Medical Laboratory Science Basics: A Glossary of Essential Terms
Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Science
Purpose
The purpose of this Glossary-Building Activity is to help learners develop professional literacy in medical laboratory science by compiling, defining, and contextualising essential terminology used in clinical laboratories. Accurate use of terminology is critical for effective communication, patient safety, regulatory compliance, and professional accountability within UK healthcare and laboratory environments. This task also supports learners in linking theoretical definitions to real workplace practices, reinforcing applied understanding rather than rote memorisation.
Task Overview
Learners will create a structured glossary of key medical laboratory science terms. Each glossary entry must include:
- A clear and accurate definition
- A practical workplace or clinical laboratory example
- Where applicable, reference to relevant UK legislation, standards, or professional guidance
Core Glossary Terminology (Assessor Reference List)
Learners must include at least the following essential terms. Additional relevant terms may be added to demonstrate deeper understanding.
Medical Laboratory Science
Definition:
A scientific discipline that involves the analysis of biological specimens to assist in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Workplace Example:
Testing blood samples to measure glucose levels for diabetes management.
UK Context:
Aligned with ISO 15189 requirements for medical laboratory competence.
Pre-Analytical Phase
Definition:
All procedures performed before laboratory testing, including patient identification, specimen collection, labelling, and transport.
Workplace Example:
Correctly labelling blood samples at the bedside to prevent patient identification errors.
UK Regulation:
ISO 15189; NHS patient safety standards.
Analytical Phase
Definition:
The stage where laboratory tests are performed using validated methods and calibrated equipment.
Workplace Example:
Running full blood count tests using an automated haematology analyser.
UK Regulation:
UKAS accreditation standards under ISO 15189.
Post-Analytical Phase
Definition:
Processes involving result validation, interpretation, reporting, and storage.
Workplace Example:
A biomedical scientist authorising abnormal test results before release to clinicians.
UK Regulation:
HCPC Standards of Proficiency.
Quality Control (QC)
Definition:
Operational techniques used to ensure test results are accurate and reliable on a daily basis.
Workplace Example:
Running control samples before analysing patient specimens.
UK Regulation:
ISO 15189 quality management requirements.
Quality Assurance (QA)
Definition:
Systematic processes ensuring consistent laboratory performance over time.
Workplace Example:
Participation in external quality assessment (EQA) schemes.
UK Regulation:
UKAS accreditation framework.
Biomedical Scientist
Definition:
A regulated healthcare professional responsible for analysing samples and validating laboratory results.
Workplace Example:
Interpreting abnormal biochemistry results and advising clinicians.
UK Regulation:
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Laboratory Risk Assessment
Definition:
A systematic process of identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures.
Workplace Example:
Assessing risks before handling potentially infectious samples.
UK Regulation:
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
COSHH
Definition:
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations that manage risks from hazardous substances.
Workplace Example:
Using appropriate PPE when handling formalin or reagents.
UK Regulation:
COSHH Regulations 2002.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Definition:
Protective clothing or equipment designed to reduce exposure to hazards.
Workplace Example:
Wearing gloves, lab coats, and face protection when processing specimens.
UK Regulation:
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 2022.
Calibration
Definition:
The process of adjusting equipment to ensure accurate measurement results.
Workplace Example:
Calibrating analysers to ensure reliable electrolyte readings.
UK Regulation:
ISO 15189; UK Medical Devices Regulations.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Definition:
A documented step-by-step instruction describing how to perform laboratory tasks consistently.
Workplace Example:
Following SOPs for sample centrifugation and storage.
UK Regulation:
ISO 15189 documentation requirements.
Confidentiality
Definition:
The ethical and legal obligation to protect patient information.
Workplace Example:
Restricting access to laboratory information systems.
UK Regulation:
Data Protection Act 2018; UK GDPR.
Infection Control
Definition:
Measures taken to prevent the spread of infectious agents in laboratory settings.
Workplace Example:
Using biological safety cabinets for specimen handling.
UK Regulation:
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Ethical Practice
Definition:
Professional conduct that prioritises patient safety, honesty, and accountability.
Workplace Example:
Reporting analytical errors promptly to supervisors.
UK Regulation:
HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
Learner Task
Technical Documentation & Operational Compliance
Task Context:
Accurate terminology is the foundation of a legally defensible Quality Management System (QMS). As a Senior Laboratory Professional, you are responsible for drafting documentation that leaves no room for ambiguity.
Learner Instructions:
You are to assume the role of a Quality Manager tasked with updating the laboratory’s Quality Manual in preparation for a UKAS inspection.
- Select five (5) complex terms from the provided reference list (e.g., Internal Quality Control, External Quality Assurance, Measurement Uncertainty, Validation, Verification).
- Draft a ‘Definitions and Scope’ section for a laboratory Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
o Do not simply define the term. You must write a policy paragraph explaining how the laboratory applies this concept in practice to satisfy ISO 15189 requirements. - Critical Justification:
o Below your SOP draft, write a justification (approx. 200 words per term) explaining why precise definition of this term is critical for patient safety and legal liability.
o Reference specific UK legislation (e.g., Data Protection Act 2018, Human Tissue Act 2004) where poor terminology could lead to a breach.
Word Count Guidance
1,200–1,500 words. Success Criteria: Demonstration of how terminology dictates operational compliance, rather than simple definition recall.