Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel

Clinical Chemistry and Urinalysis: Common Testing, Interferences, and Result Interpretation provides an overview of frequently performed clinical chemistry and urinalysis testing, with emphasis on specimen quality, common analytical interferences, and basic result interpretation in clinical laboratory practice. The course reviews routine chemistry panels, glucose and renal function markers, electrolyte testing, liver function indicators, therapeutic and toxicology-related testing considerations, and common urinalysis components including physical, chemical, and microscopic examination. Participants will examine how hemolysis, lipemia, icterus, improper collection, delayed processing, contamination, medication effects, and specimen handling issues can affect test accuracy. The course also discusses the role of quality control, critical values, reference ranges, correlation of findings, documentation, and communication of abnormal or unexpected results according to laboratory policy and professional standards.

This course reviews the full specimen management process, including patient preparation, test ordering, specimen collection, labeling, documentation, transport, storage, stability, and chain-of-custody considerations. Participants will examine best practices for collecting and handling blood, urine, stool, swab, tissue, and body fluid specimens while reducing common risks such as hemolysis, clotting, contamination, leakage, insufficient volume, wrong container use, delayed transport, improper storage, and labeling discrepancies. The course also explores the relationship between specimen integrity, quality assurance, and quality control in clinical laboratory practice. Topics include internal controls, calibration, proficiency testing, equipment checks, standardized procedures, competency validation, and the use of quality indicators to identify process gaps. Participants will learn how specimen rejection criteria, recollection decisions, root cause analysis, corrective action, and preventive action planning support reliable testing and continuous quality improvement.

Laboratory Safety, OSHA, Biosafety, and Exposure Control provides an overview of essential safety principles for clinical and laboratory personnel. This course examines OSHA standards, biosafety practices, exposure control requirements, and strategies for reducing workplace hazards in the laboratory setting. Participants will review safe handling of biological specimens, bloodborne pathogen precautions, personal protective equipment, chemical and sharps safety, infection prevention practices, incident reporting, and emergency response procedures. Emphasis is placed on maintaining a safe work environment, protecting laboratory staff and patients, and supporting compliance with regulatory and facility safety requirements.