March 11, 2022

CLS and Physician Assistant Studies students team up on point-of-care testing case studies

On Tuesday, February 28, students in the WSU Applebaum Bachelor of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) undergraduate program and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) were brought together for an interprofessional education (IPE) experience. Facilitated by faculty from both programs, the students worked together to evaluate two cases studies: acute pyelonephritis and a viral infection. 

Physician assistants are often responsible for performing tests on patients in doctors' offices and other health care settings. The samples they collect are then sent to clinical laboratory scientists for evaluation.

CLS faculty demonstrated how physician assistants should perform the test at point-of-care and emphasized the critical importance of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, quality control and precision. CLS students performed quality control on tests for urinalysis, pregnancy testing and rapid strep A testing. When results were acceptable, they moved on to the patient cases. 

Both cases presented a series of CLS profession-related questions and physician assistant-related questions, and each student cohort had a chance to discuss how this case related to professional role in patient care. 

Assistant clinical professors MaryAnne Stewart and Ronette Chojnacki from the CLS faculty and Courtney Doty from the PAS faculty facilitated the event. 

"I hope that the IPE events can continue to better strengthen the relationships between professions," Doty said.

---

The bachelor of science in Clinical Laboratory Science is offered through Wayne State’s Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with an application deadline of May 1. Clinical laboratory scientists work behind the scenes to provide critical information to doctors through medical tests. In fact, lab results inform more than 70% of diagnoses, allowing doctors to tailor treatment plans and therapies to each patient. Clinical laboratory scientists may also pursue careers in medical information systems technology, research and design new testing methods, or go on to medical school.

The Physician Assistant Studies master of science degree program at the Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is focused on the development of highly competent and passionate physician assistants who are deeply committed to practicing in urban and underserved health care settings.

WSU Applebaum information meetings for prospective students take place online at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. 

Return to news