Medical Diagnostic & Translational Sciences
Department website: http://www.odu.edu/mdts
Harold Riethman, Chair
The School of Medical Diagnostic and Translational Sciences offers a coordinated program of courses and clinical experiences leading to degrees of Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science and Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology and a post-baccalaureate certificate in cytotechnology. Students may also pursue a major in cytotechnology through the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree program. Additional information on the cytotechnology major and certificate can be found in the section for the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree. In addition, the school offers a minor in medical laboratory science and a degree completion program for certified medical laboratory technicians (MLT) pursuing a baccalaureate degree. For those seeking a graduate certificate in molecular diagnostics, please refer to the ODU Graduate Catalog.
Programs
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Program
Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine Technology Program
Minor Program
Courses
Cytotechnology (CYTO)
Laboratory experience in the screening of gynecological smears.
This course is an overview of general disease processes and causes in the human. All body systems will be covered including respiratory, gastrointestinal, circulatory, nervous, reproductive, and urinary. Aging, dietary, and stress factors will be discussed in the disease process. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses will be discussed in general and for each body system. Neoplasms will be covered for each body site. This course will be of benefit to anyone interested in diseases of the human body or entering the medical field. (cross listed with MLS 401)
Introduction to histological and cytological features of the normal female genital tract with emphasis on normal and non-neoplastic abnormalities. Principles of cytological diagnostic techniques will be discussed.
This course consists of the systematic study of cellular components as well as the grouping/organization of tissues into major 'organ' systems. Additionally, the cellular basis of examples of human diseases will be studied. Microscopic and virtual identification and morphology of cells, tissues, and organ substructures will be emphasized. This course will be of benefit to anyone interested in diseases of the human body or entering the medical field.
Introduction to diagnostic cytological techniques and pathology of the female reproductive tract with emphasis on premalignant and malignant changes.
Principles of diagnostic cytology and pathology of the respiratory tract, including benign conditions, inflammatory and infectious diseases, premalignant conditions and primary and metastatic malignancies.
Introduction to collection, processing and preparation of cytologic specimens from all body sites and general laboratory procedures and regulations. A portion of this course consists of practical experience acquired in the laboratory. Practical experience will be perfected during clinical site rotations throughout the Cytotechnology Program. Students will learn how to properly write lab reports and papers related to health science fields. This is a writing intensive course.
The course offers an introduction to cytopreparation and ancillary diagnostic techniques. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the principles of cytology preparatory techniques as well as fixation and staining theory and use. In addition, students will learn the application and interpretation of various special and immunohistochemical stains, and understand the various molecular tests available for use in cytopathology.
Study of the pathology and cytology of the gastro-intestinal tract, including the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum. Emphasis on normal conditions, benign inflammatory, infections, parasitic conditions, gastric ulcers, premalignant and malignant lesions.
Study of the pathology and cytology of the genitourinary tract, with emphasis in normal conditions, benign inflammatory and infectious conditions, crystals, premalignant and malignant lesions.
Study of pathology and cytology of the breast, with emphasis on benign, inflammatory conditions, premalignant and malignant disease in both breast smears and fine needle aspirations.
Study of the pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavity fluids, synovial and cerebral spinal fluids, with emphasis on benign, inflammatory conditions, and primary and metastatic malignancies.
Study of the pathology and cytology of non-epithelial lesions with emphasis on benign, inflammatory, and malignant conditions.
Study of specialized collection techniques, processing and diagnosis of fine needle aspirations from various body sites, including thyroid, liver, lymph nodes, pancreas, lung, mediastinum, salivary gland, and ovary. Clinical practical application of these principles will be continued at the clinical sites.
Study of specialized collection techniques, processing and diagnosis of fine needle aspirations from various body sites, including kidney, retroperitoneum, breast, soft tissue, bone, eye, central nervous system, and skin. Clinical practical application of these principles will be continued at the clinical sites.
Directly supervised experience in a clinical setting: includes evaluation of gynecologic smears and study set assignments. Students will be exposed to cytopreparatory techniques.
Directly supervised experience in a clinical setting. Includes evaluation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimen slides and study set assignments. Students will pre-screen gynecologic and non-gynecologic smears and study set assignments. Students will be exposed to cytopreparatory techniques.
Directly supervised experience in a clinical setting. Includes evaluation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic smears and study set assignments. Students will be exposed to cytopreparatory techniques.
Independent study of selected topics in clinical cytology. Review of cytologic specimens from various body sites
Supervised experience consists of clinical cases and seminar presentations into current advances within the specialty of clinical cytology. A student research project and oral presentation of current journal articles and the research paper are required.
The course is a comprehensive review course that includes the review and study of the exfoliative and non-exfoliative (including fine needle aspirations) cytomorphologic features of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions of the female genital tract, respiratory tract, urinary tract, body fluids, lymph nodes, thyroid, salivary glands, pancreas and biliary tract, the diagnostic pitfalls associated with the various body sites, the appropriate use of ancillary techniques in diagnostic cytology, the principles of quality assurance, and the new developments in the field of cytopathology.
Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)
An introduction to the profession of medical laboratory science (previously called medical technology). Professional, ethical and operational issues will be discussed.
Laboratory techniques in the diagnosis of clinically relevant microorganisms.
A fundamental course in microbiology that includes bacterial growth, synthesis, differentiation, microbial nutrition and metabolism.
A comprehensive survey of bacteria, including colonial morphology, cultural characteristics, biochemical identification, pathogenicity, epidemiology, and treatment.
A study of the chemical, physical and microscopic analysis of human urine and other body fluids, with abnormal results interpreted and correlated to disease processes and cancer cytology of the urinary tract.
The study of the principles of the formation and development of blood, including the interpretation of normal and abnormal blood morphology and diagnostic procedures in the investigation of hematological disorders.
Laboratory methods utilizing microscopy and other analytical procedures in the diagnosis and investigation of hematological disorders.
Laboratory experience in the chemical, physical, and microscopic examination of the urine and body fluids with emphasis on quality control, osmometry, and disease correlates.
Laboratory methods emphasizing isolation, identification and media requirements for pathogenic microorganisms.
Laboratory methods in the procurement of blood by capillary, venipuncture and arterial draws, analytical variables, special phlebotomy tests, isolation techniques, safety, forensic, molecular, legal and ethical implications, pediatric, geriatric, and compromised patient concerns. All students must submit to venipuncture by fellow students.
A 120-hour clinical internship for those desiring to qualify for the ASCP certification exam in phlebotomy.
This course covers the theory of operation of instrumentation used in the clinical chemistry laboratory. Methodologies discussed include: atomic absorption spectrometry, automation, blood gas instrumentation, chromatography, electrochemistry, electrophoresis, fluorometry, immunochemistry, luminometry, mass spectrometry, nephelometry, osmometry, POCT, spectrophotometry, and turbidimetry. Basic laboratory mathematics applicable to serial and compound dilutions, conversion between metric units, and determination of analyte concentration are presented. Statistical applications for quality control data analysis are introduced.
A laboratory course designed for students entering the clinical laboratory field. The course includes the instrumental and data processing techniques required for the clinical analysis of body fluids, as well as statistical techniques applied to the interpretation of laboratory data, method comparison studies, quality control, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of clinical chemistry analytics.
The study of the identification of blood group antigens and antibodies, standard testing procedures, decision criteria for component selection, and regulations of blood banks and transfusion services.
The microscopic study of blood cells in blood and body fluids, emphasizing morphologic identification and correlation of laboratory data in order to identify specific disease states. Fundamentals of hemostasis, emphasizing principles, evaluation techniques, and diagnostic applications.
The study of the body's immune response, its cellular and non-cellular components, in-vitro manifestations, diagnostic techniques and interpretations related to the investigation and diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious disease states.
Laboratory methods emphasizing in-vitro antigen and antibody reactions used to aid in the diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious disorders.
Laboratory methods emphasizing procedures that lead to the identification of blood group antigens and antibodies and the selection of therapeutic components necessary for making transfusion-related decisions.
Laboratory methods emphasizing the identification of medically relevant parasites and fungi.
A study of the medically important parasites, fungi, and viruses, and their medical significance.
An introduction to the applications of biochemistry and clinical testing in the diagnosis of human disease. Practice given in the interpretation of laboratory data in the areas of carbohydrate, protein, lipid, genetic disorders, liver, renal, pancreatic, G.I., enzymatic, and cardiac testing. Also enzyme kinetics, electrolytes, acid base physiology, tumor markers, endocrinology, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic drug monitoring, and molecular diagnostics. Special emphasis on specimen collecting, pre- and post-analytical variables, and case studies.
This course is an overview of general disease processes and causes in the human. All body systems will be covered including respiratory, gastrointestinal, circulatory, nervous, reproductive, and urinary. Aging, dietary, and stress factors will be discussed in the disease process. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses will be discussed in general and for each body system. Neoplasms will be covered for each body site. This course will be of benefit to anyone interested in diseases of the human body or entering the medical field. (cross listed with CYTO 404) Pre- or
A brief review of nucleic acid chemistry, followed by discussion of clinical applications of FDA approved assays used to detect pathogens for which testing algorithms include molecular based testing.
A course concerned with organization and management in the clinical setting including personnel supervision, planning, equipment justification, quality assurance, data processing, budgeting, fiscal techniques, marketing, regulatory agencies, educational methodologies, current issues, as well as legal and ethical considerations. This is a writing intensive course.
Direct clinical experience offered in automated and manual hematology procedures used in distinguishing blood dyscrasias and coagulation abnormalities. (qualifies as a CAP experience)
Direct clinical experience offered in isolating and identifying human pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites from various clinical specimens.
Topics include review of basic statistics used in the laboratory; use of statistics for quality control, reference range determination, method comparisons, test utility assessment, techniques for searching the literature and assessing quality and applicability of published studies; and data organization and retrieval via queries. Students will perform projects, preferably using actual laboratory data, that relate to lecture topics.
Demonstration of stated clinical laboratory competencies within the discipline of hematology.
Demonstration of stated clinical laboratory competencies within the discipline of clinical microbiology.
Demonstration of stated clinical laboratory competencies within the discipline of clinical chemistry.
Demonstration of stated clinical laboratory competencies in the discipline of blood banking.
Direct clinical experience offered in automated and manual clinical chemistry determinations with emphasis on the principles, instrumentation, interpretation, and diagnostic significance.
Direct clinical experience offered in the theories and principles of blood banking with emphasis on the instruction of technical procedures used in an AABB approved blood bank.
In-depth review for Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification exam.
The advanced study of selected topics within the medical field.
Supervised experience in medical laboratory science specialties, allowing students to pursue areas of interest under faculty direction.
Supervised research on a specific problem in Medical Laboratory Science. Regular meetings with faculty and a written/oral report are required.
Nuclear Medicine Technology (NMED)
A course designed to cover the terminology and abbreviations used in the clinical sciences.
A course designed to cover the physical principles related to nuclear medicine technology. The methods and mathematics of radioactive decay, types of radiation, radiation interactions, origins of radionuclides, including SPECT and PET/CT radionuclides also presented.
This course is designed to familiarize the student with the theory, operation and quality assurance associated with the instrumentation found in a typical nuclear medicine department. The course also covers the instrumentation of PET/CT scanners as well as the common radiopharmaceuticals, imaging protocols, and radiation safety currently employed in diagnostic PET/CT imaging practice.
Discussions of radiation effects on cellular systems as well as guidelines for radiation protection and safe handling of radioactive materials in the nuclear medicine clinical setting.
A course designed to cover the nuclear medicine procedures and protocols of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, central nervous, skeletal systems. Other current or emerging clinical nuclear medicine procedures are also covered.
A course designed to cover the nuclear medicine protocols and procedures of the respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, infection/inflammation and lymphatic systems. Other current and emerging clinical nuclear medicine procedures and protocols are also presented.
This course is designed to cover the concepts and techniques related to the field of radiopharmacy for nuclear medicine technology practice. The production, preparation, uses and quality assurance of radiopharmaceuticals are presented. Interventional and adjunctive pharmaceutical agents used in nuclear medicine will be covered.
This course covers the concepts, instrumentation and procedures pertaining to molecular imaging as related to nuclear medicine. Topics include: advanced Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT), PET/CT, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), nuclear cardiology, theranostics, and other emerging technologies. Cross-sectional anatomy and radionuclide therapy, including monoclonal antibodies are also discussed. Review of all content for board examinations.
Clinical instruction in patient care, radiation safety, radiopharmaceutical administration, imaging and non-imaging techniques and quality assurance procedures, including PET/CT.
Continued clinical instruction in diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures. The correlation of nuclear medicine procedures is also presented. Clinical experiences include patient care, radiation safety, radiopharmaceutical administration, imaging and non-imaging techniques and quality assurance procedures.
Advanced clinical instruction in diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures, including PET/CT. The correlation of nuclear medicine procedures is also presented.
This writing intensive, capstone course is designed to provide a review of the administration, management, policies, and practices relevant to nuclear medicine technology. The leadership, legal, ethical and planning aspects of operating a nuclear medicine department are covered.
A study of selected current topics in nuclear medicine technology.
Directed study in a topic relevant to nuclear medicine technology.
Supervised research on a specific problem in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Regular meetings with faculty and a written/oral report are required.