UCPE 01C - Interpreting Laboratory Tests for Medication Management

Course Description

This course will:

• Define terms used to describe and differentiate lab tests.
• Describe patient-specific factors (e.g. medical conditions, concurrent medications) that must be considered when interpreting and using lab test results.
• List medications that may influence lab results.
• Outline the role of community pharmacists for each type of lab result.
• Assess your knowledge along the way.

This course includes:

• Laboratory Tests for Medication Management: Accredited by CCCEP for 12.0 CEUs  (#1281-2023-3668-I-P). Accreditation expires August 1, 2025.  
  • Interpreting Laboratory Tests for Medication Management
  • Urinalysis Interpretation
  • Microbiology Interpretation

Learner Outcomes

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

Module 1: Interpreting Laboratory Tests for Medication Management

1. Understand when it is necessary to order, access, and interpret a patient's laboratory results to assist with drug therapy management. 
2. Describe a rational approach to interpreting laboratory data while considering patient-specific factors.
3. Determine if lab values are outside the expected reference range and identify which medications and/or conditions that may be contributing to abnormal results.
4. Suggest potential next steps for patients when abnormal lab tests have been encountered.
5. Identify potential roles for community pharmacists regarding ordering, accessing, and interpreting laboratory test results. 

Module 2: Urinalysis Laboratory Interpretation

1. Detail routine urinalysis screening tests that may assist with drug therapy management.
2. Understand proper collection and handling of urine specimens. 
3. Describe potential causes and underlying etiologies for various urine colorings and formed elements.
4. Determine if chemical analysis lab values are outside the expected reference range and identify which medications and/or conditions that may be contributing to abnormal results.
5. Outline the process and limitations of urine drug screens and urinalysis for sexually transmitted infections. 
6. Recommend potential next steps for patients when abnormal lab tests have been encountered. 
7. Identify potential roles for community pharmacists regarding ordering, accessing, and interpreting urinalysis test results. 

Module 3: Microbiology Lab Interpretation for Community Pharmacists

1. Explain important microbiology concepts, terms, definitions, characteristics, and processes related to using microbiology laboratory tests for managing medications. 
2. Describe laboratory tests used in the identification of common bacteria causing infections.
3. Identify potential roles community pharmacist's role in interpreting infectious disease lab results.