Course

Laboratory Procedures 2 Theory

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Veterinary Technology
Course Code
VTEC 1312
Credits
2.00
Semester Length
15 Weeks
Max Class Size
30
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Course Designation
None
Industry Designation
None
Typically Offered
To be determined

Overview

Course Description
This course further develops veterinary clinical and laboratory skills introduced in VTEC 1302 and VTEC 1307 and introduces additional topics. Topics include transfusion medicine, serum chemistry testing, urinalysis, immunology and serology. Cytological techniques and microbiology are reviewed for domestic veterinary species, with an emphasis on pathogens relevant to companion (small) animals.
Course Content

Transfusion medicine:

  • canine and feline blood-types
  • blood typing procedures
  • cross-matching of blood for transfusion

Urinalysis:

  • sample collection techniques 
  • gross evaluation of urine
  • urine specific gravity
  • biochemical analysis
  • sediment preparation and analysis

Immunological and serological testing:

  • ELISA, serum agglutination and precipitation tests
  • serum protein electrophoresis
  • antibody titres
  • in-clinic test kits for heartworm and feline immunodeficiency and leukemia viruses

Whole blood and serum chemistry:

  • sample collection and handling
  • record keeping and lab requisition forms
  • testing procedures
  • quality control
  • manual testing

Endocrine and major organ testing:

  • thyroid gland function
  • adrenocortical gland function
  • glucose homeostasis
  • hepatic function
  • renal function

Cytology and histopathology:

  • tissue sampling, collection and preservation techniques
  • preparation and staining
  • gross and microscopic tissue and fluid analysis

Microbiology:

  • pathogen growth patterns, morphology, testing techniques and control methods
  • sample collection, including use of culture media
  • gross colony and microscopic organism evaluation including staining techniques
  • biochemical analysis
  • laboratory safety and quality control
  • basics of antimicrobial sensitivity testing
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.  Students will prepare and present case materials based on their small animal hospital clinical experience.

Means of Assessment

Assessment will be in accordance with the 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:

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

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

Final Exam 20-40%

Total 100%

Learning Outcomes

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

  • describe veterinary blood types, cross-matching and blood-typing procedures;
  • describe safe handling and preparation of a urine sample, including the steps to a complete urinalysis;
  • discuss the components of a serum chemistry profile and recognize abnormalities;
  • describe common serological and immunological veterinary testing procedures;
  • explain proper collection, handling and preparation of tissue and fluid samples for analysis;
  • describe the application of staining techniques, microbiological culture media use and additional testing steps for microscopic organism identification.
Textbook Materials

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

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

Requisites

Prerequisites

VTEC 1307

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.

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 VTEC 1312
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2025