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

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

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of lipid disorders. Plasma lipoproteins and their metabolism; lipoproteins and atherosclerosis; assessment of the "baseline lipid profile" and cardiovascular risk.

- 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.

- 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.

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of kidney disorders. Urine analysis (physical, chemical and microscopic examination); urea, creatinine and uric acid; eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate).

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 24 hours (2 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 assessed at the end of the course by means of a written test consisting of 32 multiple-choice questions, aimed at ascertaining the student's knowledge of the three modules that make up the integrated course. The questions will be proportional to the credits of each module. Each question will have four answers, only one of which will be correct. Each correct answer will be worth one point, while each incorrect or unanswered question will be worth zero points. The exam will be considered passed with at least 18 correct answers (grade: 18/30). The final grade will correspond to the number of correct answers (from 18 to 30); if there are 31 or 32 correct answers, the grade awarded will be 30 with honors. 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