Time Schedule:
Theresa Nester
LAB M 685
Seattle Campus
Clinical case presentations and discussions aimed at test selection, disease-induced alterations, efficient algorithms, factors confounding interpretation, testing economics. (Four weeks half-time). Prerequisite: completion of required clerkships. Offered: W.
Class description
The overall goal of this course is to help one decide appropriate laboratory testing, as well as interpretation of results, for a variety of clinical conditions. Numerous scenarios will be presented to help the clinician understand the role that laboratory testing should play in helping to manage patients. A second goal is to help clinicians understand pre-transfusion testing and transfusion support.
Student learning goals
1. Understand laboratory tests for, for example, lipid disorders. Decide when to order each test, and how to interpret the results.
2. Understand positive and negative predictive value, and why clinical impression should always direct laboratory testing.
3. Know how to decide which tests to set up in a primary care practice.
4. Understand basic blood component therapy by evaluating cases where patients need transfusion support.
5. Understand transfusion reactions.
6. Understand which patients require irradiated, leukoreduced, or CMV negative blood components.
General method of instruction
The predominant teaching method is by using case examples to highlight how laboratory ordering should proceed. Instructors are from teh departments of Internal medicine, Laboratory medicine (clinical pathology), and obstetrics/gynecology.
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Grades are determined by class attendance, participation, and a short lecture prepared by the student.
