CPD: Platelets – Essential Blood Cell Morphology

Dr Ali Mahdi · May 10, 2023

Welcome to this online course on platelet, along with megakaryocyte morphology. This course is part of the Essential Blood Cell Morphology series.

By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the subject and the knowledge and skills required to practice in this field confidently.

Course details

The course will cover the following topics in detail:

  1. Introduction and basic concepts (including morphology): You will learn about the essential role platelets play in hemostasis and the formation of blood clots. The structure, components, and life cycle of platelets will be discussed, along with an exploration of the morphology of megakaryocytes, the precursors of platelets.
  2. Thrombocytopenia: here we will focus on low platelet counts in the blood. You will learn about the key morphological features observed in the blood film of patients with thrombocytopenia, related to platelets and other haematopoietic cells. The clinical approach to patients with thrombocytopenia, including diagnostic considerations and the identification of underlying causes, will also be covered.
  3. Thrombocytosis: You will explore the different types of thrombocytosis, including primary (essential) and secondary thrombocytosis, along with the causes and clinical significance.
  4. Immature platelet proliferations: This section will focus on the identification and characteristics of immature platelet proliferations. You will learn how to identify a megakaryoblast, the precursor cell of megakaryocytes, through morphological features observed in the bone marrow or peripheral blood. Additionally, you will explore specific conditions associated with immature platelet proliferations, such as transient abnormal myelopoiesis and acute megakaryoblastic leukaemia.

We will use video tutorials with English captions and an end-of-course assessment that awards a certificate upon successful completion.

It is estimated this course will take you 1-2 hours to complete.

The target audience for this course are:

  • Biomedical scientists/medical laboratory scientists
  • Haematology trainees and consultants
  • Haematopathology trainees and specialists

Your course certificate will be available for download after successfully completing the course assessment. If you have difficulty downloading your certificate, please email admin@blood-academy.com for further assistance.

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About our tutor

Dr Ali Mahdi

Dr Ali Mahdi

Dr Ali Mahdi is a Consultant Haematologist at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in South Wales. His specialist interests include haematology diagnostics and myeloid malignancies. He co-founded Blood Academy and has a keen interest in medical education. Dr Mahdi has also acted as principal investigator in several clinical trials for myeloid malignancies and is a member of the NCRI group for chronic myeloid leukaemia.

About Instructor

Dr Ali Mahdi

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Program Includes

  • 4 Lessons
  • 1 Assessment