10091162Veterinary Lab Procedures 2
Course Information
Description
Collect, prepare, and analyze lab specimens from animals for use in generating a diagnosis; urine, blood, blood serum, biopsies; examine the structure and function of animal cells. Integrate use of the microscope and a safe, quality driven specimen management process.
Total Credits
4
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
    Handle specimens to ensure maximum accuracy of results*

  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 microscopic examination
    Use most accurate and efficient microscopy 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. Perform urinalysis
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in lab and/or simulation, exam
    Criteria
    Differentiate between the types of diagnostic tests used to determine urine qualities
    Perform selected sample collection techniques [voided mid-stream]
    Determine physical properties of urine (volume, color, clarity, odor, & specific gravity*)
    Test chemical properties of urine*
    Examine and identify components of urine sediment*
    Prepare sample for selected urinalysis
    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* (urine preservation, properly mixed sample, timely completion of testing, standardized sample volumes for testing, unstained vs. stained sediment)

  4. Perform diagnostic hematologic tests
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in lab, and/or simulation, exam
    Criteria
    Differentiate between the types of diagnostic hematologic tests
    Discuss selected sample collection techniques
    Perform Coagulation tests – perform one of the following*: [GROUP] - buccal mucosal bleeding time - Activated clotting time (ACT) - Prothrombin time (PT) - Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) - Fibrinogen assay*
    Prepare sample for selected hematologic test
    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 microscopic exam of blood film* and a Complete Blood Count (CBC)
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in lab and/or simulation, exam
    Criteria
    Conduct a Complete Blood Count (CBC) to include hemoglobin*, packed cell volume*, total protein*, white cell count*, red cell count*
    Prepare blood film and stain using a variety of techniques*
    Create and stain* a diagnostic blood smear
    Perform WBC differential on blood smear
    Evaluate blood smear for WBC and RBC morphology and platelet numbers
    Calculates blood indices*
    Perform leukocyte differential – normal vs abnormal*
    Evaluate erythrocyte morphology – normal vs abnormal*
    Estimate platelet numbers*
    Calculate absolute values*
    Correct white blood cell counts for nucleated cells*
    Prepare sample for selected blood chemistries
    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 blood chemistry tests
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in lab and/or simulation, exam
    Criteria
    Explain the purpose of blood chemistry testing
    Differentiate between sample harvesting methods
    Differentiate between the constituents of whole blood, plasma, and serum
    Use common blood chemistry instruments
    Distinguish the role of selected blood chemistries (BUN*, glucose*, common enzymes*)
    Prepare sample for selected blood chemistries
    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 cytologic evaluations
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in lab and/or simulation, exam
    Criteria
    Identify pathologic conditions based on cytology
    Collect cytologic specimen (transudate, exudate) from joint, cerebrospinal, airway, or body cavity
    Perform fine needle tissue aspirates and impression smear preparation (differentiate benign vs. malignant)
    Prepare specimen for selected test (prep technique and Diff-Quik stain)
    Evaluate ear cytology*
    Evaluate canine vaginal smears* [GROUP]
    Explain timing and types of pregnancy testing
    Evaluate sample quality
    Interpret normal and abnormal results
    Recognize accurate vs. erroneous results*
    Follow quality control procedures*

  8. Relate the results of specimen analysis to clinical situations
    Assessment Strategies
    Role Play, Exam, Skill Demonstration in Lab and/or simulation
    Criteria
    Communicate obtained test results to [client]
    Collaborate with [veterinarian] to communicate results to client and veterinary team members
    Collaborate with [veterinarian] to assess need for additional tests*

  9. 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 in the summary of test results
    Include a signature following medical record entry