CPD: Using a Microscope and Blood Film Reporting – The Blood Count and Film Manual

The course will cover the following topics in detail:

1. Principles of Microscopy: Understand the foundational principles of microscopic image production, including the behaviour of light, magnification, resolution, and contrast. This section will also cover the importance of these principles in visualising cellular structures effectively.

2. Types of Microscopes: Explore the different types of microscopes used in haematology, including bright-field, dark-field, and compound microscopes, as well as their specific applications in examining blood films and other biological specimens.

3. Microscope Components and Their Functions: Learn about each component of the microscope, from the eyepiece to the objective lenses, and how these parts contribute to producing a clear and detailed image. This section includes practical guidance on using and maintaining these components.

4. Light Control and Image Optimisation: Gain insights into controlling light to enhance image quality, including the use of diaphragms, condensers, and filters. This section also discusses the importance of proper light management in achieving high-resolution images.

5. Troubleshooting Common Microscope Issues: Identify and resolve common problems associated with optical microscopes, such as poor image quality, mechanical failures, and lighting issues. Practical solutions will be provided to ensure consistent and reliable microscope performance.

6. Oil Immersion Techniques: Learn about the use of immersion oil with high-power objective lenses, including the principles behind its application, the types of oil used, and the impact on image clarity and resolution.

7. Effective Blood Film Reporting: Understand the essential components of blood film reporting, from preparing a blood film to systematically identifying and documenting cellular components. This section emphasises the importance of accuracy and consistency in blood film analysis.

8. Standardised Approach to Blood Film Reporting: Explore a step-by-step guide to blood film reporting, including verifying patient details, conducting macroscopic and microscopic examinations, and correlating findings with clinical details. The course also covers the use of standardised terminology and grading systems to enhance report clarity and reliability.

9. Quality Assessments in Blood Film Reporting: Learn about the importance of quality assessments, both internal and external, to maintain high standards in blood film reporting. This section includes guidance on conducting routine checks, proficiency testing, and adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

10. Integration of Clinical Information: Discover how to integrate blood film findings with clinical history and supplementary investigations to provide a comprehensive and clinically relevant report. This section also includes tips on making actionable recommendations for further investigations based on the blood film analysis.

We will use video tutorials with English captions and an end-of-course assessment that awards a certificate upon successful completion.

It is estimated this course will take you 1-2 hours to complete.

The target audience for this course are:

• Biomedical scientists/medical laboratory scientists
• Haematology trainees and consultants
• Haematopathology trainees and specialists

Your course certificate will be available for download after successfully completing the course assessment. If you have difficulty downloading your certificate, please email admin@blood-academy.com for further assistance.

By accessing this website and participating in this course, you agree to the conditions outlined in our ‘Terms of Use’ and ‘Privacy Policy’ pages. We strongly recommend you review these pages.