CNCI Lab Technician Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2023: Know the Syllabus to Prepare for Exam

Unit

Subjects 

Topics 

Unit-I 

Anatomy & Physiology 

Musculo-skeletal system

Bones-types, structure, and functions

Digestive System

Gross anatomy of digestive organs

Physiology of Digestion"

Digestive juices-Secretion, Composition and functions

Respiratory System

Gross anatomy of respiratory organs

Physiology of respiration

Oxygen and Carbon dioxide transport

Cardiovascular System

Gross anatomy of heart and blood vessels

Excretory System

Gross anatomy of excretory organs

Function of Kidneys, mechanism of urine formation.

Structure and function of Kidney

Reproductive System

Gross anatomy of Male & Female reproductive organs

Physiology of menstruation

Cerebrospinal fluid

Formation, composition of CSF

Endocrine System

Gross anatomy of endocrine organs

A brief description of Endocrine hormones and their functions

Unit–II

Biochemistry

Introduction and scope of Biochemistry, cleaning and care of laboratory glassware and equipments, preparation and storage of Distilled water, Analytical balance, calorimeter, spectrophotometer, pH MMetre,flame photometer, S.I. unit of measurement, Preservation and disposal of biological samples, Basic statistics mean, median, modes, SD, CV, normal reference ranges. Acid and base, pH, buffer solution, indicator, standard solution, storage of

chemicals, water, electrolytes, acid base balance

Carbohydrate, Lipids, Proteins − Classification, Properties, Biological importance, functions. Amino acids, nucleic acids, Enzymes, Co−enzymes−Definition, classifications, Biological role/importance. Glycolysis, TCA−cycle, Electron transport chain, Pentose Phosphate Pathway, Gluconeogenesis,

Gluconeogenesis, Cori−cycle, Blood sugar and its regulation. Fatty acid, cholesterol, lipoproteins, Purine ribonucleotide − Biosynthesis, utilisation, Ketone body formation and its utilization.

Amino acids, vitamins, minerals−classification, biological role, deficiency state. Transamination, Deamination, Biological importance of catecholamine, GABA, Serotonin, Histamine, Melanin.

Tumour − markers − Brief history, classifications, clinical applications, Laboratory

test (AFP, CEA, PSA)

• Liver function test, renal function test.

• Thyroid function test, Enzymes, and co−enzyme in diagnosis of the diseases, Hormone

analysis.

• Cardiac function test

• Qualitative test for−Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, Bence Jonce’s Protein

• Estimation of Serum electrolytes, and bicarbonates Blood sugar

• Quantitative test for organic constituents (Urea, uric acid, creatinine) inorganic constituents

(sodium, Potassium, calcium, ammonia, chloride, Phosphate, bicarbonate and sulphate in

urine with clinical significance and study of abnormal constituents or urine (glucose, Protein

ketone bodies, blood, bile salts, and bile pigments.

*Radioimmune Assay(RIA)

• Enzyme Link Immuno sorbent Assay (ELISA)

• Chromatography (thin layer paper, gas, liquid Electrophoresis,

(gel electrophoresis, liquid electrophoresis)

Unit–III

Microbiology

Introduction, brief history of Microbiology, origin of microbial life − theory of spontaneous

generation.

*Safety measures in microbiology

• Classifications and nomenclature of bacteria(five kingdom concept)

• Sterilization−Principle, methods, antiseptic, disinfectants.

• General characteristic of Bacteria, anatomy of bacteria (shape, size,

components)

• Growth and nutrition of bacteria, classification of bacteria on the basis of nutritional

requirements, measurement of cell mass and factor affecting growth.

• Cultivation of microbes(Bacteria)

• Culture technique (media preparation and inoculation

• Isolation of Purecultures (streak plate, spread plate, pours plate and serial dilution)

• Identification of microbes by colony morphology.

b) Bacteriology, Normal Micro flora of human body, Germ theory of diseases, microbial

infection(types, sources and transmission)

• Bacterial toxin (Endotoxin & exotoxin)

• Bacterial morphology, isolation, identification, Pathogenicity, Lab diagnosis(Culture,

Biochemical test, Hanging drop method for motility, Anaerobic, aerobic culture methods

of staphylococcus, streptococcus, Neisseria Gonorrhea, N.meningitidis, Clostridium

tetani & C.perfringens

• E.coli, Vibrio cholera, Salmonella typhi, Shigella, Mycobacterium/ Mycobacterium

tuberculosis, Spirochetes−Treponema pallidum.

• Collection, preservation, transportation of clinical specimens for microbial

investigation.

• Bacteriological methods of examination of blood, faeces, pus, sputum, throat swab and

urine

• Antibiotic sensitivity test(Disc diffusion and broth dilution methods)

• Hospital acquired infections and their control.

• Waste disposal and management

c) Instruments & Glassware:

• Autoclave, Incubator, Laminar Airflow,

• Hot air oven, water bath, vortex shaker,

• Petridish, testtube, screwcaptube, glassspreader/L−rods, Pasteurpipettes.

d) Medical Mycology:

• Classification and nomenclature of fungi

• General characteristics, structures, reproduction, cultivation

• Medically important Division of fungi

• Morphology, culture characteristics, Pathogenicity, Lab diagnosis of Common Pathogenic

fungi, (Aspergillus Sp., Candida Sp., Cryptococcus Sp., Dermatophytes, Penicillium Sp.)

e) Immunology

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• Introduction, Antigens (Types and properties) Antibodies/ Immunoglobin types and

properties)

• Antigen − antibody reactions and their applications (Agglutination,

precipitation, complement fixation and neutralization tests)

• Immunity(Innate & Acquired)

• Hypersensitivity

• Immunodeficiency diseases

f) Serology

• Quality control measures in serology

• Common serological technique and their applications (VDRL, Widal, RA test, ASO,

Pregnancy test, Hbs Ag and HCV, HIV, Mantoux test)

g) Medical Virology

• Classification, nomenclature, general characteristics (Morphology, chemical, biological)

properties and multiplication)

• Cultivation of viruses (chick embryo, cell culture and animals)

• Bacteriophages (lytic and lysogenic cycles)

• Morphology, cultural characteristics, Pathogenicity and Laboratory diagnosis of the

following viruses

❖ Poliomyelitis

❖ Mumps

❖ Measles

❖ Hepatitis A, B, C

❖ Cytomegalovirus

❖ Rabies

❖ HIV/AIDS

h) Molecular Biology

• Introduction

• DNA &RNA

• Isolation of DNA (Genomic & Plasmid)

• Plasmids(types and Importance)

i) Principles, methods and application of

• ELISA, Immuno fluorescence test, Western Blot

• PCR

Unit–IV

Parasitology

Introduction, classification, characteristics of human parasites

• Collection, storage and transportation of specimens, preservation of parasites

• Morphology, transmission, lifecycle, Pathogenicity and Lab. Diagnosis of:−

❖ Entamoebahistolytica, Giadia Lamblia, Trichomonasvaginalis, Leishmaniadonovani

and L. tropica. Plasmodia species, Toxoplasma gondii, nematodes−Intestinal flukes,

Blood flukes, Lung flukes, Liver fluke.

b) Common vectors of human diseases (mosquito, flies, ticks and fleas)

Unit–V: Pathology&ClinicalPathology, BasicLab.Techniques&Instruments

(a) Pathology−definition, Branches

− Acute and Chronic inflammation (definition, characteristics)

− Subacute, granulomatous inflammation (definition, characteristics)

− Changes in inflammation

− Chemical mediators of inflammation

(b) Cell Injury

− definition, causes, Ischaemia, necrosis

− apoptosis, degeneration, dehydration

(c) cellular adaptation of growth and differentiation (Atrophy,

Hypertrophy, Hyperplasia, Metaplasia, Dysplasia, Anaplasia)

(d) Neoplasia (Benign and Malignant, definition, characteristics, etiology, spread)

(e) Cell of Immune System (B&T lymphocytes, macrophage, dendritic and langerhan’s cells, NK

Cells)

(f) Laboratory organization, role of laboratory technicians and responsibilities, safety measures,

instruments, reporting and recording, common laboratory accidents and its preventions,

handling of infectious materials, preventions and disposal, reagents and its storage.

(g) Types of solution (isotonic, hypotonic, hypertonic) quality control − (Principles and types

(h) Routine examination and clinical significance of−

• Urine

• Stool

• Body fluids (Ascitic fluid, pleural fluids, pericardial fluid, synovial fluids, CSF seminal

fluids, sputum)

• Medico legal importance of semen analysis and abnormal morphology of sperm

Unit–V

Pathology&ClinicalPathology, BasicLab.Techniques Instruments

Pathology−definition, Branches

− Acute and Chronic inflammation (definition, characteristics)

− Subacute, granulomatous inflammation (definition, characteristics)

− Changes in inflammation

− Chemical mediators of inflammation

(b) Cell Injury

− definition, causes, Ischaemia, necrosis

− apoptosis, degeneration, dehydration

(c) cellular adaptation of growth and differentiation (Atrophy,

Hypertrophy, Hyperplasia, Metaplasia, Dysplasia, Anaplasia)

(d) Neoplasia (Benign and Malignant, definition, characteristics, etiology, spread)

(e) Cell of Immune System (B&T lymphocytes, macrophage, dendritic and langerhan’s cells, NK

Cells)

(f) Laboratory organization, role of laboratory technicians and responsibilities, safety measures,

instruments, reporting and recording, common laboratory accidents and its preventions,

handling of infectious materials, preventions and disposal, reagents and its storage.

(g) Types of solution (isotonic, hypotonic, hypertonic) quality control − (Principles and types

(h) Routine examination and clinical significant of−

• Urine

• Stool

• Body fluids (Ascitic fluid, pleural fluids, pericardial fluid, synovial fluids, CSF seminal

fluids, sputum)

• Medico legal importance of semen analysis and abnormal morphology of sperm

Unit–VI

Haematology

Introduction to haematology

* Blood−components, collection, anticoagulants, preparation of smears & quality

* Haemoglobin, TLC, DLC with absolute count, WBC, Red cell indices,

Reticulocytes (methods of estimation, clinical significant)

* Erythropoiesis, Granulopoiesis, Megakaryopoiesis (normal, abnormal & clinical

significant)

* Bloodparasites, bonemarrow smears

(b) *Haemoglobin (normal and abnormal, Biosynthesis, Haemoglobin opathies and its

investigation)

(c) RBC−structure, erythropoietin, functions

(d) WBC−Physiology, pathological variation

(e) Platelets−functions, purpuras, investigation of disorders, thrombo cytosis, thrombo

cytopaenia

(f) Haemostasis (Coagulation)−Normal mechanism, abnormal, investigation of abnormal

haemostasis)

* Thrombosis−definition, causes

(g) Leukaemia − definition, classification (FAB), Acute & Chronic leukaemias, Lab. features

of Acute & Chronicleukaemia (AML, ALL, CML, CLL) Aleukaemic Leukaemia, Leukaemoid

reaction, Myelodysplastic syndrome(definition Lab. features)

(h) Anaemias (Normochromic, Normocytic, Megaloblastic, Microcytic hypochronic, Anaemia

of infections, Haemolytic Anaemias) − Definition, classification, causes, laboratory

features and investigations)

(i) Thalassaemia (Trait, Minor, Major)

−Sideroblastic Anaemia

−Pancytopaenia, Aplastic Anaemias, Pure red cells aplasia (Definition, causes,

lab.investigationetc)

(j) *Coagulation disorders, lab.diagnosis, causes, haemophillia, DIC

* lymphoma−definition, causes, classification, lab.features/diagnosis

* Myeloma−definition, causes, classification, lab.features/diagnosis

* Polycythaemia−definition, causes, classification, lab.features/diagnosis

* Purpuras−definition, causes, classification, lab.features/diagnosis

(k) Staining − Leishman’s stain, MGG, Giemsa’s, PAS, Sudan B−Black, Iron, Fats, NAP,

AcidPhosphatase, Esterase(Principle, composition, methods&results

(ii) Blood Banking & Immuno Haematology

Introduction

− Bloodbank organization, equipments, donor registration

− Blood groups−types, technique of grouping

− Donor’s selection, collection of blood

− Preservatives(storage), laboratory screening of blood for transfusion

(b) *Crossmatching, compatibility testing

* Coomb’stest

* Transfusion reaction

* Antigens, Antibodies (properties, production), Complements, Sensitization,

Agglutination, Haemolysis, Neutralization, Precipitation, Complement fixation, Immune

response.

(c) Diseases transmitted through blood and their screening, Haemolytic diseases ofnewborn.

(d) Blood component preparation and its uses, Haemaphereis, Massive transfusion, Autologous

transfusion, exchange transfusion.

Unit–VII

Histopathology–Basic & Technique

*Cellsandtissues−definition, cells and its organelles, function, cell cycle, mitosis meiosis

* Epithelial tissues, definition, classifications & functions

* Connective tissues(bone&cartilage)

* Muscle tissues

* Nerve tissues

(b) Histology of different systems & organs − Respiratory system, Alimentary system, Excretory

systems, Reproductive system(male&female), Endocrine system.

(c) Histopathology technique−

• Sample reception, registering, labeling.

• Fixative & fixation, (definition, classification, details of fixative, aims & object, fixation

and preservation)

• Decalcification (d efinition, methods & test of end point decalcification)

• Grossing (definition, material required)

• Processing of tissues (manual & automatic)

• Waxes (types of waxes)

• Microtomies (types of microtomes, knives, honing & stropping)

• Dehydration, clearing, impregnation, embedding or blocking (definition, chemicals

used etc.)

• Section cutting, mounting, labeling.

(d) Demonstration of (staining)

• Nucleic acids

• Lipids

• Proteins

• Nerve cells

• Muscels

• Bone

• Carbohydrates

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• Amyloid

• Pigments

• Microorganism & parasites

(e) Biopsies of

− Renal biopsy, Lymphnode biopsy

− Liver biopsy, muscle biopsy

- Kidneys, nerves fibers, skin biopsy

(Processing, fixation, blocking, staining)

(f) Museum technique

(g) Immuno histochemistry (definition, purposes)

(h) Staining

• Theory, progressive & regressive, metachromasia, mordants, Accentators

• Staining preparation, procedures of−

Haematoxylene and Eosinstain

MGGstain, connective tissue stains,

Giemsa’s stain, mucicarmine stains

Z.N.stain

PASstain

Unit–VIII

Cytopathology(Basic, technique)

Definition of cytology, material for operation and establishment of cytology laboratory, role of

cytology in the diagnosis, branches of cytology

(a) *Reception, registration, numbering and supply of material for collecting specimens.

*Preparation of cytological smears

* Cytological fixation−aims&objects, chemical use for cytological fixation& methods of

fixation

* Progressive changes of the cells

* Nuclear criteria of malignancy

(b) *Exfoliative cytology−definition, source of samples for exfoliative cytology

*Body cavity fluid(Pleural effusion, Pericardial effusion, Ascitic fluids, sputum, urine, synovial

fluids, CSF, Pus and Abscess)

−Methods of collection, fixation, methods of cyto preparations & staining

−Clotted& blood fluids(methods of cyto preparations)

−Cellular componentsin Benign and malignant effusion, acute and chronic inflammations

(c) Interventional cytology, (FNAC)Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

− Definition

− Application, methods

− Roleof FNAC

− Commonsites

− Advantage & disadvantage, limitations

− Complications, precaution & contra−indications

− Preparation of smears

− General properties of wet and dry msmears

− Imprint, crush smears, biopsy sediments, cell block preparations

(d) Aspiration of specific lesion eg.cyst, thyroid, lung, peritoneum, prostate, testis, radio logical

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imaging aids for FNAC

(e) Methods of collection, fixation and cyto preparation of samples from−Female Genital tracts,

Respiratory tracts, Gastro−intestinal tracts, urinary tractsetc.

(f) Staining

• Pap’s stain

Chemical requirements, preparation of various chemicals for pap’s stain

Various pap’s stain methods

Types of haematoxylene and its preparation

Stain maintenance

Preparation of graded alcohols (50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%)

Preparation of 0.5% Hcl, Lithium Carbonate, EAmodified, 0.2%Hcl,

1%Ammoniumhydroxidein 70%ethanol, OrangeG−6

• BismarkBrown, EA−50, EA−36

ProceduresofPap’sstain

MGGstain

Giemsa’sstain

Modifiedpap’sstain

PASstain, AlcianBlueStaining

Mayers & South Gate Mucicarminestain

Gram’s stain

ZN stains

(g) Quality controls(Internal & External) definition, methods, advantage.

Unit - IX 

Aptitude Test

Quantitative Aptitude Tests

NumberSystems: Computation of Whole Number, Decimal and Fractions, Relationship

between numbers.

Fundamental arithmetical operations: Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square roots,

Averages, Interest(Simple and Compound), Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnership Business,

Mixture and Allegation, Time and distance, Time and work.

General Intelligence

It would include questions of both verbal and non-verbal type. The test will include questions

on Semantic Analogy, Symbolic operations, Symbolic/Number Analogy, Trends, Figural

Analogy, Space Orientation, Semantic Classification, Venn Diagrams, Symbolic/Number

Classification, Drawing inferences, Figural Classification, Punched hole/ pattern-folding &

unfolding, Semantic Series, Figural Pattern-folding and completion, Number Series,

Embedded figures, Figural Series, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Emotional Intelligence,

Word Building, Social Intelligence, Coding and de-coding, Numerical operations, Other subtopics, if any.

English Language

Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/ Homonyms, Antonyms, Spellings/ Detecting

mis-spelt words, Idioms & Phrases, One word substitution, Improvement of Sentences,

Active/Passive Voice of Verbs, Conversion into Direct/Indirect narration, Shuffling of

Sentence parts, Shuffling of Sentences in a passage, Cloze Passage, Comprehension Passage.

General Awareness

Questions are designed to test the candidate’s general awareness of the environment around

him and its application to society. Questions are also designed to test knowledge of current

events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspect as

maybe expected of an educated person. The test will also include questions relating to India

and its neighboring countries especially pertaining to History, Culture, Geography,

Economics, General polices, General Science and scientific research

Unit

Topic

Number of Questions 

Marks 

Duration

Unit- I

Anatomy and Physiology

10

10

Unit- II

Biochemistry (Principles, Metabolism, Analytical Biochemistry, applied biochemistry)

25

25

Unit- III

Microbiology (Basic Microbiology, Microbial technique, Bacteriology, Mycology, Immunology, Serology & Virology, Molecular Biology, Applied Microbiology)

25

25

Unit- IV

Parasitology

10

10

Unit- V

Pathology & Clinical Pathology, Basic Laboratory Technique & instruments.

25

25

Unit- VI

Hematology i) Basic, Technique, Systemic ii) Blood Banking & Immunohematology

45(30+15)

45(30+15)

Unit- VII

Histopathology (Basic, Technique)

30

30

Unit- VIII

Cytopathology (Basic, Technique)

10

10

Unit- IX

Aptitude Test

20

20

Subjects

Books

Author/Publisher 

Anatomy and Physiology

Anatomy Unleashed: A Competitive Exam Review of Gross Anatomy

Narayan Changder 

Human Anatomy And Physiology

Dr. S. B. Bhise

General Anatomy - Ebook

Vishram Singh 

Textbook Of Practical Physiology, - 2Nd Edn.

G. K. Pal, ‎Pal, ‎Pravati

Biochemistry (Principles, Metabolism, Analytical Biochemistry, Applied Biochemistry)

GATE Biochemistry

Kumar Pushkar 

Textbook of Biochemistry for Medical Students

D M Vasudevan, ‎Sreekumari S, ‎Kannan Vaidyanathan

Multiple Choice Questions in Biochemistry

R. C. GUPTA 

Exam-Oriented Biochemistry

S. Rajan

Microbiology (Basic Microbiology, Microbial technique, Bacteriology, Mycology, Immunology, Serology & Virology, Molecular Biology, Applied Microbiology)

Pharmaceutical Microbiology

Reddy, Venkateswara A./ Jayaveera K.N. & Sreenivasulu V.

Food Microbiology

W. C. Frazier, ‎D. C. Westhoff 

A Textbook Of Microbiology

P. Chakraborty

Parasitology

Paniker's Textbook of Medical Parasitology

C. K. Jayaram Paniker, ‎Sougata Ghosh 

Practical Exercises in Parasitology

D. W. Halton, ‎J. M. Behnke, ‎I. Marshall 

Human Parasitology

Burton J. Bogitsh, ‎Clint E. Carter, ‎Thomas N. Oeltmann

Diagnostic Medical Parasitology

Lynne Shore Garcia

Medical Parasitology

Abhay R. Satoskar

Pathology & Clinical Pathology, Basic Laboratory Technique, & Instruments

Synopsis of Pathology

Anoop N

Concise Pathology for Exam Preparation

Khanna

Applied Clinical Pathology &laboratory Diagnosis

Dr.V.K.Srivastava

Hematology i) Basic, Technique, Systemic ii) Blood Banking & Immunohematology

Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology

John P. Greer, ‎Daniel A. Arber, ‎Bertil Glader

Essentials of Haematology

Shirish M Kawthalkar

Quality Assurance in Haematology

S. M. Lewis, ‎R. L. Verwilghen

Histopathology (Basic, Technique)

Atlas of Histopathology

Ivan Damjanov

Techniques in Histopathology & Cytopathology

Sadhana Vishwakarma

Histopathology Techniques and Its Management

Ramadas Nayak 

Recent Advances in Histopathology

Adrienne M Flanagan

Cytopathology (Basic, Technique)

Modern Techniques in Cytopathology

M.M. Bui, ‎L. Pantanowitz

Comprehensive Cytopathology E-Book

Marluce Bibbo, ‎David Wilbur

Breast Cytopathology

Syed Z. Ali, ‎Anil V Parwani 

Aptitude Test

Rapid Quantitative Aptitude

Disha Experts

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum Cat

Sarvesh K Verma