07732 - Clinical Pathology

Learning outcomes

The students, at the end of the course, are able to aquire the main notions for interpreting the results of the main laboratory diagnostic tests.

Course contents

Teaching Program in Clinical Pathology – First-Year

Introduction to Clinical Pathology

1. Definition of Clinical Pathology

2. The role of the Clinical Laboratory in the diagnostic process

3. Quality Control System

Analytical Cycle and its Variability in Clinical Pathology

1. Pre-analytical phase: assessing the relevance and

appropriateness of the test request, patient education and

preparation, material needed for blood sampling,

sample collection (transport and storage), pre-analytical errors

2. Analytical phase: concepts of accuracy, precision, sensitivity,

specificity, systematic and random errors, internal and external

quality control

3. Post-analytical phase: validation of results, reference values,

and post-analytical errors

4. Intra- and inter-individual biological variability

Laboratory Hematology

1. Blood and its components

2. Blood count test: erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet

parameters

3. Anemias: definition, pathophysiological and morphological

classification, first and second-level laboratory tests

4. Iron deficiency anemia: causes, symptoms and diagnosis

5. Pathogenesis of thalassemia

Immunohematology Laboratory: blood groups and Rh factor

1. Blood groups: ABO System and Rh System

2. Other blood group systems

3. Principles of Genetics

4. Direct and indirect Coombs test: principles, methods and

results interpretation

5. Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)

Hemostasis and Laboratory Test

1. The hemostatic process

2. Coagulation, fibrinolysis, control mechanisms

3. Laboratory test for coagulation

4. Classification of Hemorrhagic Diseases

Kidney and hydro-electrolyte balance 

1. Compartments and the balance of body fluids

2. Functions and diffusion of body water

3. Main functions of electrolytes

4. Hydro-electrolyte balance disorders

Readings/Bibliography

Medicina di Laboratorio. Logica & Patologia Clinica  Italo Antonozzi      Elio Gulletta  Piccin 2019

Elementi di Biochimica Clinica e Medicina di Laboratorio. M Ciaccio Edises 2020

Medicina di Laboratorio. La diagnosi di malattia nel Laboratorio Clinico  M Laposata  Piccin 2020 

 

 

Teaching methods

The course consists of 1 CFU (frontal teaching).

Assessment methods

The written exam will be conducted as follows:

The candidate may choose one of the following three options:

1. Module A: 30 questions covering the General Pathology syllabus. Duration: 25 minutes. The minimum score to pass the exam is 18 correct answers out of 30.

2. Module B: 30 questions comprising 10 questions in General Pharmacology, 10 in Clinical Pathology, and 10 in Clinical Biochemistry. Duration: 25 minutes. The minimum score to pass the exam is 18 correct answers out of 30.

Candidates who choose option 1 or 2 will have their final grade calculated as the average of the scores obtained. The exams must be completed within two consecutive sessions.

1. Module A+B: A full exam with 60 questions covering all modules (General Pathology, General Pharmacology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry). Duration: 50 minutes. The minimum score to pass the exam is 36 correct answers out of 60.

Candidates who choose option 3 (Module A+B) will receive an overall evaluation, which will be officially recorded.

Teaching tools

Teaching material showed in class will be available on virtuale.unibo.it

 

Office hours

See the website of Maria Garrubba