How Phlebotomy Supports Molecular Immunology

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Course Objectives
  1. Explain the basic functions of the immune system, including how the body uses innate and adaptive responses to protect against disease as well as key immune system components.
  2. Recognize common immune-related conditions, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and immunodeficiencies, and understand their impact on patient care.
  3. Describe the purpose and principles behind molecular diagnostic methods, including PCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry, and their role in clinical testing.
  4. Define the phlebotomist’s role in supporting accurate diagnostic results, emphasizing proper specimen collection and handling in the context of immunological and molecular testing.
Course Content
Course Creator: Kristen Moylan BSPH, CCRC
Total CE Hours: 1 Credit Hour
Pace Course #: 586-2509-25

Course Description : This course offers phlebotomists a comprehensive introduction to the immune system and its importance in maintaining homeostasis. This article will explore how the body recognizes and defends against harmful invaders through both innate and adaptive immune responses. The course examines the roles of white blood cells, antibodies, and other immune components, and discusses what happens when the immune system becomes overactive, underactive, or misdirected leading to conditions such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, and immunodeficiencies.

In addition to core immunology concepts, phlebotomists will learn about essential molecular techniques used in modern diagnostic laboratories, including PCR (polymerase chain reaction), ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), and flow cytometry. Emphasis is placed on how these methods support accurate diagnosis, patient monitoring, and treatment decisions. Through practical examples and clinical case discussions, phlebotomists will gain a deeper understanding of how immunology and molecular tools intersect with the work of phlebotomists in today’s healthcare environments.

References 
  1. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. (2022). Allergy Testing | Skin Testing | AAAAI. Aaaai.org. https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/allergy-testing
  2. Chaplin, D. D. (2010). Overview of the Immune Response. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 125(2), S3–S23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2009.12.980
  3. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, May 15). ELISA Technique. Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24990-elisa
  4. Cleveland Clinic. (2025, January 21). PCR Test. Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing
  5. Cleveland clinic. (2021). Flow Cytometry: Test, Use, Analysis & Results Interpretation. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22086-flow-cytometry
  6. Medline. (2017). ELISA blood test: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003332.htm
  7. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2013, December 30). Overview of the Immune System | NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Nih.gov. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/immune-system-overview
  8. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2014a). Disorders of the Immune System | NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Nih.gov. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/immune-system-disorders
  9. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. (2014b, January 16). Features of an Immune Response | NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Www.niaid.nih.gov. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/immune-response-features
  10. NIH. (2014, January 17). Immune Cells | NIH: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Nih.gov. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/research/immune-cells
  11. Sharma, B. (2023, August 3). Types of Leukocytes (White Blood Cells)- Structure, Functions. Microbenotes.com. https://microbenotes.com/types-of-leukocytes-white-blood-cells/
  12. IML Testing and Research. (2025). Difference between Conventional PCR and Real-Time PCR. Imlresearch.com. https://www.imlresearch.com/en/difference-between-conventional-pcr-and-real-time-pcr/
  13. News Medical Life Sciences. (2016, March 6). Digital PCR and Traditional PCR: What’s the Difference? News-Medical.net. https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/Digital-PCR-and-Traditional-PCR-Whats-the-Difference.aspx
  14. National Cancer Institute. (2011, February 2). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms - National Cancer Institute. Www.cancer.gov. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/reverse-transcription-polymerase-chain-reaction
  15. Informed Health. (2023, August 14). The Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems. National Library of Medicine; Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279396/
  16. Labcorp. (2025). Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1), Quantitative, RNA (Abbott® RealTime). Labcorp.com. https://www.labcorp.com/tests/550880/human-immunodeficiency-virus-1-hiv-1-quantitative-rna-abbott-realtime
  17. Labcorp. (2025a). Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA, Diagnosis. Labcorp.com. https://www.labcorp.com/tests/550870/hepatitis-c-virus-hcv-rna-diagnosis
  18. Labcorp. (2025c). Parvovirus B19, DNA PCR. Labcorp.com. https://www.labcorp.com/tests/138644/parvovirus-b19-dna-pcr
  19. Labcorp. (2025d). Toxoplasma gondii, PCR. Labcorp.com. https://www.labcorp.com/tests/138602/toxoplasma-gondii-pcr
  20. Labcorp. (2025a). EGFR Oncology FISH. Labcorp.com. https://www.labcorp.com/tests/510355/egfr-oncology-fish
  21. Labcorp. (2025a). BCR-ABL1 Oncology, FISH. Labcorp.com. https://www.labcorp.com/tests/511520/bcr-abl1-oncology-fish
  22. Labcorp. (2025d). Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), DNA PCR. Labcorp.com. https://www.labcorp.com/tests/138479/human-herpesvirus-6-hhv-6-dna-pcr
  23. Labcorp. (2025c). Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Quantitative, DNA Real-time PCR, (Nongraphical). Labcorp.com. https://www.labcorp.com/tests/551610/hepatitis-b-virus-hbv-quantitative-dna-real-time-pcr-nongraphical

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