Medicine sciences laboratory

Module CLinical Biochemistry and Molecular Clinical Biology

1. Knowledge and understanding

Students will acquire knowledge of the phases that determine the results of biochemical, clinical, and molecular analyses, including the clinical question and the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases. They will develop an understanding of biological samples and the main laboratory methods used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of analytes and biological processes. In addition, students will gain knowledge of the principles underlying the selection of diagnostic procedures, including cost–benefit evaluation and evidence-based medicine.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding

Students will be able to correctly apply laboratory methodologies to obtain reliable and clinically relevant data for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. They will be capable of interpreting laboratory results and relating them to different pathophysiological conditions, taking into account analytical and biological variables that may influence the outcomes.

3. Making judgements

Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate both the reliability and appropriateness of laboratory methodologies and the significance of the data obtained in relation to human pathological conditions. They will be able to identify potential sources of error and assess diagnostic procedures based on scientific evidence and cost–benefit considerations.

4. Communication skills

Students will be able to communicate laboratory findings and their clinical implications clearly and accurately, using appropriate scientific terminology in both academic and professional contexts.

5. Learning skills

Students will develop independent learning skills, enabling them to deepen their knowledge of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology, including the study of specific diseases, and to stay updated with advances in laboratory methodologies and diagnostic approaches.

Equal opportunities

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current legislation, students may request an individual meeting to arrange appropriate compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, in accordance with the learning objectives and their specific needs.

Classroom lectures.

Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Knowledge of biology, physiology, chemistry and general biochemistry

Working diagnosis, from biological sample to the clinical report  

Screening, Diagnosis, Monitoring of the progress of the disease and response to drugs

Pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phase

The error

Biological samples, blood, urine, faeces, CSF, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, biopsies, bone marrow aspirate.

Main techniques used in clinical biochemistry and clinical molecular biology.

Biochemical-clinical profiles useful in the biomedical laboratory and related laboratory investigations: glucose profile, protein profile, lipid profile, hydro-saline and acid-base balance.

The liver and liver diseases and laboratory investigations

Cardio-circulatory system and laboratory investigations for heart attack, angina and heart failure.

Blood and blood count

Clinical biochemical evaluation of an inflammatory state: ESR, white blood cell counts, acute phase proteins, CRP

Hemostasis and blood coagulation and coagulation alterations

Kidney, renal failure and laboratory investigations

Biochimica Clinica e Medicina di Laboratorio, Marcello Ciaccio e Giuseppe Lippi, Edises

Biochimica Clinica Essenziale, Elisabetta Albi, Tommaso Beccari e Samuela Cataldi, Zanichelli

 Additional material supplied by the teacher; 

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

The evaluation of the knowledge acquired takes place through an oral exam. The grade is expressed on a scale of thirty, up to a maximum of 30/30 cum laude.

The following parameters will be taken into account to assign the final grade:

• Score 29-30 with honors: The student demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the topics, promptly and correctly integrates and critically analyzes the situations presented, independently solving even very complex problems. He has excellent communication skills and competently masters the language adopted in clinical biochemistry and clinical molecular biology.

• Score 26-28: The student has a good understanding of the topics, is able to integrate and analyze the situations presented critically and logically, explains the topics clearly using appropriate scientific language.

• Score 22-25: The student has a fair understanding of the topics, even if limited to the main areas. He is able to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented, although not always in a linear way, and presents the topics quite clearly with moderate linguistic competence.

• Score 18-21: The student has minimal knowledge of the topics, has a modest ability to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented and presents the topics clearly enough, although his/her linguistic competence may be poorly developed.

• Exam not passed: The student does not have the minimum required knowledge of the fundamental contents of the course. The ability to use a specific language is minimal or non-existent and the student is not able to independently apply the knowledge acquired.

Why request a laboratory investigation.

Diagnostic sensitivity and diagnostic specificity.

Jaundice.

The blood count

Plasma lipoproteins

Transaminases