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

- The blood composition. Plasma, serum and corpuscular component; complete blood count (CBC); morphological features of the various blood corpuscular components.

- 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.

- 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.

- 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 acid-base disorders. Respiratory and metabolic acidosis and alkalosis; blood gas analysis in the simple and complex disruptions of acid-base balance.

- 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.

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: Elementi di Biochimica Clinica e Medicina di Laboratorio. 2020, EdiSES Università S.r.l . - Napoli.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons for 36 hours (3 CFU).

Assessment methods

The final examination aims to assess that the student has acquired the fundamental notions for a critical evaluation and interpretation 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; acid-base disorders.

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