Course Aims:
This course aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to confidently interpret blood test results in clinical practice. Participants will learn to analyse key biomarkers, recognize abnormal findings, correlate results with clinical presentations, and make informed decisions regarding patient management.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand and interpret common blood tests, including Full Blood Count (FBC), Urea & Electrolytes (U&Es), Liver Function Tests (LFTs), Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs), and Lipid Profiles.
- Recognize normal and abnormal blood values and their clinical implications.
- Understand key terminology and abbreviations used in blood test reports.
- Identify red flag results that require urgent intervention.
- Apply knowledge of blood tests to clinical case scenarios in primary care.
Course Curriculum:
Introduction to Blood Test Interpretation
- Importance of blood tests in primary care
- Commonly used abbreviations and medical terminology
- Understanding reference ranges and units of measurement
Full Blood Count (FBC) and Interpretation
- Red and white blood cell indices
- Hemoglobin levels, anemia types, and differential diagnoses
- Platelet count and its clinical significance
Urea & Electrolytes (U&Es) and Renal Function
- Understanding sodium, potassium, and chloride levels
- Kidney function assessment: Urea, Creatinine, eGFR
- Clinical interpretation in dehydration, renal failure, and electrolyte imbalances
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
- Understanding ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, and albumin
- Common liver conditions: Hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis
- Clinical correlation with patient symptoms
Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs)
- Interpreting TSH, T3, and T4 results
- Diagnosing hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
- When to refer for endocrinology assessment
Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- Understanding cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides
- Risk stratification for cardiovascular disease
- Lifestyle and pharmacological management of dyslipidemia
Inflammatory and Autoimmune Markers
- C-reactive protein (CRP) and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) and Anti-CCP in autoimmune conditions
- Interpreting results in infection, inflammation, and chronic disease
Case-Based Discussions and Clinical Scenarios
- Real-world case studies and interactive discussions
- Red flag results and when to escalate care
- Patient communication and safety netting
