A Web‐Based Nutritional Assessment Laboratory for Vitamin B‐12 Deficiency

Abstract

It is important for students to understand the use of biochemical tests to diagnose clinical and subclinical nutrient deficiency states so that appropriate nutritional therapy can be prescribed. Unfortunately, increased concerns about exposure to blood-borne pathogens and laboratory chemicals have made offering these laboratory exercises very difficult. As an alternative, we developed web-based simulations of laboratory tests used to assess a patient with vitamin B-12 deficiency. The virtual laboratory begins with an interview of a patient exhibiting signs and symptoms associated with pernicious anemia. Virtual blood is drawn and interactive simulations of laboratory tests commonly used to diagnose pernicious anemia are provided. These include the hematocrit, hemoglobin, urinary methylmalonic acid and Shillings tests. After completing the simulations the student is expected to understand the principles and interrelationships of these tests as well as their diagnostic strengths and limitations. To foster critical thinking, problems involving selection of equipment for diagnosic tests, evaluation of laboratory results and self-scoring quizzes are provided. Supported by USDA HEP Grant 00-38411-9272 and the University of Connecticut Institute for Teaching and Learning.