CAP Pro Course - Immunology - Rapid Serologic Kit Tests (2026 & 2027)

Author: Mary Louise Turgeon, EdD, MLS(ASCP)CM 
Reviewers: Lorna Ruskin, EdD, MLS(ASCP) and Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Describe general characteristics of rapid serologic kit tests, including preanalytical conditions and unique specimen requirements for accurate test results.
  • Explain procedural requirements and test principles related to rapid serologic kit tests.
  • Summarize manufacturer testing instructions as stated in the product insert.
  • Identify conditions in which one would initiate required quality control testing, correctly interpret quality control test results, and take corrective actions if control results are beyond defined limits.
  • Identify potential sources of analytical testing errors encountered when using rapid serologic test kits.
  • Interpret rapid serologic kit test results, including the clinical applications of test results.

Course Outline

  • Describe general characteristics of rapid serologic kit tests, including preanalytical conditions and unique specimen requirements for accurate test results.
      • Point-of-Care Serology Testing
      • CLIA Categories and Rapid Serology Tests
      • Examples of Rapid Serology Tests
      • Preanalytical Concerns
      • Specimen Requirements for Serological Testing
      • Rosemary works at a large multispecialty clinic. A urine specimen that was collected in one of the clinic areas is brought into the laboratory for a p...
  • Explain procedural requirements and test principles related to rapid serologic kit tests.
      • Test Principle
      • Agglutination Tests
      • Immunochromatography
      • Which of the following methodologies is used in rapid serologic test kits?
  • Summarize manufacturer testing instructions as stated in the product insert.
      • Content of Manufacturer Product Inserts
      • Kit Stability and Storage
      • Specimen Acceptability
      • The laboratory reported a negative result on a urine specimen from Jane Smith, a 42-year-old female patient. The specimen was received in the laborato...
      • The doctor decides to repeat the pregnancy test. What would be the optimal specimen to assure accurate results?
      • Jane is performing influenza A and B tests using a kit that provides single-use test devices. As she takes the foil packet containing the test device ...
  • Initiate required quality control testing, correctly interpret quality control test results, and take corrective actions if control results are beyond defined limits.
      • Quality Control Requirements for Kit Tests: Agglutination Methods
      • Quality Control Requirements for Kit Tests: Single-Use Test Devices
      • Additional Quality Control Monitors
      • Interpretation of Built-in Quality Control Results
      • You are performing an RPR test. You have repeated the quality control (QC) several times, and each time the QC has failed. What should you do next?
      • In what type of testing procedures are external positive and negative controls customarily used concurrently with a patient specimen?
      • Joseph is responsible for RPR testing during the month of July at Arid Desert Hospital. When he comes into work at 3:00 PM, it is warmer in the labora...
  • Identify potential sources of analytical testing errors encountered when using rapid serologic test kits.
      • Sources of Error
      • Sources of Error, continued
      • A technologist is performing RPR testing. The technologist dispenses a drop of patient sample onto one test circle, using the dispensing pipette provi...
      • A single swab is received in the laboratory with orders for a rapid Strep test and a throat culture. The patient is a 15-year-old boy who has clinical...
  • Interpret rapid serologic kit test results, including the clinical applications of test results.
      • Interpreting Test Results for Single-Use Test Kits
      • Test Timing
      • Agglutination Test Interpretation
      • Prozone Interpretation
      • The test devices on the right represent the hCG testing done on three patients. Which of the patient results should not be reported?
      • Michael, a newly hired laboratory technician, is performing a serum RPR test. He is overwhelmed with simultaneous stat requests. Although the package ...
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: This program is suitable as an educational tool for medical laboratory students and interns, and all MLS and MLT personnel.
Author Information: Mary Louise Turgeon, EdD, MLS(ASCP)CM, is an educator, author, and consultant in medical laboratory science education. Her career as an educator includes 15 years as a community college Professor and Program Director. Additionally, she has 14 years as an undergraduate and graduate university Professor and administrator. She is the author of medical laboratory science books including Immunology and Serology in Laboratory Medicine, 5th ed (2014).
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose. 
Reviewer Information:
Lorna Ruskin, EdD, MT(ASCP) is an Assistant Professor for the Medical Laboratory Science program at the University of Minnesota. Lorna has approximately 20 years of teaching experience in Medical Laboratory Science programs and has served as both the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator. She has done extensive research on laboratory simulation and has presented at national conferences regarding that topic.
Joshua J. Cannon, MS, MLS(ASCP)CMSHCM received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. He holds Medical Laboratory Scientist and Specialist in Hematology certifications through the ASCP Board of Certification. He was a professor at Thomas Jefferson University for seven years before transitioning into his current role as Education Developer at MediaLab by Vastian. His areas of expertise and professional passions include clinical hematology and interprofessional education. 

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