Writing the Abnormal Bloods Course

Those who have been working in general practice for a few years, might – if we really concentrate- be able to remember a time when looking at and dealing with blood results wasn’t something that felt like climbing Mount Everest. The numbers weren’t enormous, we knew who the patient was, and we didn’t need a degree in cellular biochemistry to interpret them. 

Now it feels more like running the gauntlet, chased by the twin horses of the GMC and a no-win, no-fee solicitor. We have been asked whether we would do a course focused on abnormal blood test results for years and have finally gone for it. The main challenge was what to put in (potentially everything) and what to leave out (potentially nothing) – bear in mind that we could cover every single condition that exists and is remotely related to general practice, it might be a month long course instead of our usual whole or half day. I put on my big girl pants, and tried to focus on what was really vital. 

• Common things are common. We all love the weird and wonderful, but the majority of the bloods we deal with will have fairly predictable abnormalities.
• Interpreting blood tests isn’t about knowing the underlying enzyme pathways for a niche disease. It’s about knowing when you need to ring an ambulance as soon as you see a result, and when you can happily repeat it in a few months’ time. It’s knowing when to panic, and when to relax. It’s being able to find the information quickly in a busy day.

So our newest course was born into the NB family, kicking and screaming.

It’s got legs made of sodium and potassium, one arm of kidney function and one of LFTs. A tummy made of funny FBC findings, and a smiley face consisting of random things like MGUS, triglycerides and hormones. (I won’t mention it’s unfortunate iron-studies bottom – you can look forward to that on the course…)

Each one comes with a blanket made of short and snappy Keep It Simple Summaries, for you to refer to easily in the surgery. We’ll even throw in a webinar you can watch again and again for 12 months. 

If my weird imagery hasn’t put you off, book yourself a place on Saturday's course or watch it in your own time, on demand. This course is included in NB PLUS and is also available as part of our bespoke packages for PCNs, CCGs, partnerships, or health boards.