Clinical Biochemistry
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The teaching aims to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge for the understanding and use of current laboratory tests, through the knowledge of analytical principles, optimization processes and their interpretation.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will acquire the knowledge of the analytical principles at the base of the most frequent laboratory tests, on the processes for the optimization of laboratory tests, on the current events in the market of national and international diagnostic producers. From a communicative point of view, the student will be able to explain and interpret the chemical-clinical examinations. The course will provide the basic principles to facilitate the future integration of Biologists in the field of Laboratory Medicine.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
General organization of the clinical laboratory
Pre-analytical phase
- biological samples, collection, storage and treatment
- main sources of pre-analytical variability
- unsuitable samples
- intra and inter-biological variability
Analytical variability
- analytical characteristics of laboratory methods, types of analytical errors, analytical goals
- evaluation of the analytical methods
- standardization of analytical methods and metrological traceability
- analytical principles of some common laboratory tests
- quality assurance procedures
Interpretation of laboratory tests
- reference intervals, decisional limits, critical difference
- diagnostic specificity and sensibility, ROC curves
Most common laboratory tests, role of the laboratory in the diagnosis and monitoring of some relevant diseases:
- Tests for the evaluation of anemias, iron disorders and hemoglobinophaties
- Tests for laboratory management of diabetes
- Dislipidemias
- Cardiac biomarkers
- Tests for kidney function
- Serum proteins
- Principles of clinical enzymology
- Tests for liver function
- Biomarkers for bone disorders
Pre-analytical phase
- biological samples, collection, storage and treatment
- main sources of pre-analytical variability
- unsuitable samples
- intra and inter-biological variability
Analytical variability
- analytical characteristics of laboratory methods, types of analytical errors, analytical goals
- evaluation of the analytical methods
- standardization of analytical methods and metrological traceability
- analytical principles of some common laboratory tests
- quality assurance procedures
Interpretation of laboratory tests
- reference intervals, decisional limits, critical difference
- diagnostic specificity and sensibility, ROC curves
Most common laboratory tests, role of the laboratory in the diagnosis and monitoring of some relevant diseases:
- Tests for the evaluation of anemias, iron disorders and hemoglobinophaties
- Tests for laboratory management of diabetes
- Dislipidemias
- Cardiac biomarkers
- Tests for kidney function
- Serum proteins
- Principles of clinical enzymology
- Tests for liver function
- Biomarkers for bone disorders
Prerequisites for admission
It is advisable to have acquired basic knowledges of biochemistry, human anatomy and general physiology.
Teaching methods
The course is based on interactive lessons supported by projected materials. Students are stimulated to actively participate to the lecture/discussion in order to improve their critical spirit. This is achieved by carefully looking at the provided literature and by communicating their concepts in an adequate mode. The attendance to the lectures is strongly advised.
Teaching Resources
The presentations of all the lectures are available through the Ariel website, as well as some suggested readings.
Reference textbooks are the following:
1) Marcello Ciaccio. Elementi di Biochimica Clinica e medicina di laboratorio. EdiSES Università, Napoli,2020.
2) Mauro Panteghini. Interpretazione degli esami di laboratorio. Trattato Italiano di Medicina di Laboratorio. Volume VII. Piccin 2008
Reference textbooks are the following:
1) Marcello Ciaccio. Elementi di Biochimica Clinica e medicina di laboratorio. EdiSES Università, Napoli,2020.
2) Mauro Panteghini. Interpretazione degli esami di laboratorio. Trattato Italiano di Medicina di Laboratorio. Volume VII. Piccin 2008
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written exam with 3 open questions regarding the topics addressed during the lessons, to be completed in 90 min. The evaluation is based on the achievement of a good knowledge of the matter and on the completeness of answers to all the questions. The ability to present the topics clearly and logically will also be evaluated. The result of the exam is expressed in thirtieths and is the mean of the marks obtained in the individual questions. At least a passing grade in all three questions is required to pass the exam. The result of the exam is communicated through the dedicated University web-site. No pre-test or intermediate assays are planned.
BIO/12 - CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Paleari Renata
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)