39290 - Clinical Pathology 1

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

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- The blood composition. Plasma, serum, and corpuscular components; morphological and functional characteristics of the various corpuscular components of peripheral blood; complete blood count with leukocyte formula: technical and interpretative aspects.

- The laboratory in the diagnostic evaluation of anemia. Laboratory diagnosis and morphological classification of anemia; microcytic anemia (iron deficiency anemia, anemia due to chronic disease, thalassemic syndromes); normo/macrocytic anemia (anemia due to acute hemorrhage, hemolytic anemia); megaloblastic anemia (anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency, anemia due to folic acid deficiency).

- The laboratory in the assessment of coagulation disorders. The phases of the hemostatic process; laboratory tests for the assessment of primary and secondary hemostasis; laboratory tests for the definition of hypercoagulability states.

- Serum proteins. Electrophoretic separation of serum proteins: electrophoretic profiles associated with specific pathologies. Acute phase proteins. Inflammation indices: C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

- Laboratory diagnosis of lipid disorders. Plasma lipoproteins and their metabolism; lipoproteins and atherosclerosis; assessment of the “basic lipid profile” and cardiovascular risk.

- The laboratory in the diagnostic evaluation of diabetes. Classification of diabetes; metabolic alterations in diabetes; laboratory tests for the diagnosis of diabetes and for the monitoring of diabetic patients.

- The laboratory in the diagnostic evaluation of acid-base balance disorders. Laboratory pictures of respiratory and metabolic acidosis and alkalosis; blood gas analysis in the diagnostic definition of simple and complex acid-base balance disorders; “Point of Care Testing” and its use in different care contexts.

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

- Laboratory tests for the study of kidney disorders. Complete urine test (physical, chemical, and microscopic examination); determination of blood concentration of non-protein nitrogen compounds (uremia - BUN, creatinine, uric acid), clearance tests; functional dilution and concentration tests.

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 36 hours (3 CFU). Attendance at lectures is compulsory and will be monitored using the tools provided by the Degree Course Council.

Assessment methods

Learning is assessed through a final exam that verifies the acquisition of the expected knowledge through an oral test. This test aims to evaluate the achievement of the educational objectives, represented by the ability to recognize and discuss the clinical significance of laboratory data that characterize the following pathological conditions: anemia; acute and chronic inflammation; states of hypo- and hypercoagulability; alterations in lipoprotein balance; functional hepatic deficiency; functional renal deficiency; diabetes; alterations in acid-base balance.

The purpose of the exam is to verify the student's ability to apply the knowledge acquired and to carry out the required deductive and logical reasoning.

Grade point scale:

• preparation on very limited number of topics covered during the course and developing of analytical skills only with the assistance of the professor, using the proper language [https://context.reverso.net/traduzione/inglese-italiano/the+proper+language] → 18-19;
• preparation on limited number of topics covered during the course and analytical skills only on purely executive matters, using the proper language [https://context.reverso.net/traduzione/inglese-italiano/the+proper+language] → 20-24;
• preparation on large number of topics covered during the course, ability to make independent choices of critical thinking, mastery of specific terminology → 25-29;
• exhaustive preparation on the topics covered during the course, ability to make autonomous choices of critical thinking and connection, full mastery of specific terminology, argue and self-reflection skills → 30-30 cum laude.

The grade earned will then be considered in the overall context of the examination of the Integrated Course of “Patologia Clinica 1” taking into account the CFUs assigned to the individual subjects.

During the exam, the use of supporting materials such as textbooks, notes, and computer devices 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