Blood Coagulation

Producer: Sheffield BioScience Programs

The program is divided into several sections:

Tutorials: uses text, colour graphics and animated graphics to teach the morphology and physiological function of platelets, the haemo-static mechanisms: platelet plug formation and coagulation (intrinsic, extrinsic and common pathways) and anti-clotting mechanisms especially fibrinolysis.
Methods: uses text and animated graphics to describe the principles and a step-by-step method of each of the major laboratory tests used in producing a haemostatic profile (Bleeding time, Prothrombin Time, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), Thrombin Time). It also includes details of an automated technique using a coagulometer.
In Clinical Cases: the use of the test results in diagnosis is taught using a highly interactive problem-solving approach which requires students to use data from selected clinical case histories to make a diagnosis. For each of five different cases (haemophilia, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, von Willebrand Disease, alcohol-induced liver disease, pro-myelocytic leukaemia) a brief patient history and a haemostatic profile is provided. Students must answer on-screen questions and may access relevant further test results. They must then use this information to make a correct diagnosis from a list of possible conditions. Feedback and help are available throughout and there is also a glossary, which explains the medical terms used.
Language Versions: English

Recommended System Requirements:

Windows:

  • Microsoft Windows XP (32 bit), Windows Server 2003 (32-bit), Windows Server 2008 (32 bit), Windows Vista (32 bit), Windows 7 (32 bit and 64 bit), Windows 8
  • 2.33GHz or faster x86-compatible processor, or Intel Atom 1.6GHz or faster processor for netbooks
  • 128MB of RAM (1GB of RAM recommended for netbooks); 128MB of graphics memory
  • Internet Explorer 7.0 or later, Mozilla Firefox 4.0 or later, Google Chrome, Safari 5.0 or later, or Opera 11

Mac OS:

  • Mac OS X v10.6, v10.7, or v10.8
  • Intel Core Duo 1.83GHz or faster processor
  • 256MB of RAM; 128MB of graphics memory
  • Safari 5.0 or later, Mozilla Firefox 4.0 or later, Google Chrome, or Opera 11
  • Target Audience: Undergraduate. Some sections may be suitable for good high school students.

Price: £250 (multiuser, educational license)