Analysis of whole blood for cellular components with special emphasis on differentiating benign from malignant processes, as well as cellular identification by morphologic characteristics and cytochemical staining.

Introduction to hemostasis through evaluation of platelets, blood vessels, coagulation factors and fibrinolysis, including dysfunction and disease states.

Fundamental principles of molecular technology and techniques used in clinical laboratories such as nucleic acid extraction, DNA amplification, sequencing and hybridization, gel electrophoresis, and chromosome analysis. Prediction and detection of human disease (infectious disease, cancer, and other inherited disease), identity testing, molecular epidemiology, pharmacogenetics, and ethical issues. Previous knowledge of genetics and biochemistry lab techniques is highly recommended.

The immunology of blood, including blood group systems and the critical role they play in safe transfusion medicine. Additional topics include blood collection, component use, transfusion reactions, and transfusion-transmitted infections.