By the end of the block, students will be able to:
1. Understand the use of laboratory tests in clinical practice.
2. Define the sensitivity, specificity, reliability, and accuracy of a laboratory test.
3. Define the predictive value of positive and negative test results and how they vary with changes in the prevalence of disease.
4. Understand the meaning of the reference interval of a test and how it is manipulated to increase the test's sensitivity and specificity.
5. Understand the principles of anticoagulation in blood collection tubes and the differences between plasma and serum.
6. Define and give examples of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical variables that affect laboratory tests.
7. Understand patient factors that alter tests results such as age, sex, habits and underlying disease.
| Previous slide | Next slide | Back to first slide | View graphic version |