Veterinary Laboratory Procedures 1 Theory

Curriculum guideline

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Course
VTEC 1302
Discontinued
No
Course code
VTEC 1302
Descriptive
Veterinary Laboratory Procedures 1 Theory
Department
Veterinary Technology
Faculty
Science & Technology
Credits
2.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester length
15 Weeks
Max class size
30
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Contact hours

Lecture: 2 hours/week

 

Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Learning activities

Learning activities may include recorded lectures, group work, presentations, case studies, discussion boards, preparation of client handouts, quizzes, written assignments, client communication simulations and guest speakers.

Course description
This course provides the foundation needed to perform basic veterinary clinical or laboratory procedures. Topics covered include methodology for care and maintenance of veterinary laboratory equipment, materials and methods used to perform common diagnostic tests, sample preparation and submission, accurate record keeping, clinical pathology and clinical hematology. Diagnostic testing for, and identification of, common small and large animal parasites are practiced.
Course content

Introduction to laboratory equipment:

  • function, care and maintenance of a compound microscope, refractometer and centrifuge
  • instrument calibration

Sample handling:

  • sample collection, preparation and analysis
  • accurate record keeping
  • completion of laboratory requisition forms

Parasitology:

  • life cycles and zoontic potential of internal and external parasites common in veterinary medicine
  • diagnostic techniques, gross and microscopic identification

Clinical pathology (hematology):

  • function and formation of blood cells
  • diseases and abnormalities of blood
  • hemostasis
  • complete blood count, packed cell volume and serum protein measurement
  • preparation and evaluation of blood films
  • white and red blood cells and platelet identification
  • white blood cell differentials, red blood cell and platelet counts
Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • discuss the set-up and maintenance of a veterinary practice laboratory;
  • describe the use of common laboratory equipment, including the compound microscope, refractometer, centrifuge, and equipment used in parasitology and hematology;
  • describe the calibration and maintenance of a compound microscope;
  • identify the common parasites of small and large animals;
  • describe the life cycles, zoonotic potential and control methods for common veterinary parasites;
  • discuss diagnostic tests routinely used in veterinary parasitology;
  • describe techniques used to collect laboratory samples;
  • describe the function, formation, and abnormalities of components of blood;
  • discuss routine testing used in hematology;
  • complete laboratory submission forms;
  • explain how to prepare laboratory samples for submission.
Means of assessment

Assessment will be in accordance with Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:

Assignments: 20-50% (no assignment worth more than 20%)

Quizzes: 10-30% (no quiz worth more than 20%)

Final Exam: 20-40%

Total: 100%

Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.  Example textbooks and materials may include:

  • Sirois, Margi. (Current Edition). Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Technicians. Elsevier.
Prerequisites

Students in the Veterinary Technology program are required to maintain a minimum grade of (C) in all courses in order to progress in the program.