1. Catalog
  2. Clinical Laboratory Testing: Keeping Up With CLIA ...
Clinical Laboratory Testing: Keeping Up With CLIA (2025 Update)
Course Overview
Advances in medical technology have made laboratory testing more sophisticated and more common. Study the regulations surrounding clinical laboratory tests, as well as the processes involved in conducting them.


Those who are students in a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program at any point in time are not eligible to participate in the ABR-OE program. Also, those who at any point in time have held the CMA (AAMA) credential (or its predecessor credential, CMA) are not eligible for the ABR-OE.


Visit the AAMA website for more information on eligibility and application policies.
Course Information
Course Description
Accurate laboratory testing supports clinical decisions, timely treatment, and safe patient care. This course examines the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and the standards that apply to laboratory testing in ambulatory care settings. Learners will compare waived, moderate-complexity, and high-complexity tests; review the importance of following manufacturers’ instructions; and explore how training, quality control, proficiency testing, and procedure manuals promote reliable results.

Learners will also examine practical responsibilities related to test orders, specimen handling, documentation, communication, and follow-up. Throughout the course, you will consider how medical assistants help prevent testing errors, support regulatory compliance, and ensure that each step of the laboratory process is completed accurately.

Learning Objectives
As a result of completing this course, learners will be able to:
  • Describe how CLIA regulates laboratory testing in ambulatory care settings.
  • Compare waived, moderate-complexity, and high-complexity laboratory tests.
  • Explain how staff training, proficiency testing, and procedure manuals support testing quality.
  • Apply appropriate procedures for completing, documenting, and following up on laboratory test orders.
  • Recognize when unexpected test results may require confirmation or additional investigation.
Course Contributors
Mark Harris
Author, "Clinical Laboratory Testing: Keeping Up with CLIA"
Intended Audience
This course is intended for medical assistants, CMA (AAMA) professionals, practice managers, and other ambulatory care staff involved in ordering, performing, documenting, or following up on laboratory tests. The content supports professionals seeking to improve testing accuracy, maintain CLIA compliance, and contribute to safe, patient-centered care.
Retake Information
Please note that retakes for this online course require repurchase.
Summary
Availability:
On-Demand
Access expires 14 days after start
Cost:
Member: $20.00
Nonmember: $30.00
CEU Offered:
2 Adm/Clin CEUs
Recommended