B8782 - Laboratory Diagnostic Applications

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student is able to organize and apply laboratory medicine procedures and design molecular diagnostic assays. They are familiar with the diagnostic procedures involved, from the collection, processing, and storage of biological samples to the interpretation of the resulting data. The student is also able to apply their knowledge of clinical pathology, biochemistry, and clinical molecular biology to automated laboratory diagnostic systems.

Course contents

Course contents

SPECIFIC PREREQUISITES FOR THE COURSE

For a better understanding of the course content, it is recommended that students have prior knowledge of General Pathology and Biochemistry.

SPECIFIC CONTENT OF THE COURSE:

This course consists of Module 1 – Lectures (3 ECTS, 24 hours) taught by Prof. Fabio Gentilini, and Module 2 – Practical Exercises (2 ECTS, 32 hours).

MODULE 1 – Prof. Fabio Gentilini

The program is structured as follows:

Theoretical lectures:

• Introduction to the discipline and interpretation of analytical data (2 hours)
  Course overview and definition of the scope of veterinary clinical pathology
  Core concepts: test quality, accuracy, and precision
  Establishment of reference intervals
  Principles of interpretation of clinical-analytical data
• Systemic syndromes and pathogenic mechanisms (1 hour)
  Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)
  Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)
  Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS)
• Clinical and transfusion hematology (4 hours)
  Blood collection techniques and choice of anticoagulant
  Pre-analytical artifacts and their impact on analytical results
  Operating principles of hematology analyzers
  Reading and interpreting blood smears
  Erythrocyte indices and hematological patterns
  Blood compatibility testing and blood typing
  Practical sessions: interactive clinical cases in hematology
• Clinical chemistry and hepatopathies (3 hours)
  Clinically relevant enzymes and substrates
  Liver anatomy and physiology: key concepts
  Hepatic markers: dynamic and prognostic interpretation
  Analytical interferences and artifacts
  Practical sessions: interactive clinical cases in hepatopathies
• Nephropathies: laboratory approach (2 hours)
  Biochemical and coagulation parameters
  Urinalysis (chemical-physical examination)
  Practical sessions: interactive clinical cases in nephrology
• Electrolyte imbalances and mineral disorders (2 hours)
  Diagnostic algorithms and electrolyte pathophysiology
  Measurement methods, artifacts, and interferences
  Calcium-phosphorus imbalances: interpretation and pathogenesis
• Blood gas analysis in veterinary medicine (2 hours)
  Pathophysiological principles and clinical indications
  Analytical methods
  Interpretation of blood gas parameters
  Practical cases: acid-base disorders
• Serum protein electrophoresis and acute phase proteins (2 hours)
  Electrophoretic fractionation technique
  Alterations in electrophoretic patterns: albumin, α-, β-, and γ-globulins
  Monoclonal and polyclonal gammopathies
  Analysis and interpretation of acute phase proteins
  Interpretation of pathological electrophoretic profiles
• Diabetes mellitus: diagnosis and monitoring (1 hour)
  Laboratory diagnosis and therapeutic follow-up
  interactive clinical cases of diabetes
• Endocrinopathies and hormonal tests (1 hour)
  Pathophysiological overview of endocrine axes
  Interpretation of hormonal tests (basal and functional)
  Interactive clinical cases in endocrinology
• Assessment of vascular system and coagulation (2 hours)
  Techniques for evaluating coagulation parameters
  Tests: PT, aPTT, TT, buccal bleeding time
  DIC markers: D-dimers, antithrombin III, fibrinogen

Interpretation of the coagulation profile

interactive clinical cases in coagulopathies

• Cardiac markers (1 hour)
  Clinical relevance and limitations of cardiac markers
  Interactive clinical cases in cardiology
• Urinalysis (1 hour)
  Techniques and interpretation of fecal examination
  Urine chemical-physical analysis and sediment evaluation: leukocytes, erythrocytes, bacteriuria, casts, crystals

MODULE 2 – Practical Sessions / Laboratory Activities

For practical training activities, students will be divided into groups and activities will be organized accordingly. The exercises will be organized in accordance with the training framework used for the qualification of personnel, following standard operative procedures. This approach ensures that students acquire hands-on experience aligned with recognized laboratory quality and safety protocols.

• Hematology (4 hours):
  Assessment of the biological sample suitability for the complete blood count (CBC). Execution of the automated CBC. Preparation and staining of the blood smear. Microscopic evaluation of the smear and differential leukocyte count.
• Clinical Biochemistry (4 hours):
  Evaluation of sample adequacy for biochemical analysis. Calibration and quality control procedures of the clinical chemistry analyzer. Execution of biochemical tests using an automated analyzer. Validation of results.
• Serum Protein Electrophoresis (2 hours):
  Assessment of sample adequacy for electrophoretic analysis. Execution of serum protein electrophoresis using an automated system. Validation of electrophoretic profiles.
• Coagulation Testing (2 hours):
  Evaluation of sample suitability for coagulation analysis. Performance of coagulation tests using both automated and manual coagulometers. Validation of results.
• Urinalysis (2 hours):
  Assessment of sample adequacy for urinalysis. Performance of chemical-physical examination using dipsticks. Preparation of urine sediment. Microscopic evaluation of urinary sediment.
• Blood Gas Analysis (2 hours):
  Evaluation of sample adequacy for blood gas testing. Execution of blood gas analysis. Validation of results.

Practical cases: interpretation of blood gasanalysis

Readings/Bibliography

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Required readings: (optional)

• Schalm's Veterinary Hematology 5th Ed. Feldman B.S., Zinkl J.G., Jain N.C. Lippincott Wiliams and Wilkins
• Medicina di laboratorio veterinaria: interpretazione e diagnosi. Denny J. Meyer & John W. Harvey.

  Antonio Delfino Editore, 2007. Consigliato

• Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry. Carl A. Burtis (Autore), M.D. Ashwood, Edward R. (Autore), David E. Bruns (Autore), Ph.D. Sawyer, Barbara G. (a cura di). Ed. W B Saunders
• PALTRINIERI-BERTAZZOLO-GIORDANO. Patologia clinica del cane e del gatto. Approccio pratico alla diagnostica di laboratorio + DVD con 70 casi clinici 1° ed., 362 pagg., 350 ill., Elsevier-Masson, luglio 2010
• Small Animal Clinical Diagnosis by Laboratory Methods – Softcover Willard DVM MS, Michael D.; Tvedten DVM PhD DACVP DECVCP, Harold; Turnwald BVSc MS, Grant H. Saunders 1999

Supplementary reading:

• Scientific articles provided by the instructor

Teaching methods

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical/laboratory sessions.

The course consists of both lectures and practical laboratory sessions.
The theoretical activities are delivered through frontal lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations, interspersed with interactive sessions using instant polls.

The practical sessions are conducted in collaboration with the qualified staff of Clinlab – Veterinary Clinical Pathology Service, following the standard operating and qualification procedures currently adopted by the service.

Students, divided into small groups, will engage in hands-on activities using real biological samples processed by the diagnostic laboratory. These practical exercises will take place in person and under the direct supervision of experienced tutors. In this context, students will have the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired, by observing and participating in actual diagnostic workflows in veterinary clinical laboratory settings.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods

The assessment for the course consists of a written examination covering the topics of Module 1 lectures and the standard operating procedures and protocols taught in Module 2. The written exam includes multiple-choice and short open-ended questions, each worth between 1 and 4 points, for a total of 30 points.

The exam duration is 30 minutes. The maximum score is 30 points, with the possibility of honors (cum laude). To pass the exam, students must achieve a minimum of 18 out of 30 points.

No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, or computers) are allowed during the exam, unless explicitly authorized by the instructor.

The results of the written exam will be published within 5 working days on the Virtuale learning platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ) by the designated course contact.

The final grade for the Integrated Course is based on the score obtained in the written exam, expressed on a scale of 30. A minimum passing grade of 18/30 is required.

Negative results are not graded numerically but recorded as “withdrawn” or “failed” in the electronic transcript on AlmaEsami, and do not affect the student’s academic record.

Students may reject the final grade 1 time, by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Fabio Gentilini.

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Teaching tools

The course makes use of various types of teaching tools, equipment, and educational resources, including PowerPoint presentations, videos, dedicated software, in-class instant polls, and materials available on the Virtuale platform.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

 

Office hours

See the website of Prof. Fabio Gentilini

Office hours

See the website of Fabio Gentilini

See the website of