Science Medicine Veterinary Medicine Save Groups Veterinary Laboratory Procedures and Equipment: A Comprehensive Guide

What is the purpose of a microscope in a veterinary lab?

To aid in diagnosis and identification of problems quickly and accurately.

What should be done to a microscope when not in use?

It should be covered and the light turned off.

What is the function of a centrifuge in a veterinary lab?

To spin lab samples at high speeds to separate or concentrate materials suspended in liquid.

What are the two portions produced by a centrifuge?

Supernatant (liquid portion) and sediment (solid portion).

What is the primary use of a refractometer?

To measure the weight of a liquid and determine its specific gravity.

How should a refractometer be cleaned after use?

With lens paper and alcohol.

What is the typical calibration method for a refractometer?

Calibrate using distilled water.

What types of samples can blood chemistry analyzers use?

Whole blood, serum, or plasma.

What is the main advantage of using blood chemistry analyzers?

They provide quick, efficient, and accurate results.

What are serological test kits used for?

To provide quick and accurate results related to common viruses and diseases.

What is the typical procedure for using serological test kits?

They are usually kept refrigerated and warmed to room temperature before use.

What is the significance of a fecal floatation procedure?

It helps in identifying parasites in fecal samples.

What is the purpose of a fecal smear?

To prepare a sample for microscopic examination of fecal contents.

What is involved in conducting a gross fecal examination?

Visual inspection of fecal samples for abnormalities.

What is a CBC in veterinary medicine?

Complete Blood Count, a test to evaluate overall health and detect a variety of disorders.

What is the first step in collecting a voided urine sample?

Ensure the sample is collected in a clean container.

What does urine specific gravity indicate?

It measures the concentration of solutes in urine.

What is the purpose of preparing a Gram stain smear?

To classify bacteria based on their cell wall properties.

What is the role of a blood rocker in sample preparation?

To mix blood components until they are analyzed.

What should be done if a centrifuge spills or breaks a sample?

It must be cleaned immediately.

What is the importance of cleaning microscope lenses?

To ensure clear visibility and accurate observations.

What are the common objectives of a microscope and their magnifications?

4X (focus and scan), 10X (scanning), 40X (scanning), 100X (used for blood smears).

What is a preprandial blood sample?

A blood sample taken after the animal has fasted for several hours.

What is a postprandial blood sample?

A blood sample taken after the animal has had a meal.

What is the purpose of using the correct needle size during blood collection?

To prevent vein collapse or hemolysis of the sample.

How should blood be mixed in the collection tube?

By inverting the tube gently 10 times over 10-20 seconds.

Which color top tube is commonly used for whole blood samples?

Purple- or lavender-top tubes.

What anticoagulant is found in lavender-top blood collection tubes?

EDTA, which prevents clotting.

What should be done with blood samples if they cannot be analyzed immediately?

Refrigerate the samples.

What is the recommended procedure for labeling blood collection tubes?

Label with patient name, client name, testing requirements, and date.

What is the purpose of a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?

To evaluate different types of white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets.

What type of blood sample is required for a CBC?

Unclotted whole blood collected in a lavender-top tube.

What is the packed cell volume (PCV)?

A measure of the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.

What is a blood smear used for?

To examine the morphology of blood cells.

What is the ideal thickness of a blood smear?

A thin film that tapers to a feathered edge.

What stain is commonly used for blood smears?

Wright's stain.

What color do red blood cells appear after staining?

Pink, red, or salmon.

What color do the nuclei of white blood cells appear after staining?

Dark blue to purple.

What is the importance of maintaining laboratory logbooks?

To keep records of lab results in a neat and organized manner.

What should be included in the recording of lab results?

Results should include normal reference ranges in parentheses.

What is the function of blood plasma?

It is the liquid portion of blood that requires freezing before centrifugation.

What is the difference between blood serum and blood plasma?

Blood serum is the liquid portion after clotting, while blood plasma requires anticoagulants and is used for tests.

What is the role of a blood chemistry analyzer?

To analyze blood samples for various chemical components.

What is the significance of a differential white blood cell count?

It evaluates the different types of white blood cells present in the blood.

What does Packed Cell Volume (PCV) measure?

The percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in whole or unclotted blood.

What equipment is used for measuring PCV?

Centrifuge with microhematocrit rotor, hematocrit tubes, and clay.

How is blood drawn into a hematocrit tube?

By capillary action, filling the tube three-quarters to completely full.

What indicates the percentage of RBCs in a spun hematocrit tube?

The line running through the interface of RBCs and the buffy coat.

What is the purpose of measuring Plasma Protein or Total Protein (TP)?

To help determine a patient's hydration status.

How is plasma protein measured?

Using a refractometer or total solids meter with plasma from above the buffy coat.

What is the significance of blood chemistry samples?

They are used to diagnose diseases and conditions in ill patients.

What is required for a fecal sample analysis?

At least 1-2 grams of stool collected in an airtight container.

What does a gross examination of a fecal sample include?

Observation of color, consistency, odor, presence of blood, parasites, mucous, and foreign materials.

What technique is used to detect parasite eggs in fecal samples?

Fecal floatation technique.

What is the purpose of centrifugal fecal floatation?

To recover more eggs in less time compared to standard fecal floatation.

What is the procedure for preparing a fecal direct smear?

Place a small amount on a microscope slide and roll it lengthwise to create a thin layer.

How is urine collected for urinalysis?

Most samples are voided midstream; methods include expressing the bladder, catheterization, and cystocentesis.

What is the purpose of cystocentesis?

To collect urine for culture and sensitivity testing.

What does urine specific gravity measure?

The weight of the liquid, typically read with a refractometer.

What should a veterinary assistant do if a blood sample for PCV has a pink hue?

It is not appropriate to use this sample for the PCV procedure.

Can veterinary assistants collect urine samples using external bladder palpation?

Yes, they are allowed to perform this method.

What is the normal color range of urine?

Shades of yellow

What does cloudy or flocculent urine indicate?

Presence of particles in the urine

What are common odors associated with urine?

Ammonia and sweet, fruity smells

What does the presence of foam in urine indicate?

High protein levels or bile pigments

What does urine specific gravity (SG) indicate?

The concentration of urine and helps evaluate kidney function

How is urine specific gravity measured?

Using a refractometer

What is the purpose of chemical test strips in urine analysis?

To evaluate various properties of urine using reagent strips

What is the purpose of microscopic examination of urine?

To determine the presence of abnormally formed elements like crystals, cells, or bacteria

How is urine sediment prepared for microscopic examination?

Centrifuge urine, decant, stain, and place on a slide

What do RBCs and WBCs in urine sediment indicate?

Possible urogenital tract bleeding or urinary tract infection (UTI)

What do squamous epithelial cells in urine indicate?

Normal shedding during urine expression

What do clumps of transitional epithelial cells in urine suggest?

Possible carcinoma or inflammation

What types of crystals can form in acidic urine?

Calcium oxalate, cystine, uric acid, amorphous urate, calcium sulfate, and sodium urate

What types of crystals can form in alkaline urine?

Amorphous phosphate and struvite crystals

What are casts in urine, and what do they indicate?

Cylinder-shaped structures formed from protein; may indicate renal tubule damage

What does a Gram stain evaluate in urine samples?

Presence and identification of bacteria

What color do Gram-positive bacteria stain?

Purple

What color do Gram-negative bacteria stain?

Red

What is the purpose of a culture and sensitivity (C/S) test?

To determine if any bacterial or fungal growth occurs in a sample

What is cytology in veterinary medicine?

The study of cells to evaluate inflammation and neoplasia

What is the difference between excisional and incisional biopsy?

Excisional removes a small amount of tissue; incisional removes the entire area for testing

What is the purpose of a necropsy?

To examine a deceased animal's body to determine the cause of death

What precautions must be taken when handling rabies suspect samples?

Pre-exposure immunization and following biosafety practices

What clinical conditions might be considered when a dog is reluctant to urinate?

Possible urinary tract issues or behavioral problems

What are some methods to collect a voided urine sample?

Encouraging the dog to urinate in a container or using a catch method