The laboratory plays a vital role in the diagnosis of patients with inherited and acquired coagulation disorders, as any misdiagnosis may result in serious implications to their treatment. Access to comprehensive haemostasis laboratory training is key to providing a high-quality service through precise, relevant and comprehensive data.

With this purpose, Dr Angus McCraw and NNHF have developed training modules tailored to the working conditions in the developing world divided into basic and advanced courses.
After a successful pilot in 2011, a second Basic course will take place on 18-20 April 2012 at Katharine Dormandy Haemophilia Centre and Thrombosis Unit - Royal Free Hospital, in London, United Kingdom.

The course will be composed of theory and practical sessions over 3 days. Dr Angus McCraw and his team have designed the material and will lead and administrate the course.
Five candidates will be chosen by Dr McCraw and his team according to their expertise and the relevance of the course for their daily work. NNHF will cover the travelling, lodging and training material costs for the course.

Wednesday 18 April

• Introduction to Haemostasis
• Pre-analytical variables
• Basic coagulation screening tests and laboratory diagnosis
• Equipment - manual vs. automation
• Reagent sensitivity
• Afternoon practical session - Coagulation Screening tests

Thursday 19 April

• Internal Quality control (IQC)
• External Quality assessment (EQA)
• Reference material and standards
• Factor assays
• Afternoon practical session - Factor Assays

Friday 20 April

• Inhibitor screening
• Principle of the Bethesda assay
• ELISA assays
• Afternoon practical session - Screening for inhibitors

Practical sessions will include manual and semi automated methods

• Laboratory technologists, scientific officers, pathologists, biologists, haematologists or other relevant diagnostic experts in the developing world
• Good English language skills
• Currently involved in a coagulation lab
• Prove the need to improve coagulation techniques in their hospital and region

• Explanation of why you want to come on such a course, how it will benefit you and how will you apply the knowledge acquired upon return to your  laboratory
• Applicant's Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation letter of head of laboratory or Hospital clinical head explaining how the training will benefit the activities of the hospital’s  lab in the field of diagnosis of bleeding disorders
• Signature page – completed and duly signed

Preference will be given to applicants who have not attended other specialised lab training courses.

The closing date for applications will be 13 February 2012. Please send your completed application form by email to axal@novonordisk.com.

The five selected candidates will be contacted by NNHF on 20 February to proceed with the necessary arrangements.