Interpretation of Blood Results - Online Course

Introduction

A very warm welcome to our Interpretation of Blood Results Course.  The aim of this course is to provide Practitioners with a sound and safe knowledge of the common blood results in both primary and secondary care. This course has two distinct but interrelated and interdependent elements. The first being the online learning resources that are to follow and secondly, a competency framework that needs to be completed in clinical practice. Both elements have a clear focus on high quality and safe clinical practice and are based on relevant evidence based clinical policies, guidelines and best practice.

The course content uses a variety of teaching methods to ensure that the lessons are interesting and relevant to clinical practice. You will find unique expert video presentations and relevant key resources. These learning material are essential in meeting the learning outcomes and for completing the competence framework.

For NMC Revalidation the course is equivalent to a minimum of 7 hours online CPD plus hours to complete competencies in practice.

At the end of the online element of the course you will be asked to complete a quiz and an evaluation form. A certificate of completion will then be forwarded to you. You will then need to complete the competency framework with the support of a competent mentor/supervisor or colleagues within clinical practice. You are encourage to include both the certificate, learning outcomes and the completed competency framework within your professional portfolio and your work based appraisal process as evidence of your continuing professional development.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of the context of how practitioners can utilise the knowledge gained on the course and how to engage with the competencies using Benners model. 

• An overview of how we measure cells and chemicals in the blood.

• Able to understand the signs and symptoms of anaemia.

• Be able to differentiate between microcytic, normocytic and macrocytic anaemia.

• Understands to the different causes of a raise haemoglobin.         

• Gain understanding of Sickle cell trait and disease and the thalassaemia's.

• Can differentiate between the different white blood cells and understands the causes in a rise or fall.

• Able to differentiate between the intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathway. Can explain the components of a clotting screen.

• Can explain the function of platelets and can give reasons for an increase and decrease.

• Understands when it would be appropriate to request B12, folate and iron studies. Can give reasons for abnormalities.

• Be able to explain the different components of the Urea & Electrolytes and can give reasons for abnormalities.

• Be able to understand how to interpret the eGFR with regard to chronic kidney disease.

• Understands diagnostic criteria for Diabetes based on blood glucose & HbA1C.

• Have the ability to interpret Thyroid function tests in hypo/hyper/compensated/treated states.

• Understand what contributes to the liver function tests and reasons for abnormalities.

• Understands the components of a bone profile and when to request/refer to medical team.

• Able to explain Vitamin D Deficiency & Insufficiency. Understands the lifestyle advice which help to increase Vitamin D levels. 

• Understands how investigate a patient with possible gout.

• Able to explain the use of cancer markers and relevance in practice.

• Understanding how we use B-natriuretic peptide in heart failure and cardiac troponins in acute coronary syndrome.

• Understands the risks and benefits of statin therapy.

• Can interpret a lipid profile and calculate the Q Risk 3 score.

• Develop a strategy for triaging blood results and understands critical "red flag" results.