Biomedical Science in Professional and Clinical Practice is essential reading for all trainee biomedical scientists looking for an introduction to the biomedical science profession whether they are undergraduates following an accredited biomedical sciences BSc, graduate trainees or experienced staff with overseas qualifications.

Preface xi Acknowledgements xiii 1 Introduction to a career as a biomedical scientist 1 1.1 What is a biomedical scientist? 1 1.2 Early development of clinical laboratory sciences 3 1.3 Development of the biomedical science profession 5 1.4 Role of the IBMS as the professional body for biomedical scientists in the 21st Century 7 1.5 Health Professions Council 11 1.6 Education and training for biomedical scientists 17 1.7 Codes of conduct 21 1.8 Conclusion 22 Quick quiz 23 Coursework exercises 23 Suggested references 23 2 Organization of pathology departments and the role of pathology in healthcare 25 2.1 Introduction 25 2.2 Organization of pathology departments 25 2.3 Staff groups within pathology 26 2.4 Role of pathology in healthcare 37 2.5 Users of the service 40 2.6 Evidence-based laboratory medicine 44 2.7 Improving the pathology service 48 2.8 Point of care testing (POCT) 50 2.9 Role of POCT in patient care 52 2.10 Conclusion 54 Quick quiz 54 Suggested exercises 55 Suggested references 55 3 Communication for biomedical scientists 57 3.1 Introduction 57 3.2 Communicating as a scientist 58 3.3 Communicating as a healthcare professional 58 3.4 Delivering the message: applying principles of effective communication 60 3.5 Communication techniques 68 3.6 Conclusion 81 Quick quiz 81 Suggested exercises 82 Suggested references 83 4 Quality management in the clinical laboratory 85 4.1 Introduction 85 4.2 Quality in pathology 85 4.3 Quality Control 88 4.4 Quality Assurance 93 4.5 Quality assessment 98 4.6 Quality audit 101 4.7 Clinical governance 104 4.8 Quality management system (QMS) 106 4.9 Accreditation 107 4.10 Factors affecting the quality of work in a pathology laboratory 111 Quick quiz 112 Suggested exercises 113 Suggested references 115 5 Basic principles of working in a clinical pathology laboratory 117 5.1 Introduction 117 5.2 Working as a professional biomedical scientist in the laboratory 118 5.3 Flow of work in a clinical laboratory 119 5.4 Health and safety in the clinical laboratory 136 5.5 Confidentiality, the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Caldicott Principles 139 Quick quiz 141 Suggested exercises 142 Suggested references 142 6 Introduction to the biomedical science disciplines 145 6.1 Introduction 145 6.2 Haematology and transfusion science 147 6.3 Clinical biochemistry 154 6.4 Histopathology and cytopathology 159 6.5 Medical microbiology 165 6.6 Liaison between pathology disciplines 171 6.7 Evaluation of a new diagnostic test 171 6.8 Sensitivity and specificity of an assay 173 Quick quiz 176 Suggested exercises 177 Suggested references 177 7 Biomedical science laboratory techniques 179 7.1 Introduction 179 7.2 Haematology 181 7.3 Clinical chemistry 187 7.4 Medical microbiology 192 7.5 Histopathology 194 Suggested references 199 8 Development of knowledge and competency for biomedical scientists 201 8.1 Introduction 201 8.2 Gathering evidence of knowledge and competency for HPC registration 202 8.3 Continuing professional development 204 8.4 Professional body support for CPD 206 8.5 Reflective practice for biomedical scientists 208 8.6 Approaches to reflective practice 209 8.7 Critical incident analysis 211 8.8 Learning styles 213 8.9 Planning a career as a biomedical scientist; generic skills and employability 215 8.10 Conclusion 217 Quick quiz 217 Suggested exercises 218 Suggested references 218 Index 219

This book provides an introduction to the biomedical science profession in the UK. Aimed at trainee biomedical scientists, it brings together all the subjects which trainees need to be aware of to meet the standards required by the Health Professions Council for registration. These include professional topics, laws and guidelines governing clinical pathology, continuing professional development, basic laboratory techniques and an overview of each pathology discipline. Clearly structured throughout, the book carefully guides trainees through each topic, and is intended to help students at any stage of training and in any pathology discipline(s) to think creatively about how to gather evidence of their understanding and professional competence. By referring to specialist sources of information in each area, students are able to explore particular topics in more depth and keep up to date with professional and legal changes. To reinforce key concepts, self assessment quizzes are included at the end of each chapter alongside suggested exercises in each topic which can be used to gather evidence of knowledge and competency. • Includes exercises throughout the text with examples of coursework and self assessment questions. • Includes summary boxes with key facts, ideas for small group/tutorial discussions and further references to key websites and relevant texts. • Suitable for either undergraduates following an accredited biomedical sciences BSc, graduate trainees or experienced staff with overseas qualifications. • Covers basic biomedical techniques common to all pathology disciplines.