Detection and Management of Preeclampsia: Current Laboratory Testing and Emerging Biomarkers (Online CE Course)

(based on 169 customer ratings)

Author: David J. Moffa, PhD
Reviewer: Jenny Camele, MT(ASCP)

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Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem, transient disorder of pregnancy, which affects 5-10% of pregnant women (usually during their first pregnancy). This course defines preeclampsia (PE) and discusses its prevalence, characteristics, signs, and symptoms. Pathophysiology, causes, treatment, and prevention are presented in this course along with the laboratory tests used in the diagnosis of preeclampsia.

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1 hour(s)
Approved through 11/30/2025
Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel Credit Hours - General (Clinical Chemistry/UA/Toxicology): 1 hour(s)
Approved through 11/30/2025

Objectives

  • Define preeclampsia (PE) and discuss its prevalence, characteristics, signs, and symptoms.
  • Identify the characteristics of mild and severe PE as well as the relationship to the HELLP Syndrome.
  • Define the risk factors for PE and differentiate between eclampsia and the HELLP Syndrome.
  • Describe the pathophysiology of PE, its cause, treatment, and prevention.
  • Describe the main triggers used to diagnose PE.
  • Identify laboratory tests used to assist in the diagnosis of PE.
  • Define and describe angiogenesis relative to its possible role in PE and associated pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors.
  • Describe the various potential biomarkers for identifying pregnant women at risk for PE.
  • Identify assay methods available for several potential biomarkers.

Customer Ratings

(based on 169 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Background and Overview of Preeclampsia
      • Background and Overview
      • Which of the following statements is NOT true in describing preeclampsia (PE)?
      • Preeclampsia (PE) affects 5-10% of pregnant women and typically occurs after 20 weeks' gestation.
  • Classification and Characteristics of Preeclampsia
      • Classification and Characteristics of Preeclampsia (PE)
      • HELLP Syndrome
      • Which of the following can be defined as the presence of hypertension (blood pressure ≥ 140/90) on two occasions at least six hours apart but wi...
      • What condition NOT attributable to any other disorder is associated with eclampsia?
      • Which statement is TRUE regarding the HELLP syndrome?
  • Risk Factors for Preeclampsia
  • Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia
      • Pathophysiology of Preeclampsia (PE)
      • Doppler Ultrasonography of Uterine Arteries
      • The pathophysiology of PE may be attributable to endothelial cell dysfunction in the ________________.
  • Treatment and Prevention
      • Treatment and Management of Preeclampsia (PE)
      • Treatment and Management of PE, continued
      • Treatment and Prevention (Aspirin Usage)
      • Postpartum PE
      • True or false? The only cure for PE is the delivery of the baby.
      • Which statements are true regarding the use of aspirin to prevent PE?
  • Current Laboratory Testing Used for PE Workup
      • Laboratory Tests Used for PE Workup: Urine and Serum Chemistry
      • Laboratory Tests Used for PE Workup: Hematology and Coagulation
      • Which laboratory tests listed below are typically performed to assist in the diagnosis of PE, to establish baseline levels early in the disorder, and ...
  • Emerging Biomarkers for Preeclampsia
      • Emerging Biomarkers to Identify Risk for Preeclampsia (PE)
      • Angiogenesis and Angiogenic Biomarkers
      • Table I: Circulating Levels of Angiogenic Biomarkers in Preeclampsia (PE)
      • Table II: Circulating Levels of Other Potential Biomarkers in Preeclampsia (PE).
      • Laboratory Methods for Quantitation of Biomarkers Used for Determining Risk of PE
      • New FDA-approved Biomarker Test System: The Thermo Scientific PlGF and sFlt-1 Test System.
      • Angiogenesis is the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels.
      • What statements are TRUE concerning angiogenesis and angiogenic biomarkers?
      • PIGF acts as a vasodilator, increasing the diameter of existing arteries, and its serum levels have been found to be significantly lower in mild and s...
      • Choose the correct answer regards the circulating levels of sFlt-1, sEng, and the sFlt-1/PIGF ratio in pregnant women with preeclampsia (PE).
      • Which potential preeclampsia (PE) biomarker that is decreased in PE can be described as a glycoprotein, which is derived from the trophoblast cells an...
      • Which potential PE biomarker is a cell surface molecule expressed by platelets and endothelial cells, and circulating levels are increased in PE?
      • Which statements are true regards the Thermo Fisher Scientific Test System used to aid in the prognosis of PE with severe features in pregnant women?
  • Summary and Conclusions
      • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Current Guidelines for Identifying Preeclampsia
      • Summary and Conclusions on the Clinical Use of Biomarkers for Diagnosing and Predicting Risk for Developing PE
      • National organizations such as ACOG typically do not include the use of biomarkers in the practice guidelines for diagnosing and identifying women wit...
      • What conclusions can be made regarding the clinical use of biomarkers to identify and diagnose PE?
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of instruction: Intermediate

Intended Audience: Medical laboratory scientists, medical technologists, and technicians. This course is also appropriate for medical laboratory science students and pathology residents.

Author information: David Moffa, PhD, has over 30 years of experience in the health care industry as an executive manager, clinical laboratory director, and medical laboratory scientist. He is currently a technical consultant for Kentmere Healthcare, Wilmington, DE, and until his retirement, was the Regional Director for LabCorp, Inc. He holds a PhD in medical biochemistry from the School of Medicine, West Virginia University.

Reviewer information: Prior to her retirement in 2012, Jenny Camele was employed by Laboratory Corporation of America as the manager of customer service operations for the Fairmont West Virginia Region and a Quality Assurance committee member. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from West Virginia University.

How to Subscribe
MLS & MLT Comprehensive CE Package
Includes 176 CE courses, most popular
$109Add to cart
Pick Your Courses
Up to 8 CE hours
$55Add to cart
Individual course$25Add to cart
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
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