07732 - Clinical Pathology

Learning outcomes

To allow the students to acquire the fundamental notions for a critical evaluation and interpretation of the results of the main clinical laboratory tests

Course contents

- The blood composition. Plasma, serum and corpuscular component; complete blood count (CBC); morphological features of the various blood corpuscular components. ABO blood group system, Rh blood group system.

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of anemia. Diagnosis and classification of anemia; microcytic anemia (iron deficiency and thalassemia); normocytic anemia (acute blood loss, hemolytic disorders), megaloblastic anemia (vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency).

- Laboratory test for the diagnosis of coagulation disorders. The phases of the hemostatic process; Laboratory tests for the evaluation of platelet function and coagulation cascade.

- First-level Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of hepatic disorders. Bilirubin and urobilinogen; serum enzymes indicative of cytolysis and cholestasis; albumin/globulin ratio; coagulation factors.

- Complete urine analysis. Urine analysis: physical, chemical and microscopic examination.

Readings/Bibliography

- Marcello Ciaccio: Elementi di Biochimica Clinica e Medicina di Laboratorio. 2020, EdiSES Università S.r.l . - Napoli.

The above text is useful for exam preparation as it covers all the topics discussed in class. It is also recommended for further study of the laboratory aspects of the clinical subjects, as well as for consultation after graduation.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons for 12 hours (1 CFU). Attendance at lectures is compulsory and will be monitored using the tools provided by the Degree Course Council.

Assessment methods

Student learning will be checked at the end of the course through a written test. The overall knowledge will be assessed using a written exam structured as multiple-choice questions. The exam will be held in presence using personal computers.

The exam is composed by 33 questions, distributed proportionally to the CFU for each course. Each valid answer grants 1 point. The student needs to reach 18 points to pass the exam. The number of correct answers corresponds to the final mark, if the number is greater or equal to 31 the mark will be 30 cum laude.

Students are required to know their Institutional credentials to sustain the exam.

During the exam, the use of support materials such as textbooks, notes, and computer aids will not be permitted. Students with SLDs or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University Office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it) in good time. It will be their responsibility to propose any adjustments to the students concerned, which must in any case be submitted at least 15 days in advance for approval by the teacher, who will assess their appropriateness in relation to the educational objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

The lecture materials presented in class will be made available to the student in electronic format on the “Virtual” platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/ ). Username e password are reserved to students of Bologna University.

Office hours

See the website of Davide Trerè