Rheumatology Laboratory for Non-Rheumatologists
Program Information
On completion of this program a student will develop the ability to order and understand interpretation of common rheumatologic investigations including serology and synovial fluid analysis.
- Credits: 17 Rheumtalks Credits
- Recommended Audience: All non-rheumatologists
- Estimated Time: 4 hours
Modules
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Synovial Fluid Analysis
Module
In this module you'll learn all about synovial fluid analysis. The most important thing to learn is what to send the fluid for once you aspirate. If you send it for the wrong tests then the results will not be useful. You'll also understand why we send the fluid for these tests.
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The Systemic Inflammatory Response
Module
It is really important to understand blood tests that reveal a systemic inflammatory response. They can help you determine if the arthritis is caused by a degenerative process or an inflammatory one. This module is a good starting place.
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Anemia of Chronic Inflammation
Module
In this module you'll learn all about why someone becomes anemic with chronic inflammatory states or chronic diseases.
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Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
Module
This module will open up a whole new world to you - the world of the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). You'll be amazed by what you're going to learn.
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The Difference Between ESR & CRP
Module
In this module you'll obtain a better and fuller appreciation for the differences between the ESR and CRP testing. Which one is better? Which one should you use? Continue on and find out ...
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Rheumatoid Factor in the Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Module
In this module you'll learn all about the rheumatoid factor and how we use this test when thinking about rheumatoid arthritis. Hopefully another perceptual shift in your thoughts.
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Rheumatoid Factor in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Module
In this module we'll explore what a positive rheumatoid factor means when RA has been clinically diagnosed. It will be a fun filled adventure just waiting for you to join in.
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Following Rheumatoid Factor Levels in RA
Module
This is a question we get asked all of the time. How do the levels of rheumatoid factor vary with disease activity? If a patient is in remission does the rheumatoid factor go away? Complete the module and all will be revealed.
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Rheumatoid Factor in Non-Rheumatic Disease
Module
This module will open your eyes to the existence of positive rheumatoid factor tests in non-rheumatic diseases. Get ready to learn!
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The Anti-CCP
Module
This module will introduce you to the world of the anti-CCP antibody. You'll gain a better understanding of citrullinated proteins and the meaning of antibodies generated to these proteins in the context of rheumatoid arthritis. This is a very sexy module!
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What is an ANA?
Module
This module will introduce you to the world of the ANA. It is a really good module because I wrote it and to keep my confidence up it's important to think positive things. I think you'll like it too.
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ANA in other Diseases
Module
This module will introduce you to other diseases where a positive ANA can be seen. It is very important to know this if you order the ANA and it comes back positive and then you think … now what dummy??
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Do Healthy People Really have a Positive ANA?
Module
In this module you'll learn all about the ANA in healthy people. You see, not everyone with a positive ANA has an autoimmune disease. So, don't send everyone with a positive ANA to a rheumatologist. This module will help you with this!
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Don't keep Testing for the ANA
Module
This module will teach you not to keep ordering the ANA test. Want to know why? Then do the module. We're going fishing again!
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The Subtypes of ANA
Module
This is a quick little module with one focus - to explain to you why the ds-DNA and ENA panel are "subtypes" of anti-nuclear antibodies! It's like the ANA are fish and ds-DNA are pirrhana's, and the ENA are other fish. Keep Calm and Read On!
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Double Stranded DNA in Lupus
Module
When you think of lupus do you think of anti-double stranded DNA. But let me ask you how many people with lupus have a ds-DNA that is positive? If you accept this mission and complete this module you'll find out.
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Beyond the ANA into the ds-DNA and ENA
Module
In this module we'll introduce the ENA panel and re-enforce the anti-dsDNA test. It is an introductory module only. The ENA panel is confusing unless you have experience.