Chronic Disease Management - Lab Exercise

**LAB EXERCISE TITLE:** Managing Chronic Disease through Biomarker Analysis

**DURATION:** 2-3 hours

**GROUP SIZE:** 4-6 students

**DIFFICULTY LEVEL:** STEP 3 (Intermediate to Advanced)

**LAB EXERCISE TITLE & INFORMATION:**

In this practical session, students will learn the importance of biomarker analysis in managing chronic diseases. Students will work in pairs to analyze patient samples and interpret results, applying their knowledge of laboratory techniques and clinical relevance.

**LEARNING OBJECTIVES:**

1. Identify and explain the different types of biomarkers used in chronic disease management.
2. Perform a complete blood count (CBC) and analyze results for relevant parameters.
3. Interpret lipid profile results and apply them to patient care.
4. Use urinalysis techniques to identify abnormal kidney function markers.
5. Perform a basic metabolic panel (BMP) and interpret results.
6. Apply clinical decision-making skills when interpreting biomarker results.
7. Use electronic medical records (EMRs) to document patient data.

**BACKGROUND & THEORY:**

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease, require ongoing management through biomarker analysis. Biomarkers are measurable indicators of biological processes or pharmacological responses to a therapeutic intervention. Understanding biomarker results is crucial for making informed clinical decisions.

In this lab exercise, students will learn how to analyze patient samples using various laboratory techniques, including CBC, lipid profile, urinalysis, and BMP. They will also apply their knowledge of clinical decision-making to interpret results and develop treatment plans.

**EXPECTED OUTCOMES:**

By the end of this lab exercise, students will be able to:

* Identify and explain different types of biomarkers used in chronic disease management.
* Perform a complete blood count (CBC) and analyze results for relevant parameters.
* Interpret lipid profile results and apply them to patient care.
* Use urinalysis techniques to identify abnormal kidney function markers.
* Perform a basic metabolic panel (BMP) and interpret results.
* Apply clinical decision-making skills when interpreting biomarker results.

**MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT:**

* Patient simulators or models
* CBC tubes and materials
* Lipid profile samples and materials
* Urinalysis equipment and reagents
* BMP kit and materials
* Electronic medical records (EMRs)
* Safety equipment:
+ Gloves
+ Goggles
+ Lab coats

**PROCEDURE / PROTOCOL:**

1. **Patient Selection and Preparation (10 minutes)**
* Review patient profiles and select samples for analysis.
* Prepare patients for the lab exercise by ensuring they understand the procedure and are aware of any potential risks.
2. **Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analysis (20 minutes)**
* Perform a complete blood count on selected samples using automated hematology analyzers.
* Analyze results for relevant parameters, such as hematocrit, white blood cell count, and platelet count.
3. **Lipid Profile Analysis (25 minutes)**
* Collect and analyze lipid profile samples using standardized laboratory protocols.
* Interpret results for relevant parameters, such as cholesterol levels and triglycerides.
4. **Urinalysis Analysis (20 minutes)**
* Perform urinalysis on selected samples using standardized laboratory protocols.
* Identify abnormal kidney function markers, such as proteinuria and hematuria.
5. **Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) Analysis (25 minutes)**
* Collect and analyze BMP samples using standardized laboratory protocols.
* Interpret results for relevant parameters, such as electrolyte levels and creatinine clearance.

**DATA COLLECTION & ANALYSIS:**

* Record patient data in EMRs, including biomarker results.
* Use data tables or forms to organize and analyze results.
* Analyze results using software tools or manual calculations.

**CLINICAL CORRELATIONS:**

* Discuss clinical scenarios where skill is used, such as managing diabetes through glucose monitoring.
* Highlight common errors and how to avoid them, such as misinterpreting biomarker results.

**POST-LAB QUESTIONS:**

1. What are the implications of abnormal biomarker results for patient care?
2. How do you interpret lipid profile results in a patient with hypertension?
3. What are the consequences of delayed diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease?

**ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:**

* Checklist of skills demonstrated:
+ CBC analysis
+ Lipid profile analysis
+ Urinalysis analysis
+ BMP analysis
+ Clinical decision-making
* Grading rubric:
+ Accuracy of biomarker results (40%)
+ Clinical decision-making and patient care (30%)
+ Time management and efficiency (20%)
+ Safety protocols followed (10%)
* Common mistakes to watch for:
+ Misinterpreting biomarker results
+ Delaying diagnosis or treatment due to incomplete analysis

**REFERENCES & RESOURCES:**

* American Diabetes Association. (2022). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2022.
* National Kidney Foundation. (2022). Kidney Disease and Hypertension.
* American College of Clinical Chemistry. (2017). Lipid Profile Guidelines.

Video demonstrations:

* CBC analysis using automated hematology analyzers
* Lipid profile analysis using standardized laboratory protocols
* Urinalysis analysis using standardized laboratory protocols

Further reading:

* Textbooks on medical laboratory science and clinical decision-making.
* Online resources, such as the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) ClinicalTrials.gov database.