Specialist haemostasis training for laboratory teams
Unlock your potential in diagnostics with our expert-led training sessions!
Haemostasis Training Programme
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:600,cg:true)
Module 1 — Fundamentals of Haemostasis
Learning objectives:
By the end of this module, participants will be able to:
- Describe primary and secondary haemostasis.
- Explain platelet adhesion, activation and aggregation.
- Describe the coagulation cascade and fibrin formation.
- Explain the roles of coagulation factors, inhibitors and fibrinolysis.
- Relate laboratory results to the underlying haemostatic pathway.
- Recognise the distinction between screening, diagnostic and specialised haemostasis testing.
Module 2 — Pre-analytical Management in Haemostasis
Learning objectives: Participants will be able to:
- Identify major pre-analytical variables affecting haemostasis results.
- Apply appropriate requirements for patient preparation and sample collection.
- Assess sample acceptability before analysis.
- Explain the importance of citrate concentration and blood-to-anticoagulant ratio.
- Identify effects of under-filled tubes, clotted samples, haemolysis and delays.
- Apply appropriate sample transport, processing and storage requirements.
Module 3 — Routine Coagulation Testing
Learning objectives: Participants will be able to:
- Explain the principles of PT/INR and APTT.
- Interpret routine coagulation results in a clinical context.
- Identify common analytical and pre-analytical causes of abnormal results.
- Explain the use of fibrinogen and thrombin time.
- Recognise when additional investigation is required.
- Differentiate between factor deficiency and inhibitor effects.
- Explain the principles of mixing studies.
- Recognise patterns requiring further investigation.
Module 4 — Platelet Function Testing
Learning objectives: Participants will be able to:
- Explain the principles of platelet function testing.
- Describe indications for platelet function investigation.
- Understand the principles and limitations of:
- Light transmission aggregometry
- Impedance aggregometry
- PFA-type testing
- Platelet secretion studies
- Interpret characteristic aggregation patterns
- Flow cytometry
Module 5 — von Willebrand Disease Testing
Learning objectives: Participants will be able to:
- Describe the structure and function of von Willebrand factor.
- Explain the laboratory investigation of suspected VWD.
- Understand VWF antigen and activity assays.
- Interpret VWF activity/antigen relationships.
- Understand the role of FVIII.
- Recognise when specialised investigations are required.
Module 6 — Factor Assays and Rare Bleeding Disorders
Learning objectives: Participants will be able to:
- Explain one-stage and chromogenic factor assays.
- Understand calibration and reference systems.
- Identify factors associated with PT/APTT abnormalities.
- Investigate suspected rare factor deficiencies.
- Recognise assay interference.
- Assess assay performance before clinical implementation.
Module 7 — Lupus Anticoagulant and Thrombophilia Testing
Learning objectives: Participants will be able to:
- Explain the laboratory principles behind lupus anticoagulant testing.
- Understand screening, mixing and confirmatory approaches.
- Recognise factors that can interfere with interpretation.
- Understand appropriate testing for thrombophilia.
- Interpret results within appropriate clinical and laboratory contexts
Module 8 — ADAMTS13 and Thrombotic Microangiopathy
Learning objectives: Participants will be able to:
- Explain the role of ADAMTS13 in haemostasis.
- Describe the pathophysiology of TTP.
- Understand ADAMTS13 activity and inhibitor/antibody testing.
- Interpret ADAMTS13 results in the context of suspected TMA.
- Understand the importance of clinically relevant decision thresholds.
- Implement appropriate IQC and validation strategies for ADAMTS13 assays.
Module 9 — Case studies
Specialist modules
- Unexpected prolonged APTT
- Factor assay discrepancy
- Inhibitor interference
- Poor platelet aggregation response
- Unexpected ADAMTS13 result
- QC failure
- EQA failure
- Pre-analytical error
- Paediatric Haemostsis and age-related interpretations
- Critical Bleeding Emergency haemostasis testing