10091161Veterinary Lab Procedures 1
Course Information
Description
Collect, prepare, and analyze lab specimens from animals for use in generating a diagnosis; parasite, fungus, biochemical, and immunoassay tests. Integrate use of the microscope and a safe, quality driven specimen management process.
Total Credits
4
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Experiential-Portfolio
Course Competencies
  1. Implement a safe, quality-driven specimen management process*
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in lab and/or simulation
    Criteria
    Follow all posted laboratory safety procedures
    Handle specimens*
    Package specimens*
    Store specimens*
    Prepare specimen for selected test
    Evaluate specimen quality
    Interpret normal and abnormal results
    Recognize accurate vs. erroneous results*
    Follow quality control procedures* for selected equipment

  2. Use the microscope as a veterinary diagnostic tool
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in lab and/or simulation, exam
    Criteria
    Differentiate between the types of microscopes used in veterinary diagnostic laboratories
    Prepare a microscope for use
    Prepare specimens* for use in microscope
    Handle samples to ensure maximum accuracy of results*
    Use most accurate and efficient technique for viewing different specimens
    Adjust lens magnification effectively
    Adjust image resolution effectively
    Use the properties of light to affect contrast and resolution
    Solve common microscope equipment malfunctions
    Maintain microscope to ensure safety of patients, clients, and staff*
    Prepare a microscope for storage

  3. Use immunoassays as a veterinary diagnostic tool
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in lab and/or simulation, exam
    Criteria
    Explains the purpose of immunoassay testing
    Collect specified samples (plasma, serum)
    Perform diagnostic exam of blood serum (ELISA, slide/card agglutinations)*
    Perform specified ELISA test (Heartworm, +/- other)
    Differentiate between antigen and antibody testing
    Agglutination
    Blood typing
    Cross matching
    Evaluate sample quality
    Use the correct diagnostic instrument for selected test
    Interpret normal and abnormal results
    Recognize accurate vs. erroneous results*
    Follow safety and quality control procedures*

  4. Perform diagnostic procedures for external parasites (ectoparasite)
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in lab and/or simulation, exam
    Criteria
    Differentiate between the different types of parasitic tests
    Explain the disease process of ectoparasite infestations
    Identify mites*, lice*, ticks*, fleas*, flies*
    Perform common tests for ectoparasites* (flea comb, adhesive tape retrieval, collect/prepare/evaluate skin scrapings)
    Prepare sample for selected diagnostic procedure
    Evaluate sample quality
    Use the correct diagnostic instrument for selected test
    Interpret normal and abnormal results
    Recognize accurate vs. erroneous results*
    Follow safety and quality control procedures*

  5. Perform diagnostic procedures for internal parasites (endoparasite)
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in lab and/or simulation, exam
    Criteria
    Differentiate between the different types of parasitic tests
    Explain the disease process of endoparasitic infections
    Identify common endoparasites of animals to include nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, and protozoa*
    Prepare flotation solution*
    Perform common fecal tests for endoparasites* (direct smear, standard fecal flotation, fecal sedimentation, centrifugal fecal flotation, fecal egg count using McMaster method, adhesive tape retrieval of pinworm ova)*
    Perform selected heartworm tests (antigen kit, direct, Knott's)*
    Identify blood parasites*: listed below
    -Dirofilaria sp/Acanthocheilonema sp (formerly Dipetalonema sp)*
    -Hemotropic Mycoplasma sp (Hemoplasmas)* (formerly Haemobartonella sp and Eperythrozoon sp)*
    -Anaplasma sp*
    -Babesia sp*
    -Trypanosoma sp*
    -Eperythrozoan sp*
    -Ehrlichia sp*
    Prepare sample for selected diagnostic procedure
    Evaluate sample quality
    Use the correct diagnostic instrument for selected test
    Interpret normal and abnormal results
    Recognize accurate vs. erroneous results*
    Follow safety and quality control procedures*

  6. Perform diagnostic testing for common fungal diseases (dermatophytes)*
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in lab and/or simulation, exam
    Criteria
    Differentiate between systemic and cutaneous fungal diseases
    Identify common fungal diseases (dermatophytes)*
    Collect samples for common fungal diseases
    Prepare sample for selected diagnostic procedure
    Evaluate sample quality
    Use the correct diagnostic instrument for selected test
    Interpret normal and abnormal results
    Recognize accurate vs. erroneous results*
    Follow safety and quality control procedures*

  7. Perform microbiologic procedures/evaluations and common biochemical tests*
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in lab and/or simulation, exam
    Criteria
    Identify common animal pathogens and bacteria*
    Explain the bacterial disease process
    Use commercially available media and reagents* [GROUP]
    Collect representative samples*
    Evaluate sample quality
    Culture bacteria*
    Perform sensitivity tests*
    Conduct mastitis testing (e.g., CMT, bacterial culture)* [GROUP]
    Prepare specimen for selected test
    Perform staining procedures*
    Interpret normal and abnormal results
    Recognize accurate vs. erroneous results*
    Follow quality control procedures*

  8. Document test results in animal medical record
    Assessment Strategies
    Medical record, Exam
    Criteria
    Identify components of a medical record
    Record the date for medical record entry
    Record an accurate summary of test results
    Use accurate veterinary medical terminology into the summary of test results
    Include a signature following medical record entry