Clinical Pathology Distance Education

The aim of this distance education program is to provide an overview of clinical pathology and assist you in developing and refining your approach to disease diagnosis, while extending the range of tests you can perform and interpret in-house.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Develop and refine your interpretation of biochemical data, electrolyte abnormalities and acid-base parameters
• Refine your technique in making and evaluating blood smears
• Confidently interpret haematological data and identify and describe abnormalities in erythrocyte and leucocyte morphology
• Undertake appropriate quality assurance for your in-house laboratory
• Confidently undertake and interpret tests specific to haemostasis, lipids and proteins
• Refine your ability to assess and interpret data from tests specific to renal, hepatic and exocrine pancreatic function
• Develop and refine your skills in best-practice collection and handling of cytological samples and in the interpretation of aspirates
• Confidently interpret the results from endocrine testing
• Get the best results from external pathology services.

1. Introduction to haematology and disorders of erythrocytes and 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 and 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. 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.
   
   
4. Practical use of in-clinic analysers and evaluation of Blood Glucose Abnormalities
   When using analysers in practice we need to know that they are providing accurate results for interpretation. In this module we will look at quality assurance programs that are used for practice instruments including haematology analysers, biochemistry analysers, glucometers and refractometers. 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. This is not a statistics course so the statistics is not onerous! Blood and serum glucose concentrations are readily affected by artefact and we will consider these as well as the diseases associated with abnormalities in glucose concentration.
   
   
5. Laboratory evaluation of hepatic and exocrine 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 also.
   
   
6. Renal disorders and 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. 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.
   
   
7. Electrolyte imbalances and 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.
   
   
8. Laboratory evaluation of thyroid and 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.

*Note: if travel restrictions impact on workshops running as face to face events, arrangements will be made for an online alternative.

Premium, intensive online veterinary CPD

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.

Each Clinical Pathology DE course participant will receive a copy of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Clinical Pathology. 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.

Choosing your DE course is a big commitment, so there’s no need to add further stress by paying your course up front. To pay as you learn, you will need a AU$1,000 deposit to secure your place, followed by 50% of the total course fee 10 days prior to course commencement date. We’ll arrange simple monthly direct debits from your credit card over 3 or 6 months.
Note: Payment Plan will incur an additional AU$250 administration fee, and Early Bird rates do not apply if you choose the payment plan option.