LEARNING OUTCOMES

Provide the students with the fundamental elements about the main characteristics of laboratory examinations and the meaning of some of the main classes of diseases markers measurable in a clinical laboratory

Techniques of the various Laboratory Diagnostic Areas are provided .

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Provide the student with the basic elements on the main general characteristics of the clinical laboratory tests (accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, predictive value) and on the meaning of some classes of disease markers measurable in the clinical analysis laboratory (inflammation, cell damage and tumor markers  and markers of function of some organs)

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal lessons, with possible dialectical interactions with students. In relation to the health situation in our country, the lessons can be delivered online, preferably live streaming.
Generic illustration of the reality of a Laboratory Analysis with frequency in some laboratories, if the health situation permits.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

 General concepts of clinical pathology (precision, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, predictive value)

Markers of inflammation and meaning of the main plasma proteins, leukocytosis. Cell damage markers. Renal and liver function markers. Markers of endocrine functions. Tumor markers: general concepts and main markers used in the clinic; liquid biopsy: analysis of circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells (state of the art). Evaluation test of the hemostatic process.

Exercise activities in the analysis laboratory

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lecture notes on Aulaweb covering all the topics of the program will be provided to students; support book (NOT mandatory): Widmann: Clinical interpretation of laboratory tests, McGrow Hill