Clinical Pathology Distance Education

Harness in-house clinical pathology for accurate, rapid diagnoses.

Maximise the benefits of your bench-top analyser and in-house pathology to achieve rapid, cost-effective diagnoses with increased confidence. This course will enhance your diagnostic skills across a range of modalities including biochemistry, haematology, acid-base balance, urinalysis, endocrinology, and cytology. Learn practical techniques that will grow your confidence and ensure you optimise the use of your in-house machines as well as external pathology services.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Confidently interpret haematological data, identify and describe abnormalities in erythrocyte and leucocyte morphology and understand which additional tests you should request in common haematological disease states.
• Refine your technique in making and evaluating blood smears.
• Confidently undertake and interpret tests specific to haemostasis, lipids and proteins.
• Undertake appropriate quality assurance for your in-house laboratory and generate a troubleshooting plan for when in-house equipment is producing unexpected results.
• Develop and refine your skills in best-practice collection, handling and processing of cytological samples and in the interpretation of aspirates and fluid samples.
• Refine your ability to assess and interpret data from tests specific to renal, hepatic and pancreatic function.
• Confidently perform and interpret urinalysis sediment examination and integrate this manual skill into your diagnostic repertoire when interpreting renal, hepatic, muscular, endocrine and other disease states.
• Confidently interpret the results from endocrine testing.
• Develop and refine your interpretation of biochemical data, electrolyte abnormalities and acid-base parameters.
• Get the best results from external pathology services.

Modules

1. Introduction to Haematology & Disorders of Erythrocytes & Leukocytes
   This module extends beyond interpreting haematology analyser results by examining blood smears and identifying features of erythrocyte and leukocyte abnormalities. Information gleaned from smear examinations assists in determining potential causes for anomalies in erythrocyte and leukocyte parameters.
    
2. Disorders of Haemostasis, Plasma Proteins & Lipids
   Focus on life-saving diagnostics for haemostatic abnormalities that can lead to critical blood loss, while also exploring the less urgent, yet complex, interpretation of lipid and protein levels in blood.
    
3. Practical use of In-clinic Analysers & setting up your in-house laboratory
   Learn to establish and maintain an in-house laboratory for reliable results. This comprehensive guide covers everything from setup to troubleshooting, ensuring your equipment delivers accurate results with practical tips on interpreting these findings.
    
4. Diagnostic Cytology
   Master the evaluation of cytological samples from lumps, bumps, and fluid accumulations. This module emphasizes practical skills for rapid on-site assessment, improving your diagnostic efficiency in everyday veterinary practice.
    
5. Renal and Muscle Disorders & Urinalysis
   This module explores the complexities of diagnosing kidney function, emphasizing the integration of blood work and urinalysis to assess renal and muscle health. You will learn to evaluate urinary sediments and understand how muscle disorders can influence renal diagnostics, providing a more comprehensive approach to managing these conditions.
    
6. Electrolyte Imbalances & Acid-Base Disorders
   Decode the complexities of electrolyte and acid-base imbalances to guide disease severity assessments and fluid therapy plans. Gain confidence in navigating these often-overlooked aspects of clinical pathology.
    
7. Laboratory Evaluation of Hepatic & Pancreatic Disease
   Tackle the diagnostic challenges of hepatic and pancreatic disorders. This module clarifies the appropriate use of biochemistry and additional tests in discerning liver and pancreatic diseases, alongside considerations for associated glucose level abnormalities.
    
8. Laboratory Evaluation of Thyroid & Adrenal Disorders
   Delve into common and rare endocrine disorders, emphasizing practical approaches to testing and management. Understand the nuances of diagnosing and monitoring conditions like feline hyperthyroidism and other hormonal imbalances.

Tutors

Sandra Forsyth & Karen Jackson