Biomedical Laboratory techniques

Module 1:

Activity type: Scienze e tecniche di laboratorio biomedico
SSD: MED/07
Year: 2nd year
Semester: 2nd semester
CFU: 1
Hours distribution: 10 classroom hours
Lecturers: CATIA LONGHI

Module 2:

Activity type: Scienze e tecniche di laboratorio biomedico
SSD: MED/46
Year: 2nd year
Semester: 2nd semester
CFU: 1
Hours distribution: 10 classroom hours
Lecturers: antonietta arcella

Module 3:

Activity type: Scienze e tecniche di laboratorio biomedico
SSD: VET/06
Year: 2nd year
Semester: 2nd semester
CFU: 2
Hours distribution: 20 classroom hours
Lecturers: MARCO POMBI

Module 4:

Activity type: Scienze e tecniche di laboratorio biomedico
SSD: MED/07
Year: 2nd year
Semester: 2nd semester
CFU: 1
Hours distribution: 10 classroom hours
Lecturers: CATIA LONGHI

Module 5:

Activity type: Scienze e tecniche di laboratorio biomedico
SSD: MED/46
Year: 2nd year
Semester: 2nd semester
CFU: 1
Hours distribution: 10 classroom hours
Lecturers: antonietta arcella

Learning outcomes

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1. Knowledge and Understanding
The student must:
- Understand the concepts of biological associations and parasitism, with particular attention to parasitic specificity and the adaptations of temporary and permanent parasites.
- Know the morphological, structural, and metabolic characteristics of protozoa, helminths, and arthropods relevant to human and veterinary medicine.
- Understand the geographical distribution, life cycles, and pathogenicity of the main parasites affecting humans and domestic animals.
- Know the modes of infection and transmission of parasites, with attention to infectivity and the safe management of biological samples.
- Recognize the main parasites detectable in biological samples, with particular reference to nosocomial opportunistic parasites.

2. Application of Knowledge
The student will be able to:
- Evaluate the suitability and proper preservation of biological samples (feces, urine, blood, etc.) to ensure reliable diagnostic results.
- Apply safety and quality standards during sample handling to prevent biological risks and ensure prophylaxis.
- Perform laboratory techniques for the detection, identification, and analysis of parasites, including direct examination, concentration techniques, staining, and cultures.
- Utilize advanced techniques to support the diagnosis of complex parasitic infections.

3. Critical Thinking
The student must develop the ability to:
- Assess the suitability of biological samples and the effectiveness of the diagnostic techniques used.
- Analyze and interpret parasitological test results to support clinicians in patient diagnosis and management.
- Adapt laboratory techniques to the specific characteristics of the suspected parasite, considering morphology, biology, and life cycle.

4. Communication Skills
The student will be able to:
- Clearly and accurately communicate parasitological analysis results to clinicians and other healthcare professionals.
- Prepare detailed reports on sample quality, methods used, and results obtained.
- Provide useful information for risk management and the prevention of parasitic infections in laboratories and clinical settings.

5. Learning Skills
The student must:
- Develop autonomy in continuously updating knowledge on emerging diagnostic techniques and new laboratory tools.
- Be able to identify and apply international guidelines and protocols for parasitological diagnostics.
- Critically evaluate new technologies and methodologies to enhance their application in laboratory practice.

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Prerequisites

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There are no specific prerequisites.

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Basic knowledge of biology and physiology of unicellular and multicellular organisms. Basic knowledge of microscopy, applied and molecular biology.

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Programme

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General approach to the diagnosis of viral infections. Serological tests (functional tests, essays on membrane binding assays). Direct Search (viral isolation, measurements of viral antigens). -Molecular methods (assays target amplification, signal amplification assays) Additional molecular methods: genotyping, sequencing, multiple molecular systems.

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General parasitology, systematic classification and life cycles of the main parasites of human and veterinary interest:
• Biological associations and parasitism, parasitic specificity, adaptations of temporary and permanent parasites
• Overview of morphological, structural and metabolic characteristics of protozoa, helminths and arthropods
• Geographical distribution, life cycles and pathogenicity of the main human and pet parasites
• Infection and transmission modes, also in relation to the infectivity of biological samples
• Main parasites found in biological samples, with particular reference to opportunists of nosocomial interest

Acceptance of biological sample:
• General rules: risks and measures to be taken, quality controls, prophylaxis
• Sample suitability
• Storage and handling of biological samples: faeces, urine, blood, duodenal aspirate, vaginal secretion, cerebro-spinal fluid, skin scarification, sputum, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid, aspirate (from cysts, abscesses, glands, ulcers), biopsy (cutaneous, muscular, duodenal, of organs), perianal swab.

Laboratory techniques in parasitology:
• Fresh direct examination
• Fixation of the sample
• Main stainings
• Concentration techniques
• Cultures
• Molecular biology techniques
• Serological techniques
• Preparation of parasites for morphological and microscopic analysis

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Biological sample for microbiological investigation. Direct and indirect diagnosis. Microscopy techniques. Staining techniques. Bacteria cultivation. Isolation and identification techniques. Molecular biology techniques. Methods to determine the sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs. Disinfection and sterilization techniques.

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Books

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-Learning material provided by the teacher.
-Eudes Lanciotti : “Principi di Microbiologia Clinica”. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

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G. Cancrini – Parassitologia e tecniche di laboratorio per le professioni sanitarie. 2013. Lombardo Ed.

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-Learning material provided by the teacher.
-Eudes Lanciotti : “Principi di Microbiologia Clinica”. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana

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Bibliography

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Lessons mode

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Frontal classroom and in-depth lessons will be carried out.

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Lectures with support of powerpoint slides.

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Frequency

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mandatory

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Exam mode

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oral exam

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Specific questions are provided on the topics covered in the syllabus, covered in class and supported by the course material provided.

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To Pass the test student must obtain a note of 18/30 for each subject of the integrated teach. Student must possess a sufficient knowledge of the program
To obtain a note of 30/30 with distinction student must possess an excellent knowledge of the whole program using a correct terminology to expose the topics

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Example exam questions

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The student will be required to describe the biological cycles of the main parasites of veterinary medical interest, the mode of transmission and the sample of choice for parasitological diagnosis. The student will also be required to describe the main steps necessary for the preparation of different biological samples depending on the parasite under investigation.

Question examples:
Describe the biological cycle of the malaria plasmodium.
Describe the procedure for the preparation of a blood smear.
Describe the main procedures for concentrating a faecal sample.

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Arguments