Clinical Pathology Distance Education

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.
  
  

1. Introduction to Haematology & Disorders of Erythrocytes & Leukocytes
   Wipe the dust from your microscope because in addition to interpreting the results produced by haematology analysers, this module works through the examination of blood smears and the identifying features of erythrocyte and leukocyte abnormalities. The information collected from smear examination helps determine the potential causes for anomalies in erythrocyte and leukocyte parameters.
2. Disorders of Haemostasis, Plasma Proteins & Lipids
   Abnormalities in haemostasis may produce life threatening blood loss and rapid identification of the underlying cause is paramount in managing a critical patient. This module covers the testing modalities and causes for haemostatic defects so that these emergencies can be worked through effectively. In contrast, anomalies in lipid and protein concentration are rarely life threatening and their interpretation can be more thoughtfully carried out.
   
   
3. Practical use of In-clinic Analysers & setting up your in-house laboratory
   When using analysers in practice we need to know that they are providing accurate results for interpretation. In this module we will walk you through setting up an in-house laboratory for accurate and consistent results. We cover all aspects of testing including pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical components and plan to have your team working together in your practice to make sure your in-house laboratory performs as it should and you have some troubleshooting pathways when it doesn’t.
    
   Although the focus of this module is on generation of accurate results, we also delve lightly into interpretation methods. Interpretation of results is reliant not only on a knowledge of various disease processes but on how reference intervals are established, and the sensitivity, specificity and other statistical concepts for the tests that we are carrying out. This is not a statistics course so the statistics are not onerous but practically focussed! 
   
   
4. Diagnostic Cytology
   Examining patients’ lumps and bumps is a common part of a veterinary day and the ability to look at samples from masses in practice is very useful. Similarly, rapid evaluation of fluids is highly desirable when managing the patient with abdominal or thoracic fluid accumulation. In this module we will consider collection and handling of samples but primarily concentrate on cytological evaluation of aspirates from a number of different sites.
   
   
5. Renal and Muscle Disorders & Urinalysis
   Kidney function is difficult to assess by routine methods until the patient is well on the way towards failure and, to complicate matters, various non-renal diseases can elevate the same parameters. As a consequence, urinalysis is a vital component when assessing the renal patient and examination of the urinary sediment is an integral part of urinalysis. Muscle disease can mimic and also occasionally cause renal disease and significant urinalysis abnormalities, so will be presented concurrently. In this module we will look at the integration of blood work and urinalysis, including sediment evaluation, as aids in assessing renal and urinary function.
   
   
6. Electrolyte Imbalances & Acid-Base Disorders
   Electrolyte abnormalities may tune us into a specific disease such as hypoadrenocorticism, but more often they provide an indication of disease severity or direct a fluid therapy plan. Acid-base imbalances often accompany electrolyte disorders, although we are inclined to ignore this aspect of pathology because it is an unfamiliar area. In this module we will address these factors and bring a degree of comfort to analysing the data.
   
   
7. Laboratory Evaluation of Hepatic & Pancreatic Disease
   The liver can be an enigma, with hepatic enzymes increasing in a number of non-hepatic conditions and then minimally rising in the face of significant hepatic disease. This module investigates the use of routine biochemistry parameters in investigating hepatic disease and which additional laboratory parameters are of help in working up the hepatic patient. 
   
   Pancreatic disease can be associated with abnormalities in liver enzymes in addition to pancreatic enzyme alterations and we will consider these further in this module along with a discussion on blood glucose abnormalities as they are often driven by endocrine pancreatic disease.
   
   
8. Laboratory Evaluation of Thyroid & Adrenal Disorders
   Endocrine disorders are some of the more frequent conditions seen in practice, with feline hyperthyroidism so common that it would be expected on a daily basis. Other endocrinopathies are usually not seen as frequently and choosing the ‘best’ test for working up a suspicious case can leave us wondering, because there are no 100% sensitive and specific diagnostic tests in this arena.  This module will investigate endocrinopathies, their testing modalities and how best to go about monitoring the patient while on therapy for these diseases.

This online course comes with:

• Comprehensive digital notes and images 
• Self-assessed cases to test your knowledge and understanding, including access to virtual microscope slides of cytological and blood smear samples
• A discussion forum for conversation, debate and sharing cases with your peers and tutors
• A live online tutorial every 1-2 months
• A monthly assignment based on case studies for each topic. Individual feedback and explanations will be provided by your tutors
• A practical 2-day workshop, including microscopy sessions, to apply the knowledge you have gained
  
  

2-Day Workshop (Face-to-Face). Date to be confirmed. Plus regular online seminars during the course.

Premium, intensive online veterinary CE

All CVE Distance Education (DE) programs are mentored by leading veterinary experts who will provide individual feedback and advice on completion of each monthly module. Each module may include written content, technique videos, self-reflections, quizzes and online submission of monthly assignments.

Maximise the opportunity to expand and consolidate your learning by participating in the tutor moderated group discussion forum and attending the optional 2-day practical workshop, including microscopy sessions.

This course is suitable for qualified veterinarians.