Clinical Biochemistry I

Recommended Prerequisites

Biochemistry; Physiology; Cellular and molecular biology;

Pathophysiology; Immunology; Hematology; Instrumental Analysis Methods; Analytical chemistry

Teaching Methods

The teaching strategy is based mainly on lectures integrated with problem-solving classes focused on the discussion of mechanisms underlying changes in laboratory biochemical data, aiming an active learning and acquisition of integrated knowledge. Moreover, laboratory classes, including evaluation of biochemical analytes referred to in lectures, discussion of methodologies, analysis and interpretation of laboratory data, at the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of FFUC, provide students with the first-hand experience in a real workplace.

Learning Outcomes

This unit encompasses two components: one, concerned with the application of previous acquired knowledge to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying human disease, and responsible for changes in biochemical parameters of biological fluids, widely used in routine laboratory diagnosis; another, aimed to confer knowledge about the basic work carried out in a biochemistry laboratory and of the methodologies most widely used to evaluate such parameters.

Thus, the main objectives are to develop basic practical skills and knowledge needed for working in a clinical biochemistry laboratory. At the end, students should be able:

i) To interpret the clinical significance of changes in biochemical parameters widely used in routine laboratory diagnosis and the mechanisms underlying such changes;

ii) To identify the methodologies widely used in a clinical biochemistry laboratory;

iii) To have developed basic practical skills in clinical biochemistry work.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Theoretical

• Laboratory medicine: biological samples and collection techniques. Analytical and biological variation. Reference values. Automation in the laboratory.

• Biological compartments and fluids: chemical composition

• Hydroelectrolyte balance

• Changes in Na, K and Cl. Main clinical implications.

• Acid-base balance: mechanisms and laboratory diagnosis. Arterial blood gases.

• Proteins from biological fluids: changes, meaning and laboratory study

• Clinical enzymology

• Congenital deficiencies in carbohydrate metabolism

• Diabetes mellitus – pathophysiology, diagnosis and monitoring.

• Ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia: biochemical mechanisms, diagnosis and correction

• Plasma lipoproteins

• Primary dyslipidemia

 

Practical-Laboratory

• Ionogram; enzymes; proteins and electrophoretic fractionation, microalbuminuria; glucose, ketone bodies and glycated hemoglobin; lipids and lipoproteins

• Discussion of clinical cases

Head Lecturer(s)

Bárbara Silva Rocha

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

- Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, N. Rifai, A.R. Horvath and C.T. Wittwer, Eds Elsevier Saunders, 8th ed, 2018

- Mark’s Basic Medical Biochemistry, a Clinical Approach, M. Lieberman and A. Peet, Eds Wolters Kluwer, 5th ed, 2018

- Essentials of Medical Biochemistry with Clinical Cases, N.V. Bhagavan, Chung-Eun Ha, Eds Academic Press, Elsevier, 1st ed, 2011

- Clinical Biochemistry, an Illustrated Colour Text, Gaw A, Murphy MJ et al, Eds Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier, 5th ed, 2013

-  Artigos científicos seleccionados