Blood Result Interpretation in General Practice

Course details

Course title: Blood Results Interpretation in General Practice Date: 12 December 2023 Time: 0900 – 1500hrs (GMT) Session type: ZOOM webinar CPD Accreditation: 6 CPD hours

Course Overview

The Blood Results Interpretation Webinar is designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals in primary care settings for interpreting common blood test results. As such, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of various laboratory parameters and their clinical significance. Moreover, the course will cover the interpretation of key blood tests commonly encountered in general practice and primary care, enabling participants to make informed decisions regarding patient management and treatment.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Interpret a wide range of blood test results commonly ordered in primary care.
2. Understand the clinical significance of abnormal blood test findings.
3. Identify potential underlying medical conditions based on blood test results.
4. Recognise patterns and trends in blood test values for effective patient management.
5. Apply evidence-based guidelines and best practices in the interpretation of blood results.
6. Communicate effectively with patients regarding their blood test results and implications for their health.

 Dr  Verma – GP09h00 Introduction to Blood Results in General Practice. FBCs and CRP

•  Understand and interpret each parameter in a full blood count, including red and white blood cells, platelets, and haemoglobin levels.
•  Identify and classify different types of anaemia based on FBC results and additional tests.
•  Detect and understand common hemoglobinopathies, such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease, using FBC.
•  Correlate FBC findings with clinical symptoms and patient history for accurate diagnosis.
•  management and referral strategies for patients with identified blood disorders.
• Clinical significance of ESR and CRP as inflammatory markers.
• Analyse and interpret ESR and CRP levels in various clinical scenarios especially COPD
• Identify markers indicative of acute vs. chronic inflammatory processes.

10h00 U&E’s

• Analyse U&Es results in patients with hypertension and link them to potential renal implications.
• Relationship between hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney function.
•  Recognising early indicators of CKD in routine U&Es and other related tests.
•  Developing management plans considering U&Es results, especially in patients at risk of or with existing CKD
• Lipid profile and its importance in assessing risk

11h00 LFTs and TFT’s

• Liver function and the pathophysiological basis of liver diseases.
• Analyse and interpret LFT results, understanding the significance of each parameter.
•  Recognise patterns indicative of common liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease.
•  Incorporate patient history, symptoms, and other diagnostic results for a holistic understanding.
• Strategies for managing patients with abnormal LFTs, including referral to specialists when necessary.
• Grasp the basics of thyroid gland physiology and hormone synthesis.
• Analyse and interpret the results of thyroid function tests, including TSH, free T3, free T4, and others.
• Identify and differentiate between common thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroiditis.

12h00 Lunch Aneela Tehseen Clinical Pharmacist12h30 Interpreting Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid

• Understand the roles and metabolism of Vitamin D, B12, and Folic Acid in the body.
•  Interpret laboratory results for these vitamins, understanding the implications of deficiencies and excesses.
•  Recognise clinical manifestations of deficiencies and high levels
• Consider patient history, dietary habits, and comorbidities in interpreting test results.
• Develop effective treatment and management strategies for patients with abnormal vitamin levels.

13h30 Case Studies interpreting blood results in relation to disease management and treatment strategies Gill Dunn – Diabetes Specialist Nurse 14h00 – 15h00 Interpreting bloods in Diabetes and CVD

• HbA1c levels and their use in monitoring long term blood sugar control
• Fasting blood glucose and post prandial glucose interpretation in diabetes
• Lipid profile analysis and its association with cardiovascular risk in diabetes
• Kidney functions tests and their role in diabetic nephropathy assessment.
• Case studies

15h00 Session close

Course Format

This session will be delivered through a combination of interactive live lectures, and  case discussions. Also, the participants will have access to course materials, including reference ranges, clinical guidelines, and handouts for future reference.

Target Audience:

• General practitioners (GPs)
• Paramedics
• Nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Pharmacists
• Other healthcare professionals involved in primary care settings

Course Duration The duration of the course is one day webinar with a requirement to review the booklet prior to attending the session. Lecturers Dr Jay Verma, General Practitioner

Accredited by CPDUK : 6 CPD Hours