Clinical Pathology for the Veterinary Team Study Guide

Clinical Pathology for the Veterinary Team

Authors

  • Andrew J. Rosenfeld, DVM, Diplomate, American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine and Feline

  • Sharon M. Dial, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists, Clinical and Anatomic Pathology

Publication Information

  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  • First Edition: 2010

  • ISBN: 978-0-8138-1008-9

  • Editorial Office: 2121 State Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50014-8300, USA

  • Website for permissions: www.wiley.com/wiley-blackwell

Dedication

  • Andrew J. Rosenfeld dedicates the book to Lisa, Lauren, and Jillian.

  • Sharon Dial dedicates the book to hardworking technicians in veterinary medicine.

Contents Overview

  1. About the Authors

  2. Foreword

  3. Sample Handling and Laboratory Standardization—Developing Standard Operating Procedures

  4. Components of the Complete Blood Count

  5. Hematology: The Erythrocytes, White Blood Cells, and Immune System

  6. Abnormalities in the Red and White Blood Cell Populations

  7. Renal Physiology and Anatomy, Clinical Diagnostics, and Disease

  8. Liver Physiology and Anatomy, Clinical Diagnostics, and Disease

  9. Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Physiology and Anatomy, Clinical Diagnostics, and Disease

  10. Electrolyte Physiology, Function, and Derangement

  11. Components of the Urinalysis

  12. Evaluating the Urinalysis with Disease Conditions

  13. Adrenal Function and Testing

  14. Blood Gas

  15. Coagulation

  16. Emergency Diagnostics—A Discussion of Shock and Clinical Diagnostics

  17. Obtaining Samples from Different Body Systems and Evaluating Cytology

  • Appendix A: Tables

  • Appendix B: Clinical Pathology for the Veterinary Team DVD Instructions

  • Appendix C: Case Worksheet for Clinical Pathology Cases

  • Additional Resources

  • Glossary

  • Index

About the Authors Details

Andrew J. Rosenfeld, DVM

  • Experience: Practicing emergency medicine for 18 years.

  • Medical Interests: Emergency/critical care, ultrasound, internal medicine, surgery.

  • Education: Instructor at Arizona State University and Mesa Community College in Animal Science and Technology.

  • Co-founder and head instructor of VTEC.

  • Author of "The Veterinary Medical Team Handbook" published by Wiley-Blackwell.

Sharon M. Dial, DVM, PhD

  • Education: Bachelor's in Microbiology from Montana State University.

  • Degrees: DVM and PhD in Pathology from Colorado State University.

  • Roles: Working pathologist, active instructor at University of Wisconsin and Louisiana State University, clinical pathologist at Animal Diagnostic Lab in Tucson, Arizona, and Antech Diagnostics.

  • Current Position: Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology at the University of Arizona.

Foreword Highlights

  • In-hospital clinical diagnostic labs are becoming standard in veterinary practices, enabling quick data retrieval for various tests (e.g., CBC, chemistry, blood gas).

  • This new technology requires veterinary teams to acquire skills similar to those of lab technicians: conducting quality control, handling samples, and interpreting results.

  • The concept of pre-cage theory emphasizes the need for team members to understand disease processes and clinical diagnostics adequately.

  • The goal of this book is to empower veterinary support staff with knowledge to monitor patients effectively and communicate findings to veterinarians and clients.

  • The accompanying DVD aims to offer practical experience through virtual cases.

Chapter 1: Sample Handling and Laboratory Standardization—Developing Standard Operating Procedures

Overview

  • The increase of in-clinic hematology and clinical chemistry instruments emphasizes the need for quality management and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure data quality.

  • Veterinary practices must recognize the significance of trained personnel and effective laboratory management practices.

Equipment and Setup

  • Essential Equipment:

    • Hematology and clinical chemistry instruments.

    • Centrifuge for serum and urine.

    • High-quality microscope (importance of clear optics for specimen examination).

    • Refrigerator with non-frost-free compartment.

  • Microscope Setup:

    • Best for exam efficiency: high-quality objective lenses (10x, 40x, and 100x oil immersion).

    • Proper care prevents immersion oil damage and maintains clarity and focus.

Responsibilities of Veterinary Technicians

  1. Establish and maintain quality control systems.

  2. Implement maintenance protocols for equipment.

  3. Develop SOPs for all tests in the laboratory.

  4. Provide consistent training for lab users.

Types of Hematology Instruments

  1. Centrifugal Instruments:

    • Uses capillary tubes to expand buffy coat and estimate reticulocyte counts.

  2. Impedance Cell Counters:

    • Counts cells based on electric current changes, providing reliable leukocyte, erythrocyte, and platelet counts.

  3. Laser-based Flow Cytometry:

    • Counts cells based on light scatter, providing automated differentials.

Clinical Chemistry Equipment

  • Two types of in-clinic chemistry instruments:

    1. Wet chemistry systems: rely on individual test cartridges.

    2. Dry chemistry instruments: utilize reflected light methods, less affected by hemolysis and lipemia.

Instrument Purchase Considerations

  1. Daily sample volume requirements.

  2. Cost analysis of reagents, consumables, and technician time.

  3. Available workspace and technical skill of personnel.

  4. Sample size and performance time.

  5. Technical support requirements.

Evaluation and Quality Control of Instruments

  1. Precision tests by running control products to determine standard deviation and coefficient of variation.

  2. Procedures for quality control and the establishment of stable ranges for results.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

  • SOPs should be comprehensive, covering titles, scopes, necessary equipment, procedures, and quality control protocols.

  • SOPs actively guide all staff in proper laboratory practices.

Daily Quality Control Procedures

  • Essential for assuring correct operations of hematology instruments.

  • Assured through consistent monitoring and detailed logging of all test results, maintenance, and any outliers.

Reference Ranges and Control Products

  • This section discusses developing reference ranges using control products for consistent comparison in lab tests and highlights the value of accurate labeling, sample handling, and immediate processing to minimize pre-analytical errors.

Conclusion of Chapter 1

  • Veterinary technicians play a crucial role in providing accurate clinical laboratory data.

- Understanding instrumentation, clinical processes, and evaluative techniques allows technicians to effectively support veterinarians in diagnostic accuracy and patient care.

  • The following chapters will delve into hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, and cytology, enhancing the veterinary technician’s role in practical clinical pathology.