COURSE INFORMATION
Principles and techniques in hematology and urinalysis. Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 3 hours. Total 5 hours per week.
GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a broad, yet detailed, knowledge of clinical laboratory techniques involving blood and urine. The student will learn to recognize the normal and abnormal cells and constituents of the media. Emphasis will be placed on developing proper laboratory technique and understanding the technical and physiological limitations of each procedure.
ENTRY-LEVEL COMPETENCIES
Registration for all VET courses is limited to those students who have been admitted to the veterinary technology program.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The student will learn to perform a complete blood count as well as ancillary tests and calculations that are required when abnormal cells and values are found. The student will also learn how to perform a complete urinalysis including physical, chemical and microscopic evaluation.
MAJOR TOPICS/TECHNIQUES TO BE COVERED
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
b. Understand the basic morphological differences between the leukocytes and erythrocytes of equine, bovine, canine, feline, and avian species.
c. Perform a leukocyte differential and recognize normal and abnormal forms.
d. Recognize normal and abnormal erythrocyte morphology.
e. Be familiar with the methods available for platelet enumeration as well as being able to estimate their numbers.
f. Determine hemoglobin, hematocrit and total protein values.
g. Perform both hand (Unopette ) and automated leukocyte and erythrocyte counts.
h. Prepare a reticulocyte smear and count them.
i. Compute the calculations for absolute values, correction of WBC counts, and the RBC indices.
j. Identify the major blood parasites.
k. Have a general knowledge of clotting principles and tests available.
l. Be familiar with techniques of urine collection and sample handling.
m. Evaluate the physical properties of urine (color, clarity, SpGr).
n. Evaluate the chemical properties of urine (pH, blood, ketones , bilirubin, glucose, etc.)
o. Examine, microscopically,
the urine sediment.