Course

Veterinary Laboratory Procedures I

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Animal Health Technology
Course Code
AHTT 1102
Credits
3.00
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
30
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Typically Offered
To be determined

Overview

Course Description
This course is designed to provide students with the necessary background to perform basic veterinary clinical
or laboratory procedures. The methodology for care and maintenance of veterinary laboratory equipment is covered, in addition to the materials and methods used to perform common diagnostic tests, sample preparation
and submission, and accurate record keeping. Diagnostic testing for, and identification of common small and
large animal parasites are practiced. Students will also be introduced to basic Clinical Pathology including hematology and complete blood counts.

Enrolment is limited to students of the Animal Health Technology Program
Course Content

The major topics in the course include the following:

1. Introduction to Laboratory Equipment:

-  function, operating procedures, care and maintenance of binocular microscope

-  calibration of instrumentation

-  use of refractometer and centrifuge

-  familiarization with spectrophotometer and other miscellaneous equipment

                                                                                                                                                         

2. Parasitology:

-  life cycles of internal and external parasites common in veterinary medicine

-  control and zoonotic potential of these parasites

-  diagnostic techniques, and gross and microscopic identification

 

3. Clinical Pathology Part I (Hematology):

-   methodology of sample collection, separation, and preparation and handling for analysis

-   accurate record keeping and completion of laboratory requisition form

-   function and formation of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets

-   diseases and abnormalities of blood

-   bone marrow testing

-   platelets and understanding hemostasis

 

4. The CBC (complete blood count):

-  impedance counters, laser flow cytometers

-  manual techniques using hemacytometer and unopette system

-  Buffy coat analysis and hemoglobin testing

-  packed cell volumes and serum protein counts

-  preparation of blood films, including staining and evaluation red blood cell indices calculations, and performance of a differential white blood cell count

Learning Activities

This course involves two hours of classroom instruction and three hours of laboratory activity per week.

Means of Assessment

Written Assignments

10 - 15%

 

Laboratory Assignments & Projects

15 - 20

 

Quizzes

10 - 15

 

Midterm

25

 

Professionalism (Preparation, Participation & Attendance)

10

 

Final Examination

20-30

 

 

100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grades:

A+ 95-100

A 90-94

A- 85-89

B+ 80-84

B   75-79

B- 70-74

 

C+ 65-69

C 60-64

C- 55-59

D 50-54

F 0-49

 
Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of Veterinary Laboratory Procedures I AHTT 1102, the student will be able to:

  1. Prepare and maintain a veterinary practice laboratory.
  2. Utilize common laboratory equipment, including the compound microscope, refractometer and centrifuge.
  3. Employ additional instrumentation used in microbiology, hematology and parasitology, such as blood chemistry analyzers, electronic cell counters, and incubators.
  4. Be competent in the calibration of a compound microscope.
  5. Demonstrate a recognition of quality control methods.
  6. Value and practice safety in the laboratory.
  7. Identify the major parasites of small and large animals.
  8. Be familiar with the life cycles, zoonotic potential and control methods for these parasites.
  9. Perform diagnostic tests routinely used in veterinary parasitology.
  10. Know the techniques used to obtain hematological samples, including those for blood chemistry analysis.
  11. Understand the function, formation and abnormalities of components of blood.
  12. Perform routine testing used in hematology, such as complete blood count.
  13. Complete laboratory submission forms and be familiar with sample preparation for submission.
Textbook Materials

Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:

  1. Foreyt, W.J., 2001, Veterinary Parasitology Reference Manual. Blackwell Publishing, 5th ed. (required)
  2. Hendrix, C.M., 2002, Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Technicians. Mosby, 4th ed. (required)
  3. McCurnin, D.M. & Bassert, J.M., 2010, Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technician, Elsevier, 7th ed. (required)

Requisites

Prerequisites

No prerequisite courses.

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer Details for AHTT 1102
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2025