The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology is designed to equip learners with advanced knowledge, technical skills, and professional competencies required for high-level roles in clinical laboratories, research institutions, and healthcare settings. Upon completing this programme, learners will be able to apply scientific principles, laboratory techniques, and analytical methods to real-world medical and diagnostic scenarios.

Year 1: Foundation in Medical Laboratory Technology – Learning Outcomes

• Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Science
  • Understand the scope, principles, and workflow of medical laboratory science.
  • Apply basic laboratory techniques and standard operating procedures effectively.
  • Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in laboratory settings.
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • Demonstrate knowledge of human body systems and their interrelations.
  • Apply anatomical and physiological principles to clinical laboratory practice.
  • Relate structural and functional aspects to disease processes.
• General Biochemistry
  • Perform fundamental biochemical assays and interpret results accurately.
  • Understand molecular processes and their relevance to human health.
  • Apply biochemical knowledge to diagnostic procedures.
• Principles of Microbiology
  • Identify and classify microorganisms using standard laboratory techniques.
  • Understand microbial growth, physiology, and pathogenicity.
  • Apply aseptic techniques and laboratory safety measures.
• Immunology and Serology
  • Explain basic immunological principles and immune system function.
  • Conduct fundamental serological tests and interpret findings.
  • Apply immunology knowledge to clinical diagnostic applications.
• Introduction to Pathology
  • Understand common pathological processes and disease mechanisms.
  • Relate pathology concepts to laboratory diagnostics.
  • Recognize laboratory markers of disease and tissue abnormalities.
• Basic Haematology
  • Perform routine blood tests and interpret haematological data.
  • Understand the components and functions of blood in health and disease.
  • Apply haematology techniques safely and accurately.
• Laboratory Safety and Quality Assurance
  • Implement laboratory safety protocols and risk management strategies.
  • Apply quality assurance standards to laboratory procedures.
  • Maintain compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.
• Computer Applications in Laboratory Practice
  • Use laboratory software for data entry, management, and analysis.
  • Generate reports and document laboratory findings effectively.
  • Apply digital tools to improve laboratory efficiency.
• Communication Skills for Healthcare Professionals
  • Demonstrate clear, professional communication in healthcare settings.
  • Prepare reports and present laboratory results effectively.
  • Collaborate efficiently within multidisciplinary teams.
• Medical Ethics and Professional Conduct
  • Apply ethical principles and professional standards in laboratory practice.
  • Recognize patient confidentiality and professional responsibilities.
  • Develop a foundation for responsible decision-making.
• Research Methods in Health Sciences
  • Understand research methodology and experimental design in laboratory sciences.
  • Collect, analyse, and interpret scientific data.
  • Apply evidence-based practices in laboratory investigations.

Year 2: Intermediate Laboratory Applications – Learning Outcomes

• Clinical Biochemistry Techniques
  • Perform clinical biochemical assays with accuracy and precision.
  • Interpret laboratory results in a clinical context to support patient diagnosis.
  • Apply standard operating procedures for laboratory safety and efficiency.
• Advanced Microbiology
  • Identify and characterize pathogenic microorganisms using advanced techniques.
  • Apply microbiological principles to clinical, environmental, and research settings.
  • Conduct antimicrobial susceptibility testing and interpret findings effectively.
• Diagnostic Parasitology
  • Detect and identify parasitic organisms relevant to human health.
  • Apply laboratory techniques for sample collection, preparation, and analysis.
  • Interpret parasitological data to support diagnostic and treatment decisions.
• Molecular Biology Basics
  • Understand the principles of DNA, RNA, and protein analysis in diagnostics.
  • Perform basic molecular biology techniques, such as PCR and gel electrophoresis.
  • Apply molecular data to complement clinical laboratory investigations.
• Blood Banking and Transfusion Science
  • Conduct blood grouping, cross-matching, and compatibility testing.
  • Understand transfusion protocols and safety standards.
  • Manage blood storage, inventory, and quality control procedures.
• Clinical Haematology
  • Perform intermediate haematological tests and interpret results.
  • Understand haematological disorders and laboratory indicators.
  • Apply laboratory techniques to support clinical decision-making.
• Histopathology Techniques
  • Prepare, stain, and examine tissue samples for diagnostic purposes.
  • Identify pathological changes and tissue abnormalities.
  • Apply quality control and laboratory safety in histopathology procedures.
• Cytology and Cytogenetics
  • Prepare and analyse cytological samples for disease detection.
  • Understand chromosomal structures and genetic abnormalities.
  • Apply cytogenetic techniques to support diagnostic and research applications.
• Instrumentation and Analytical Methods
  • Operate laboratory instruments accurately and safely.
  • Apply quantitative and qualitative analytical methods in diagnostics.
  • Troubleshoot common laboratory instrumentation issues.
• Epidemiology and Public Health
  • Analyse epidemiological data to identify health trends and outbreaks.
  • Apply principles of public health and preventive measures in laboratory practice.
  • Evaluate laboratory data to inform public health decisions.
• Environmental and Food Microbiology
  • Detect and analyse microbial contamination in food and environmental samples.
  • Apply laboratory techniques to assess safety and hygiene standards.
  • Interpret results to support public health and regulatory compliance.
• Clinical Laboratory Management
  • Implement quality assurance, workflow optimization, and resource management.
  • Understand regulatory standards and compliance requirements.
  • Lead laboratory teams and manage day-to-day operations effectively.

Year 3: Advanced Laboratory Specialisation – Learning Outcomes

• Advanced Molecular Diagnostics
  • Apply advanced molecular biology techniques such as PCR, sequencing, and genotyping.
  • Interpret molecular diagnostic data for clinical and research purposes.
  • Integrate molecular approaches into routine laboratory workflows.
• Clinical Immunology
  • Perform and interpret complex immunological assays and tests.
  • Analyse immune system responses in health and disease.
  • Apply immunology principles in diagnostics, therapy, and research.
• Advanced Histopathology
  • Prepare and analyse complex tissue samples for disease diagnosis.
  • Identify subtle pathological changes and markers.
  • Apply advanced staining and imaging techniques with precision.
• Clinical Virology
  • Detect, identify, and analyse viral pathogens using modern techniques.
  • Interpret virological data for patient diagnosis and epidemiology.
  • Apply safety protocols in handling infectious viral samples.
• Toxicology and Forensic Science
  • Conduct toxicological analyses on biological and environmental samples.
  • Apply forensic laboratory techniques to investigate chemical and biological hazards.
  • Interpret data to support clinical, legal, and research outcomes.
• Advanced Parasitology
  • Identify and analyse parasitic organisms using sophisticated laboratory methods.
  • Integrate parasitological findings into clinical and epidemiological contexts.
  • Apply quality control and safety standards in parasitology practice.
• Automation in Medical Laboratories
  • Operate and troubleshoot automated laboratory instruments.
  • Implement workflow automation for efficiency and accuracy.
  • Integrate automation into diagnostic and research procedures.
• Advanced Transfusion Medicine
  • Perform complex blood typing, compatibility testing, and transfusion protocols.
  • Manage advanced transfusion techniques in clinical settings.
  • Ensure safety, compliance, and quality in blood product handling.
• Laboratory Data Analysis and Interpretation
  • Analyse complex datasets from multiple laboratory disciplines.
  • Apply statistical tools and software for accurate interpretation.
  • Use data to support clinical decisions, research, and publications.
• Emerging Diseases and Diagnostic Innovations
  • Understand novel pathogens and cutting-edge diagnostic technologies.
  • Evaluate innovations for clinical and public health applications.
  • Apply emerging techniques to enhance laboratory practice.
• Research Project / Dissertation
  • Conduct independent, evidence-based research in medical laboratory science.
  • Demonstrate project planning, methodology, data collection, and analysis skills.
  • Present findings effectively, showcasing advanced scientific and professional competence.