Division of CLS Policies

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Professional Objectives

After reading the program policies and receiving the appropriate instruction, the CLS or MMDS student is expected to:

Conform to the ASCLS Code of Ethics.
Comply with the UNC-CH Honor Code and UNC Campus Code.
Adhere to all policies and guidelines of the CLS program and assigned clinical facilities.
Demonstrate enthusiasm and interest in the profession of clinical laboratory science.
Work safely in the laboratory, as instructed in annual required safety training, and as outlined in CLS and facility policies.
Conform to the dress code policies of the CLS program and of clinical facilities.
Report to lecture, laboratory, and clinical courses on all scheduled days at assigned times.
Notify the appropriate instructors and the CLS office as soon as possible in the case of an unavoidable absence or delay.
Prepare for lecture, laboratory, and clinical courses by reviewing objectives, theory, policies, and procedures.
Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts underlying clinical laboratory tests and policies.
Use instructional guidance and constructive criticism to correct deficiencies and/or improve performance.
Work cooperatively with instructors, students and other laboratory personnel.
Follow written and oral instructions.
Perform laboratory work independently, with accuracy and precision.
Demonstrate the ability to concentrate and avoid distractions while performing laboratory work.
Use time in the laboratory effectively to maximize productivity and learning. Offer to help with the work load of the clinical laboratory when appropriate.
Communicate in a clear and concise manner and record data accurately and legibly.
Recognize, report and take appropriate corrective action to resolve problems that may arise.
Demonstrate diligence in working through and resolving problems.
Assure that the laboratory work area is clean and well stocked.
After appropriate time and training, perform laboratory work with organization, accuracy, efficiency, precision and confidence.
Complete and submit all assigned work on time.
Maintain the confidentiality of patient information.

ASCLS Professional Code of Ethics

I acknowledge my professional responsibility to:

Maintain and promote standards of excellence in performing and advancing the art and science of my profession;
Safeguard the dignity and privacy of patients;
Hold my colleagues and my profession in high esteem and regard;
Contribute to the general well being of the community; and
Actively demonstrate my commitment to these responsibilities throughout my professional life.

UNC Policy on Equal Care

In addition to the above statement on code of ethics, the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science, consistent with UNC School of Medicine, requires that equal care be given to all patients, regardless of their health status.

UNC Honor Code and Students' Responsibilities

The Honor Code and the Campus Code, embodying the ideals of academic honesty, integrity, and responsible citizenship, have for over 100 years governed the performance of all academic work and student conduct at the University. Acceptance by a student of enrollment in the University presupposes a commitment to the principles embodied in these codes and a respect for this most significant University tradition.

Your participation in CLS courses comes with our expectation that your work will be completed in full observance of the Honor Code. Academic dishonesty in any form is unacceptable, because any breach in academic integrity, however small, strikes destructively at the University's life and work.

Students must complete some CLS course assignments independently, and other assignments may be completed by groups of students. The CLS faculty member in each course is responsible for providing students with clear explanations about the nature of individual assignments. When taking CLS examinations, students are expected to work independently. All graded assignments in the clinical rotations are treated as examinations. All sources of aid, including but not limited to laboratory procedures, computer resources, textbooks, and supplemental texts, are considered unauthorized unless otherwise specified for each assignment by the faculty or clinical instructor. Completed examinations are routinely retained by CLS faculty members. Students are allowed to review completed examinations under the supervision of CLS faculty members. Students who do not turn in completed examinations or who make copies of completed examinations are in violation of the honor code.

If you have any questions about your responsibility or our responsibility as faculty members under the Carolina Honor System, please bring them to us, or consult with someone in either the Office of the Student Attorney General or the Office of the Dean of Students.

Program Requirements

Requirements for Graduation:

Successful completion of the curriculum and all applicable prerequisites and general college requirements.
Adherence to the Code of Ethics and acceptable professional standards.
Completion of required documentation.
Adherence to rules and regulations.

Each student is responsible for observing the procedures, regulations, and requirements of the University, the School of Medicine, the Department of Allied Health Sciences, and the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science as they are announced here and in other official University and School of Medicine sources. It must be emphasized that the staff of the University and the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science will gladly assist any student with details of their program or other academic problems, but that such assistance does not relieve any student of their individual responsibility for meeting the requirements and observing the regulations of the University, School of Medicine, Department of Allied Health Sciences, and the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science.

The following may affect your ability to meet these requirements:

Immunization Policy

The Division of CLS requires documentation of the following immunizations: Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, and Varicella (chicken pox). The Division also requires documentation of Hepatitis B immune response (quantitative Anti-HBs titer of 10 mlU/mL or higher), ideally within two months after completion of the hepatitis B vaccine series. In addition, all students must undergo screening for tuberculosis prior to clinical rotations. Refer to the immunization form for specific requirements.

Some clinical sites may also require additional immunizations, such as a seasonal flu shot. Failure to complete required immunizations will prevent students from entering the clinical laboratory rotations necessary for program completion.

Insurance

Student fees will cover most professional charges provided by the Campus Health Services. However, if auxiliary services, such as gamma globulin shots, tetanus shots or testing by a reference laboratory is necessary, the student will be responsible for these charges. CLS students should also be aware that the University of North Carolina Hospitals services are not covered by the student health fee. In these cases, the student's insurance or their parent's insurance may cover these charges.

Effective fall 2010, all full-time, degree-seeking UNC-CH students will be required to provide proof of adequate major medical insurance coverage. Students who fail to provide such proof will be required to enroll in the UNC system-wide plan. Distance-education students are exempt from the University policy; however ALL students in the Division of CLS are required to purchase and maintain adequate health insurance.

Criminal Background Checks

In response to Joint Commission mandates, the Division of CLS will be conducting criminal background checks on all students before they begin clinical rotations. Results of the checks will be shared with applicable clinical sites so that they may make a determination about a student's eligibility. A conviction may affect a student's eligibility for participation in clinical rotations and program completion. Please note that participation in clinical rotations is mandatory for degree confirmation. If you have any questions about this, please contact the CLS program director.

Health Status

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a policy concerning students who are involved in patient-care activities and are HIV infected and/or HBV infected. All CLS students are encouraged to know their HIV and hepatitis status. Any student who knows or believes that he/she is infected with HIV or hepatitis is obligated to disclose this information (on a confidential basis) so that appropriate action may be taken to protect patients and the student's own health. For any student who is identified as a carrier, this will include an appointment at Campus Health Services with either Dr. Patel or Dr. Chai for counseling, follow-up, and guidance for clinical practice. If you have any questions about this, please contact the CLS program director. The full policy is located at http://www.unc.edu/campus/policies/hiv_hbv.html

MMDS Program Time Limits

All courses of study must be completed within 4 years of enrolling in the MMDS program. If a student can not complete the MMDS program in 18 months, the student must submit a request for an extension in writing. The request should include the student’s plan for program completion.

On-campus and Clinical Rotation Requirements

The MMDS program includes required on-campus courses and class meetings. The cost of travel to Chapel Hill, lodging, and meals for attending week-long sessions will be the student’s responsibility.

Completion of the MMDS program includes a clinical rotation in a molecular diagnostics laboratory. Living expenses and costs of re-locating to attend the clinical rotation will be borne by the student.

The following will NOT affect your ability to complete graduation requirements:

Guarantee of Clinical Experience

Students will be scheduled for clinical rotations at one or more of the program's current clinical sites. If a student's scheduled clinical rotation is cancelled by the clinical site, the CLS clinical education coordinator will attempt to reschedule that rotation at another clinical site. In the unlikely event that the clinical rotation can not be scheduled at one of the current clinical sites, the coordinator will either re-schedule the rotation for a subsequent semester at an existing clinical site, or establish a new clinical site. An unexpected change in clinical site availability may affect the date that a student can finish the program, but will not affect the student's ability to complete all the required clinical rotations.

Certification Exams

At the completion of the CLS or MMDS program, students are well prepared to take entry-level, generalist certification examinations or the specialist certification examinations in molecular diagnostic science, respectively. However, successful completion of the curriculum does not guarantee passing performance on certification exams. Students are strongly encouraged to take a national certification examination as soon as possible after graduation. The Division of Clinical Laboratory Science will provide certification applications and information for UNC students, however certification is an individual, voluntary process. The baccalaureate degree in CLS and the Master’s degree in MDS from the University of North Carolina and the certificate of program completion from the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science are not contingent on a student's passing any external certification or licensing examination.

Service Work

Working in a clinical laboratory outside of regular academic hours is noncompulsory for students. Laboratory employers may ask students if they are interested in working on evenings or on weekends. These opportunities are optional and students are considered employees of the institution during these hours.

Students with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requires UNC-CH to provide "reasonable accommodation" to any individual who advises the University of a physical or mental disability. Any student with a disability requiring accommodations must inform faculty at his/ her earliest convenience so that appropriate measures may be taken.

Malpractice Liability Insurance

Students in the Department of Allied Health Sciences, enrolled in the School of Medicine, are covered under the University's self-insurance plan for malpractice insurance. Under this plan, there will be no cost to the students. This coverage is for incidents resulting only from University-related activities. There is no coverage for outside activities, either paid or volunteer.

Grading and Evaluation

Professional attitudes and actions, as described in the professional objectives, are as important as traditional academic standards for students preparing to deliver a high standard of health care and service. A student may be judged unacceptable for continuation in the CLS or MMDS program when he/she is deficient in professional behavior.

Further information on disciplinary, academic, and behavioral dismissals are discussed in the Clinical Laboratory Science Dismissal Policies.

CLS Students: Students in the CLS program will be evaluated frequently and are encouraged to discuss any academic concerns with CLS faculty members. At mid-semester in the fall and spring of the first year courses, students will be given a written evaluation. It will be reviewed together by the instructor and the student and signed by the student. The student and instructor together should suggest ways to improve or correct any deficiencies. This record will become part of the student's permanent file.

In order to continue in the program, a student must earn a C-, or better, in all lecture and laboratory courses. The following grading scale is used for CLS courses:

GRADING:
Grade	Range
A	93 to 100
A-	90 to 92.95
B+	87 to 89.95
B	83 to 86.95
B-	80 to 82.95
C+	77 to 79.95
C	73 to 76.95
C-	70 to 72.95
D+	67 to 69.95
D	60 to 66.95

In some clinical rotations, grades may not be available at the end of the semester because of the rotation schedule. A student may receive a temporary grade of incomplete for the clinical course. The CLS faculty member directing the clinical course will change the temporary grade as soon as the final grade is available.

MMDS Students: The grades that you receive in the MMDS program are as follows:
H = Clear Excellence
P = Entirely Satisfactory
L = Low Passing
F = Failed
IN =Incomplete
AB = Absent from Final Exam

Students who earn an "F" in one class or 2 grades of "L" will not be allowed to continue in the MMDS Program.
All courses of study must be completed within 4 years of enrolling in the MMDS program.

Explanations of IN and AB grades:
IN - Instructors should assign an "IN" where the student took the final examination but did not complete some other course requirement. The student could pass the course if the assignment was completed. The "IN" is computed as an "F" in an undergraduate student's GPA. For undergraduate students, an "IN" is changed automatically to a "F*" if the grade is not cleared by eight weeks into the next regular semester. For graduate students, an "IN" will revert to an"F*" (administratively assigned grade) if the grade is not cleared within one year from the original examination.
AB - Must be given to a student who did not take an exam regardless of the reason, but might have passed the course had they done so. The "AB" is computed as an "F" grade in an undergraduate student's GPA. For undergraduate students, an "AB" grade is changed automatically to an "F*" if the grade is not cleared by the end of the next regular semester. For graduate students, an "AB" will revert to an "F*" (administratively assigned grade) if the grade is not cleared within one year from the original examination.
It is very important to inform your instructor immediately if you choose to drop a course or withdraw from the program!!! If you do not inform us of your intentions, you could end up with an F or AB on your transcript. If you are not participating in the course discussions and work (without our knowledge that you are no longer in the program or course) you could receive an F on your transcript.

Dismissal Policies

Disciplinary Dismissals

Disciplinary Dismissals are based on violations of the Code of Student Conduct:

Honor Code: It shall be the responsibility of every student at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to obey and to support the enforcement of the Honor Code, which prohibits lying, cheating, or stealing when these actions involve academic processes or University, student or academic personnel acting in an official capacity.
Campus Code: It shall be the further responsibility of every student to abide by the Campus Code; namely, to conduct oneself so as not to impair significantly the welfare or the educational opportunities of others in the University community.

Suspected violations of either the Honor Code or the Campus Code will be reported to the Student Attorney General. If a student is found guilty of a violation of the Honor Code or Campus Code within the Student Judicial System, the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science faculty will meet to consider the student's standing in the program. In some cases, the violation may necessitate dismissal from the CLS or MMDS program in addition to the sanctions imposed by the Student Judicial System. The student will be informed of the date of the CLS faculty meeting and may appear before the CLS faculty. After the student has presented his or her case to the CLS faculty, the faculty will meet in a closed session to decide whether or not the violation warrants dismissal from the CLS or MMDS program. Minutes of the hearing with the student, but not of the faculty's deliberations, will be kept. The student will be informed of the CLS faculty members' decision in writing. If the student wishes to appeal a dismissal decision, he or she must initiate the appeal process within 10 business days of the date of the receipt of the dismissal letter.

Academic Dismissals

CLS Students: In order to continue in the program a student must earn a C- (70%) or better in all courses. A student who has earned one grade of F, or more than one grade of D or D+, in CLS courses will be dismissed from the program.

MMDS Students: In order to continue in the program a student must pass all lecture and laboratory courses. A student who has earned one grade of F, or more than one grade of L, in MDS courses will be dismissed from the program.

The CLS faculty will review the academic record of all students at the end of each semester. Any student who has not met the academic requirements will be informed of the faculty’s dismissal decision in writing. If a student wishes to appeal a dismissal decision, he or she must initiate the appeal process within 10 days of the date of the receipt of the dismissal letter.

Professional Behavior Dismissals

Professional behavior, as described in the professional objectives, is extremely important for students preparing to enter a health care profession. CLS faculty members will document professional behavior problems on a Professional Performance Report form. Examples of problems that may be documented include: repeated absences, failure to prepare for laboratory courses or rotations, breach of patient confidentiality, failure to conform to the dress code, failure to follow safety regulations, failure to cooperate with clinical instructors, etc. Students will be notified that a Professional Performance Report form has been placed in their file and they will have the opportunity to write comments on the form.

A student who, in the opinion of the CLS faculty, demonstrates serious professional behavior problems will be notified by the Director of the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science and will be placed on probation. The student will be given a professional improvement plan and will be re-evaluated. If the student still does not meet the expectations for professional behavior, the CLS faculty will meet to consider dismissing the student from the program. The student may request a meeting with the faculty to present pertinent information.

If the CLS faculty decides that a student should be dismissed from the program based on deficiencies in professional behavior, the student will be notified in writing. If the student wishes to appeal the decision, he or she must initiate the appeal process within 10 days of receipt of the dismissal letter.

Remediation

CLS Students: If a student earns one grade of D or D+ and has satisfactory grades of C- or better in all other CLS courses, the faculty will consider the option of remedial work for that student. The opportunity to undertake remedial work is a privilege and is not automatically granted. The following factors will be considered in determining whether or not a remedial option is possible: 1. The availability of the appropriate CLS faculty member to supervise and conduct the remedial work. 2. The availability of resources for laboratory courses. 3. The amount of time needed for the student to achieve competence. 4. The course sequence. For example, it may not be possible to correct a deficiency in a pre-requisite course before the next course in the sequence.

After considering these factors and the student's overall record, the faculty will decide whether a student who has earned one grade of D or D+ will be offered remediation or will be dismissed from the program. Students will be informed of the faculty's decision in writing. If the student chooses to undertake remedial work, he or she must notify the CLS Division Director within 10 days of the receipt of the letter describing the remediation. The original course grade will not change as a result of this remedial work.

If the request for remediation is not granted, or if the student chooses not to undertake remedial work, or if the remediation is not successfully completed within the specified period of time, the student will be dismissed from the CLS program. If a student wishes to appeal a dismissal decision, he or she must initiate the appeal process within 10 days of the date of the receipt of the dismissal letter.

Appeal of a decision to dismiss a student

Appeals must follow the policy and procedure of the Department of Allied Health Sciences, located at http://www.med.unc.edu/ahs/student-services/policies.

Attendance Policies

Students are expected to be present for all scheduled classes. In case of absence due to illness, death in the family, etc., students must notify the Clinical Laboratory Science office as soon as possible, 966-3011. If in clinical rotations, the student must also notify the education coordinator. The student is responsible for all work missed.

Attendance in on campus laboratory sessions is mandatory. Most labs cannot be repeated.

Final Examinations: Students will be excused from final examinations only upon approval from the appropriate clinical instructor and/or the division director. For extended illnesses, documentation from a physician may be required.

For expected absences (e.g. surgery): Submit a written request to Dr. Beck as early as possible.

A student's track record of attendance and the way a student handles unexpected absences says a great deal about his or her level of professionalism. The CLS Professional Objectives include: "Report to classes, laboratories, and clinical courses on all scheduled days at assigned times." Students who fail to meet this objective risk dismissal from the program for deficiencies in professional behavior.

Absences/ Remediation:

In the event of an absence from a laboratory session, or three absences in any other course, a conference may be scheduled for the student with the Division Director. In an effort to complete clinical laboratory objectives, absences and tardiness that occur during clinical rotations may result in remedial action. Remedial action will be left to the discretion of the clinical education coordinator in the corresponding laboratory.
Time options for remedial work include: unscheduled days and/ or weeks, second shift, weekends, breaks, vacation, schedule alterations and other alternatives at the clinical education coordinator's discretion. Failure to make up missed time will result in an incomplete for that rotation and possible deferment of the student's degree.

Severe Weather Policy

On-campus Classes: If a CLS faculty member cancels a class due to severe weather, he or she will start the "call list" to notify students. Each student should call the next student on the list.

Clinical Rotations: In the event of snow, ice or other severe weather, contact the education coordinator to determine the laboratory's preference for attendance that day if you are able to travel.

Safety in the Profession of Clinical Laboratory Science

You are preparing to enter a profession that has many rewards and opportunities for personal growth. As in many health care professions, however, there are risks in clinical laboratory science and it is important to be aware of those risks. In dealing with patients and patients' samples, there is a risk of exposure to infectious agents and, in performing some laboratory testing, there is a risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. Because of the risks involved in this profession, the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science provides each student with extensive safety instruction. We also make sure that the clinical laboratory settings provide appropriate safety equipment and procedures so that unnecessary risk is avoided. We will provide instructions for appropriate care in the event of an accident in the laboratory.

It is your responsibility to learn and follow safety procedures. Your safety is always your responsibility. If you have any questions about safety procedures or the availability of the appropriate protective equipment, notify your clinical supervisor or the CLS Division Director immediately. Each student must receive safety training annually.

Radiation Safety

Some molecular laboratories use radionucleotides, specifically, P-32 . This is a beta emitter, which is not as penetrating as gamma rays or x-rays. When it is used, plexiglass shields are employed to protect the technologist. Since radionucleotide use is very limited in these labs, we will not be issuing you a film badge to monitor exposure. For that reason you should not participate in any procedural steps involving the direct handling of radionucleotides. For more information, go to the UNC Environmental Health and Safety website at www.ehs.unc.edu and click on "radiation safety" and then "manuals".

Tuberculosis and Fit-Tested Masks

In your clinical rotations, you will not be going into rooms where there are cases of known TB because you have not been fitted with the special masks. If the teaching tech you are with is wearing a special fit tested mask for a procedure, then you should not participate.

Student Laboratory Rules

All students must complete and document safety training prior to working in the student lab. Students are expected to follow all guidelines in the safety training materials on fire, electrical, chemical, and biological safety.
Students are responsible for locating and being familiar with the operation of the safety equipment in the student lab. Remember, when necessary, the eye wash and safety shower should be used for at least 15 minutes.
Students must wear closed-toed shoes in the laboratory. Dresses and skirts must be at least knee-length and pants must be at least mid-calf. Shorts and miniskirts are not permitted in the laboratory. Long hair must be tied back. Care must be exercised to keep hair, clothing, jewelry, etc. away from open flames or laboratory equipment.
Any breaks of the skin on the hands or wrists should be bandaged before putting on gloves.
Standard (Universal) precautions require you to consider every specimen to be potentially infectious. For this reason, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times in the laboratory:
1. Lab Coats must be worn and closed (i.e., buttoned) when performing laboratory work. If you have a significant spill on your lab coat, discard it immediately and don a clean coat. In the case all your coats are soiled, please inform the lab instructor.
2. Gloves are required when handling specimens, cleaning laboratory equipment and work area and cleaning up spills. If you are latex sensitive, please inform the instructors and alternate gloves will be provided for you. Gloves must be replaced whenever torn or appreciably soiled with blood or body fluids. Hands must be washed immediately after removing gloves. When removing gloves, grasp the cuff of the glove and pull the glove off inside out. Avoid touching skin with glove surface. Never wash and reuse disposable gloves.
3. Face shields and other PPE are available and must be used when appropriate. Students should use the face shield during any CLS laboratory exercise where there is a reasonable anticipation of aerosol formation or a splash occurring. It should be cleaned after every use. To use, adjust the headband to fit your head and snap the catch. To place or remove shield from face, use a clean paper towel and handle the shield by the knobs. Do not handle by the part that covers your face. When the shield is not in use, place on a paper towel on your bench away from your immediate work area. To decontaminate shield at the end of lab, wet a clean paper towel with 10% bleach solution and, holding the shield by the knob, clean the surface. Rinse under the faucet with water. Place on clean paper towel to drain. Remove gloves and wash hands. Dry face shield with paper towel and store in your cabinet.
Lab coats, gloves, and other PPE should not be worn outside the laboratory. Remove PPE and wash hands before leaving for any reason. Wash your hands with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate soap.
Do not remove specimens, reagents, or equipment from the laboratory. This includes writing utensils, calculators and rulers used in the lab.
Avoid touching face with gloves and do not put ANYTHING in mouth. No mouth pipetting! No eating, drinking, smoking, gum chewing, manipulating contact lenses, or application of cosmetics is permitted in the laboratory.
Any spills should be cleaned up according to instructions given during safety training. Instructors are available for guidance in cleaning up spills. Do not clean up broken glass with unprotected hands. Use puncture resistant gloves and tongs, forceps, or brush/dustpan. Any spills of blood or body fluids should be disinfected with 10% bleach solution. Check the expiration of the 10% bleach solution. It is stable for 30 days after preparation.
Dispose of all lab materials as instructed. All contaminated disposable items must be placed into designated biohazard containers. Contaminated sharps must be placed into designated puncture-proof containers.
Contaminated needles or other sharps must not be sheared, bent, recapped, or removed from syringes or other devices.
Do not open the lid of a centrifuge when it is in motion. Ensure that the centrifuge is properly balanced, and that tubes are free from visible defects prior to use. Do not centrifuge uncovered specimens. Cover with stoppers, parafilm or caps. The exceptions are urine and specimens requiring frequent manipulation during a series of centrifugations (e.g., Ab/Ag testing).
If a spill occurs in a centrifuge, turn in off and unplug it. If the spill possibly contains organisms infectious by aerosol route, allow 30-60 minutes to permit settling of aerosols if possible. Wearing a faceshield and gloves, soak up liquids using absorbent towels. Decontaminate the spill area with 10% bleach. Note that bleach corrodes stainless steel. If bleach is used, stainless steel surfaces must be fully rinsed with water upon completion of decontamination. Use tongs or other mechanical means to pick up broken glass; do not use unprotected hands. Discard contaminated materials into a biohazard waste container.
Any injury sustained in the laboratory must be reported to the instructor immediately.
When leaving the laboratory, turn off equipment and put away supplies. Disinfect the cleared work area with 10% bleach solution. Remove PPE and wash hands after disinfecting the bench.
All personal items must be placed in your cabinet during lab. Headphones, cell phones, and pagers must be turned off. (Personal items may be stored in your cabinet, but may not be 100% secure and will not be accessible at all times. Food and drink may NOT be stored in the laboratory.)
All work performed in the laboratory is governed by the honor code. Work must be done independently unless otherwise instructed. All results generated must be immediately recorded in INK on the laboratory worksheet. Any mistake should be corrected by drawing a single line through the error and writing in the correct answer.
Use of laboratory is limited to designated lab hours when proper supervision is available. Visitors are not allowed in the student laboratory.

Dress Code

In the student laboratory, all students must adhere to the Student Laboratory Rules, which include guidelines for dress. These guidelines are designed for the students' safety and professional development. Any student who does not follow these guidelines may be asked to leave and return in the appropriate dress.

Guidelines for professional attire in the clinical laboratory require consideration for patients, visitors, and coworkers as well as personal safety. Therefore, when in clinical rotations, or when visiting the hospital laboratory as part of a laboratory activity, students are expected to promote a professional image by following these guidelines:

Clothes should be clean and neat. Casual or athletic wear such as leggings, sweat suits or warm-up pants should not be worn. Scrub suits are acceptable. Extremes in dress style should be avoided. Dresses and skirts must be at least knee-length and pants must be at least mid-calf.
Closed toe shoes only. No spiked heels or high platform heels.
A clean laboratory coat and a name tag must be worn when performing laboratory work. Additional PPE should be worn as appropriate for each task.
Keep jewelry, perfume or shaving lotion, or scents found in other products to a minimum.
When there is any direct patient contact (i.e., when performing phlebotomy) in any area, inpatient or outpatient, students are prohibited from wearing artificial nails, including artificial tips or attachments, gel nails, silicone nails, silk wraps, acrylic nails, and nail jewelry.
No headphones or hats.
Long hair should be tied back.

In addition to these basic guidelines, students are expected to follow any additional provisions of the facility's dress code. For example, UNC Hospitals' dress code states that jeans or any type of clothing (skirt, shirt, vest) made from denim of any color may NOT be worn. Collarless shirts with any logos or writing on them can not be worn.

Any student who does not follow these guidelines may be asked to leave and return in the appropriate dress.

Lab Coats

First Year CLS Students: Each student should purchase at least two disposable lab coats prior to the start of classes. We recommend purchasing 6 for the first year. UNC Student Stores has disposable coats available which have been tested for blood & body fluid resistance. Coats in use must remain in the student laboratory, and you will want to have at least one clean coat in the lab in case yours is soiled and must be discarded.

Second Year CLS Students: UNC Hospitals will provide lab coats for senior CLS students in McLendon Laboratory rotations. Personnel will show you where to find clean coats at the beginning of your rotation, and the hamper for laundry at the end of your rotation. (Please arrive a few minutes early on your first day so you have time to find a coat.) Infection control guidelines for the hospital state that lab coats are not to be taken out of the laboratory area.

At all other locations, or if a suitable coat is not available for whatever reason, students will wear disposable lab coats. Used coats should be discarded at the end of the rotation; do not take them out of the laboratory area. You should carry an extra clean coat with you at all times, in case yours is soiled and must be discarded.

MMDS Students: For on-campus laboratory sessions (CLSC 610 and CLSC 720L), students should purchase disposable lab coats. For clinical rotations, depending on rotation site, a coat may be provided, or students may need to purchase and use disposable coats. In either case, used lab coats must not be taken out of the laboratory area at any time. Students will be informed about whether coats will be provided once clinical assignments are made.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Dr. Beck or Mrs. Stewart.

Incident Policy

In the event of a laboratory accident involving a Clinical Laboratory Science student, the following steps must be followed:

The student must immediately notify his/her laboratory instructor and education coordinator concerning the nature of the accident.
The student must complete a Division of Clinical Laboratory Science incident report, with the help of the laboratory instructor. This form is also available from the CLS office. If a patient specimen was involved, the patient's identifying information must be recorded to be given to the treating provider.
The student must go to Student Health Services or the appropriate emergency care site for the facility, and alert the medical personnel there of the emergency status of the injury. The original incident form needs to accompany the student to the appropriate emergency treatment site. (For each assigned rotation, students are informed of the appropriate site for emergency treatment.) The education coordinator or laboratory instructor must notify the Division of Clinical Laboratory Science at 966-3011.
Medical personnel must provide treatment of the injury and the appropriate follow-up. It is the responsibility of the treating provider to investigate the patient's history and determine what medical treatment is appropriate.
The treating provider must provide documentation of follow-up care to the student. The student must bring this documentation, along with the original incident report, to the Clinical Laboratory Science Safety Coordinator. (Copies of the completed report must be made for the treating provider so that the student may retain the original.)
The original incident report will be placed in the student's file. A copy of the completed incident report will be sent to the UNC Health and Safety Office.

UNC Student Health Services' Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Protocol may be obtained at http://campushealth.unc.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=121&Itemid=84

More resources regarding bloodborne pathogen exposure, needlestick care, and post-exposure prophylaxis are listed at http://campushealth.unc.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=108&Itemid=65

Emergency Care

Students who need first aid or emergency medical care for an illness or incident that occurs while performing rotation-related responsibilities may obtain care, at their own expense, at the following sites:

UNC Hospitals: UNC Campus Health Service (CHS)
VA Medical Center: UNC CHS or Duke University
Duke University Medical Center: UNC CHS or Duke University
Quest Diagnostics: Call 2500 for the Nurse or go to Quest Employee Health for assessment and Treatment. For infectious disease exposures: Infectious Disease Physicians Incorporated.
Molecular Pathology: Park Medical Urgent Care. 117 Gill Street, Alcoa, TN 37701
Laboratory Corporation of America: UNC Campus Health Service (CHS)
Nash General Hospital: Nash General Hospital
Community Laboratory Experience: ER of the Community Laboratory facility

These sites should also be used to obtain emergency treatment in case of an HIV exposure. Note that, according to the Centers for Disease Control, post-exposure prophylaxis "should be initiated promptly, preferably within 1-2 hours post-exposure". (see http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5409.pdf)

Laboratory Visitation

For safety reasons, visitors are not permitted in the student or clinical laboratories.

Break Room Policy at UNC Hospitals

If a student wishes to use a laboratory area break room, the student must use the break room associated with the department in which he/she is rotating. (The microbiology /immunology break room is located between microbiology and immunology labs; the core lab room is between core and special microbiology labs; the other areas are self-evident.)

Students may use the drink and snack machines in staff lounge Room 1028 (the break room located on the hall between Microbiology and Transfusion Medicine), but students should not use this room to sit or visit with classmates.

If you wish to meet a fellow student for break that is not in your rotation, meet at an alternate location such as the cafeteria, the hospital snack bar, or outside.

Release for Recommendations

In order for Clinical Laboratory Science faculty to write letters of recommendation, you need to complete the "Consent for Release of Information from Education Records" form. Students' permission is voluntary and may be revoked at any time in writing. However, without this permission form we can make no statements concerning your performance. You may designate all Clinical Laboratory Science faculty or specific faculty members as authorized individuals. This form will be placed in your Clinical Laboratory Science file.

Telephone Communications

Cell phones must be turned off during lecture and laboratory courses. Do not leave class in order to make or answer a phone call. The CLS office and/ or lab numbers may be used as emergency contact information. Emergency messages will be relayed. The number to call is (919) 966-3011. The student laboratory number is (919) 966-5358.

News: 2nd Edition CLS Review CD Available 2009-04-15; Management of Clinical Laboratory Testing for Research Studies 2008-08-12; More news…

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