Course: Introduction to Laboratory Medicine

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Course title Introduction to Laboratory Medicine
Course code LCH/VAB23
Organizational form of instruction Seminar
Level of course Master
Year of study 2
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 2
Language of instruction English
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Course availability The course is available to visiting students
Lecturer(s)
  • Friedecký David, prof. RNDr. Ph.D.
  • Modrianský Martin, prof. Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Vostálová Jitka, doc. RNDr. Ph.D.
  • Štefaničková Lenka, MUDr.
  • Němeček Vojtěch, MUDr.
Course content
Individual lectures are focused on the laboratory part of a multidisciplinary approach to the patient care. Students will be introduced to the basics of pre-analytical practice, starting with test indication, followed by filling-in request form up to biological material processing. The main focus will be aimed to the most frequent laboratory tests used in clinical practice. Lectures will contain sufficient amount of real clinical case examples, that will demonstrate proper approach according to the newest medical guidelines. The aim of this subject is to strengthen the skills in rational indication of tests and interpretation of biochemical results. Lectures will include important topics such as urinalysis and kidney function, tests for water and ion management, acid-base homeostasis, GIT disorders, laboratory assessment of inflammation and sepsis, basic tests in endocrinology and diabetology, assessment of oncomarkers and markers of bone metabolism and others.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Lecture, Observation, Demonstration, Projection (static, dynamic), Laboratory Work
Learning outcomes
Laboratory medicine is an essential part of a patient's clinical evaluation, and more than 70% of clinical decisions today rely on laboratory results. Laboratory techniques are closely intertwined with various aspects of diagnostics and patient care. The course is structured such, that it allows medical students to acquire basic knowledge along with practical skills necessary for the understanding and utilization of the tests in all medical fields. The aim of this subject is to strengthen the skills in rational indication of tests and interpretation of biochemical results.
Expected outcomes for students after successful completion of the course range from the acquiring of basic understanding of disease pathogenesis and use of this knowledge in assessment and management of real-life clinical cases, to the ability to evaluate biochemical data and to properly apply this knowledge in clinical practice. Upon completion of the course the student is ready to attend the Emergency medicine course, in which the student will learn specifics of laboratory diagnostics in urgent cases and in critically ill patients (pathology of cardiorespiratory system and acid-base equilibrium disorders).
Prerequisites
Successful completion of all 1st year courses.
BIO/VAB11
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BIO/VA011 and LBF/VAB11
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LBF/VA011 and KAR/VAB11 and CJA/VAA12
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CJA/VAA41 and NAN/VAA12
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NAN/VAA13 and PLE/VAA11
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PLE/VAA81 and PLE/VAB11
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PLE/VAB81 and PVL/VAB12
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PVL/VAB32 and CJA/VAB12
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CJA/VAB41 and HIE/VAB11
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HIE/VAB12 and LCH/VAB11
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LCH/VAB20 and NAN/VAB12
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NAN/VAB13 and CJA/VA031

Assessment methods and criteria
Student performance

Written credit test
Recommended literature
  • Burtis, C.A., Ashwood, E.R., Bruns, D.E. (2013). Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. Elsevier Health Sciences.
  • Crook, M. (2013). Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolic Medicine.
  • Kumar, V., Gill, K.D. (2018). Basic Concepts in Clinical Biochemistry: A Practical Guide.
  • McMurry, J. (2011). Organic Chemistry with Biological Applications.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Study plan (Version): General Medicine (2025) Category: Medical sciences 2 Recommended year of study:2, Recommended semester: Summer