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 (decreased red blood cell production, acute blood loss, hemolytic disorders), megaloblastic anemia (vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency).

- Laboratory test for the diagnosis of coagulation disorders. Laboratory tests for the evaluation of platelet function and coagulation cascade; laboratory definition of the hypercoagulability disorders (4 hours).

- Serum proteins. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE); SPE patterns associated to specific diseases; acute phase reactants (APRs) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of lipid disorders. Plasma lipoproteins and their metabolism; lipoproteins and atherosclerosis; quantitative and qualitative analysis of plasma lipoproteins (3 hours).

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of diabetes. Classification of diabetes; metabolic effect of diabetes; laboratory tests for the diagnosis and for the follow-up of diabetic patients.

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

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of renal system disorders. Urine analysis (physical, chemical and microscopic examination); urea, creatinine and uric acid; clearance tests; functional tests.

- POCT systems. "Point Of Care Testing" systems and their use in different care settings.

Readings/Bibliography

The book reported below is not necessary for passing the exam but it is strongly suggested for the deepening of the topics dealt with the course and for a consultation following the achievement of the degree.

- Marcello Ciaccio e Giuseppe Lippi: Biochimica Clinica e Medicina di Laboratorio. Terza edizione, 2020 EdiSES Università S.r.l . - Napoli.

Teaching methods

The teaching activity will be carried out through lectures.

Assessment methods

The final examination aims to assess that the student has acquired the fundamental notions for a critical evaluation of the results of the main clinical laboratory tests which characterize the following pathological conditions: anemia, coagulation disorders; lipid disorders; hepatic disorders, renal disorders; diabetes.

The final test is unique to the Integrated Course in General Pathology and Clinical Pathology and is divided into two parts. The first part consists of the performance of a test consisting of 20 multiple choice questions with 4 possible answers, of which only one is correct; each correct answer will be awarded 1 point, with no penalty in case of wrong or no answer. The second part consists of answering 3 open-ended questions, of which 2 refer to the General Pathology module and 1 to the Clinical Pathology module; each answer will be awarded 0 to 4 points based on the candidate's ability to expound the topics correctly, concisely and completely. The maximum time for taking the test will be 60 minutes.

The final grade will be derived from the sum of the points acquired in both parts.The examination is passed having acquired at least 18 points. Honors will be awarded to candidates who have achieved a total of 31 or 32 points. To take the test, students will need to register via AlmaEsami by the deadline set by the application and are required to know their Institutional credentials.

 

Teaching tools

The slides shown during the lessons are available at the Web site: https://virtuale.unibo.it/ Username e password are reserved to students of Bologna University.

Office hours

See the website of Davide Trerè