TEPAC Patologia Clínica study plan

TEPAC Patologia Clínica · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 7 hours per week

Week 1

Patologia Clínica / Medicina Laboratorial

Map the full Patologia Clínica syllabus into a checklist of subtopics (hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, microbiology, immunology, endocrinology, toxicology)
Define reference-interval logic and pre-analytical variables (collection, anticoagulants, hemolysis, storage) by writing your own summary table
Set up a spaced-repetition deck and a weekly error log template

A one-page syllabus checklist with every subtopic marked as strong, weak, or unknown

Week 2

Describe the complete blood count parameters and their clinical meaning in your own words
Explain anemia classification by morphology and reticulocyte response
Interpret typical leukocyte differential shifts and platelet count abnormalities
Practice 30 CBC interpretation vignettes and record every miss in the error log

A 20-item self-written CBC interpretation quiz with answer rationales, scored at 80% or higher

Week 3

Summarize the coagulation cascade, PT/APTT mixing studies, and inherited versus acquired bleeding disorders
Explain the laboratory approach to thrombophilia and disseminated intravascular coagulation
Review anticoagulant monitoring principles and common interference pitfalls

A decision-tree flowchart for prolonged PT and/or APTT, plus 15 solved cases

Week 4

Master clinical chemistry core panels: renal, hepatic, electrolyte, and acid-base interpretation
Explain cardiac and muscle markers and their timing profiles
Interpret lipid, glucose, and HbA1c results against diagnostic thresholds
Complete a timed 40-question mixed block covering weeks 1 to 4

A timed 40-question block completed with a written review of every incorrect answer

Week 5

Explain urinalysis: dipstick chemistry, microscopy, and cast/crystal significance
Describe body-fluid analysis principles for cerebrospinal, pleural, and synovial fluids
Summarize renal function testing and proteinuria quantification methods

A comparative table of urine sediment elements with associated clinical conditions, plus 20 solved urinalysis vignettes

Week 6

Outline microbiology laboratory workflow: culture, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility reporting
Explain serology and molecular testing principles, including sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values
Describe endocrinology assays and common immunoassay interference issues
Review tumor markers and their appropriate clinical use

A one-page statistics cheat sheet (sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, likelihood ratios) applied to 10 worked examples

Week 7

Consolidate quality control: Westgard rules, Levey-Jennings charts, calibration, and proficiency testing
Review laboratory safety, biosafety levels, and critical-value reporting
Re-drill every item flagged in the error log from weeks 1 to 6
Complete a timed 60-question full-domain simulation

A full-length timed simulation scored above 70%, with a prioritized list of remaining weak subtopics

Week 8

Re-study only the weakest subtopics identified in week 7
Recite reference intervals and diagnostic thresholds from memory in rapid-review format
Complete two additional timed blocks under exam conditions
Finalize a one-page rapid-review sheet for exam-day use

Two timed practice blocks at or above 75% plus a completed one-page rapid-review sheet

Week 4: Syllabus checklist fully triaged; timed 40-question block completed with every miss reviewed and logged

Week 6: All major laboratory sections covered at least once; error log shows shrinking repeat-miss categories

Week 8: Full-length simulation above 70% and two final timed blocks at or above 75%, with rapid-review sheet complete