07732 - Clinical Pathology

Academic Year 2025/2026

  • Docente: Davide Trerè
  • Credits: 3
  • SSD: MED/05
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Single cycle degree programme (LMCU) in Pharmacy (cod. 5985)

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: principles of transfusion medicine (lesson 1).

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis 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) (lessons 2 and 3).

- Laboratory test for the diagnosis 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 (lessons 4 and 5).

- Serum proteins. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE); SPE patterns associated to specific diseases; acute phase reactants (APRs); inflammation markers: C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (lesson 6).

- Laboratory tests for the diagnosis of lipid disorders. Plasma lipoproteins and their metabolism; lipoproteins and atherosclerosis; assessment of the “basic lipid profile” and cardiovascular risk (lessons 7 and 8).

- 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 (lesson 9).

- 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 (lesson 10).

- Laboratory tests for the study of kidney function. 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 (lesson 11).

- POCT. "Point Of Care Testing" systems and their use in different care settings (lesson 12).

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 (3 CFU). Attendance at lectures is compulsory and will be certified by collecting handwritten signatures of attendance on paper.

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.

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

SDGs

Good health and well-being Gender equality

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.