Understanding Laboratory Data

For data managers laboratory data can prove to be frustrating, complex and time consuming.

This course gives an explanation of what laboratory data consists of, why labs provide data in the way that they do, and gives practical advice to the data manager about how to handle this data and key points to consider. The course is intended for a data manager with little or no previous experience with working with laboratory data.

By the end of this course you will:

• Understand the fundamentals of laboratory data
• Recognise the different types of tests and how samples are prepared
• Understand the use of different units and normal ranges
• Realise why laboratories supply information in the way they do and where some of the challenges occur
• Understand the difference between a central lab and a local lab and why they are used
• Appreciate what should be considered during the set-up of a trial when lab data is being collected
• Understand different methods of collecting lab data for a trial
• Specify what should be checked during the validation of lab data