Ateneo - UPO

The course describes the biotechnology used in Clinical Pathology.

Teaching Material provided by the lecturer.
Lecturer's Monographs.

Provide a specific knowledge of biotechnology used in Clinical Pathology.

Good knowledge of Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics.

PowePoint presentation.
Teaching Network on DIR Website.
Frontal lessons.
Laboratory exercises.

ADO (Optional Didactic Activities) at Clinical Biochemistry Unit, "Maggiore della Carità" Hospital of Novara, during which will be deepened the topics previously discussed in class.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request
specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse
e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted
the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination
modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Multiple choice test.

40 hours of lectures, in which are described the topics listed below.
A. Molecular Diagnostics in Clinical Pathology, in particular the following molecular biology techniques are described:
• RealTime PCR (FRET probes)
• Hybridization with ASO (Allele-Specific Oligonucleotide)
• Microarray
• Pyrosequencing
• Mass spectrometry for nucleic acids analysis.
Then are evaluated the molecular biology tests used in the diagnosis of the following diseases:
• Hereditary thrombophilia
• Hemochromatosis
In particular, the pathophysiological, biochemical and molecular bases of these pathologies are described.

B. Description of Biotechnology used in Clinical Pathology for the study of hemostasis and coagulation. In particular:
• biotechnologies used in the evaluation of coagulation: thrombotic risk and bleeding risk (screening tests and specialized tests).
• biotechnologies used in the evaluation of platelet function (reticulated platelets, PFA, Multiplate, aggregometry).

C. Description of Biotechnology used in Clinical Pathology for the study of blood diseases (red line and white line) and for the evaluation of body fluids (cerebrospinal fluid, ascites, pleural fluid, synovial fluid, cardiac liquid). In particular:
• blood count
• biochemical parameters for the evaluation of anemia
• flow cytometry for leukaemias phenotyping
• ion exchange chromatography for the evaluation of hemoglobinopathies and thalassemia.
In particular are described the pathophysiological, biochemical and molecular bases of α and β thalassemia.

D. Electrolyte, and Acid Base Balance
E. Electrophoresis of human plasma proteins
F. Biochemical markers of myocardial injury
G. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
H. The clinical use of thyroid function tests
I. Lipoprotein metabolism
J. Pathophysiology of atherosclerosis

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Notions of Pharmacogenetics and its clinical applications.

Critical interpretation of laboratory data. Prescribing appropriateness of laboratory tests. Knowledge of diagnostic profiles, diagnostic protocols and diagnostic paths.