Students are responsible for being present for all exams. All exams will be announced at least one class meeting prior to examination. The instructor will give make-up exams only for persons who notify and clear in advance an absence probability.   H. PARTICIPATION: The student is expected to participate actively in each learning activity in lab and class sessions.     VIII. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
              1. Catherine Sheehan, "Clinical Immunology, Principles and Laboratory Diagnosis", 2nd Edition,  Lippincott, 1997

    2. Zane, Hannah "Immunology Theoretical and Practical Concepts in Laboratory Medicine" Saunders, 2001

    3. Widman, Frances "An Introduction to Clinical Immunology and Serology" Second Edition, F.A. Davis, 1998

    4. Smith, Juanita "Immunology: The Clinical Laboratory Manual Series" Delmar, 1995

            References may be found either in the library or the instructor's office.

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    IX. EVALUATION AND GRADING:

    Grades for the course will be determines as follows:

    Lecture 80%

    Lab 20% The students will be required to keep an immunology notebook which will be reviewed by the instructor. The notebook should include lecture notes, lab notes, lab reports, homework, handouts and any other pertinent material.

     Homework and notebooks will be collected and reviewed by the instructor, but will not be graded. Satisfactory completion of the assignments will be used as a factor in the assignment of borderline grades.

     Grading scale:

    * may not be used to meet graduation requirement for MLT program.
      STUDENTS MUST PASS BOTH THE LECTURE AND LABORATORY PORTIONS OF THE COURSE WITH AT LEAST A "C" AVERAGE. SHOULD A STUDENT NOT RECEIVE A PASSING AVERAGE IN EITHER SECTION, THE LOWER OF THE TWO GRADES WILL BE USED TO ASSIGN THE FINAL GRADE. X.  STATEMENT ON DISABILITIES
    Students with disabilities, including learning disabilities, who wish to request academic adjustments in this class should notify the Disability Services Office early in the semester so that the appropriate accommodations may be made.  In accordance with federal law, a student requesting academic adjustments must provide documentation of his/her disability to the Disability Services counselor.  For more information, call or visit the Counseling Center at Tandy #205 (956-544-8292)

    Emergency Academic Continuity Program

    In compliance with the Emergency UTB/TSC Academic Continuity Program, academic courses, partially or entirely, will be made available on the MyUTBTSC Blackboard course management system. This allows faculty members and students to continue their teaching and learning via MyUTBTSC Blackboard http://myutbtsc.blackboard.com in case the university shuts down as a result of a hurricane or any other natural disaster.

    The university will use Blackboard to post announcements notifying faculty members and students of their responsibilities as a hurricane approaches our region. If the university is forced to shut down, faculty will notify their students using Blackboard on how to proceed with their course(s). To receive credit for a course, it is the student’s responsibility to complete all the requirements for that course. Failure to access course materials once reasonably possible can result in a reduction of your overall grade in the class.

    To facilitate the completion of classes, most or all of the communication between students and the institution, the instructor, and fellow classmates will take place using the features in your MyUTBTSC Blackboard and UTB email system. Therefore, all students must use Scorpion Online to provide a current email address. Students may update their email address by following the link titled “Validate your eMail Account” in MyUTBTSC Blackboard Portal. In the event of a disaster that disrupts normal operations, all students and faculty must make every effort to access an internet-enabled computer as often as possible to continue the learning process.

    REVISED: Aug. 2006