HomeMy WebLinkAboutVET-205Bergen Community College
Veterinary Technology Program
Course Title: Clinical Lab Procedures I
Course Number: Vet 205
Division: Health Professions
Department: Veterinary Technology
Credits: 3
Classroom Hours: 2
Laboratory Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Admission into the professional segment of the Veterinary
Technology Program; Vet 102, Vet 103, Vet 112, Bio 215
Course Description
This course deals with the examination of blood and urine for diagnostic and prognostic purposes
in veterinary practice. Students will learn to perform several tests including complete blood
counts, blood chemistries, serological tests, and complete urinalyses. Lecture periods will cover
the theories on which the tests are based and the relevance of quality laboratory results in the
evaluation of the health of animals.
Course Goals
Upon completion of this course, the student should receive a foundation in:
Proper collection & handling techniques for blood and urine samples
Automated cell counting
Performing a complete blood count, including microscopic examination of a blood film
Calculating hematologic indices
Slide preparation techniques
Staining techniques
Identification of selected blood parasites of domestic and exotic species
Performing automated coagulation profiles
Performance of blood chemistry assays
Preparation of serum samples
Performance of serologic tests using ELISA methodology and lateral flow immunoassay
Proper method for performing a complete urinalysis
Proper specimen handling techniques, and preparation of samples for shipment to outside
laboratories
Proper instruction for the maintenance of laboratory equipment, and the importance of
quality control
Safety equipment available in the clinical laboratory and standard safety procedures
Performance Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
Identify commonly used laboratory instruments and equipment, and describe proper
procedures for their operation, care, and maintenance
Explain “quality control” and associated terms, along with their importance in maintaining
high standards and accuracy in a clinical setting
Differentiate between precision and accuracy
List the common sources of error in clinical testing
Describe the safety equipment available in the clinical laboratory along with correct usage
Explain standard safety procedures carried out in the clinical laboratory
Identify common samples and materials used in the laboratory, along with proper handling
and disposal
List the phases of hematopoiesis and describe the events that occur in each
List the hematopoietic organs and identify the role of each in hematopoiesis
List the cells in the erythrocyte, granulocyte, and agranulocyte maturation process and
identify the general trends seen in cell development
Describe the normal appearance of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes, along with
species variations
Identify the morphologic abnormalities of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes
Describe the general function of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes
Define medical terms associated with erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes
Define “anticoagulant” and explain the mechanism by which each type functions
Understand the criteria to perform a microscopic examination of a blood film, including a
leukocyte differential blood cell count, evaluating erythrocyte morphology, estimating
platelet numbers, calculating absolute values, a corrected white blood cell count, and
hematologic indices
Identify stains commonly used in a clinical setting
Describe the procedures for measuring thrombocyte numbers
Define hemostasis and the role of thrombocytes in the blood coagulation mechanism
Diagram the blood coagulation pathway, identify the coagulation factors, and describe the
role of each
List factors that can contribute to hemostatic defects
Describe various coagulation tests and identify which portion of the pathway is evaluated
by each
List the components of nonadaptive and adaptive immunity
Describe the structure of the immunoglobulins and the role of each in immunity, along with
immunologic defects
List and describe the types of antigen-antibody reactions that can occur in an organism
List the parameters to consider in choosing an immunologic test kit
Differentiate between sensitivity and specificity
Describe various serologic test methods used to evaluate the immune system
Describe the principle behind the ELISA technique for immunologic testing
Describe the principle and procedure for cross-matching of blood
List the types of instruments used in clinical chemistry testing, along with factors that can
influence chemistry screen results
Describe the general principles for enzyme testing
Differentiate between endpoint and kinetic assays
Identify and list the chemical tests used to evaluate liver and kidney function
Describe the common methods for total protein measurement
Identify and list the tests used to evaluate pancreatic function in an organism
Describe the metabolism of glucose in healthy and diabetic individuals
Describe the principle of analysis of serum electrolytes, including calcium, and phosphorus
Explain the various methods of urine sample collection, as well as proper handling of
samples
Describe the procedure for determination of specific gravity of a urine sample
List the factors which can affect the color and clarity of a urine sample, along with species
variations
Understand the criteria to perform a complete urinalysis, including advantages and
disadvantages of urine dipstick tests, identifying formed elements that may be found in
urine, and other chemical analyses performed on urine
Define medical terms associated with the urinary system
Course Materials
Primary (required):
Hendrix, Charles M & Sirois, Margi: Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary
Technicians; 5th Edition, St. Louis, Missouri, 2007, Mosby/Elsevier
Reagan, WJ, Sanders, TG, DeNicola, DB: Veterinary Hematology Atlas of
Common Domestic Species, Ames, Iowa, 1998, Iowa State University Press
Suggested (not required):
Cowell, Rick L., Tyler, Ronald D., Meinkoth, James H: Diagnostic Cytology and
Hematology of the Dog and Cat; 2nd edition, St. Louis, Missouri, 1999, Mosby
Bassert, Joanna M. & Thomas, John A: Clinical Textbook for Veterinary
Technicians; 8th edition, St. Louis, Missouri, 2014, Elsevier-Saunders
Crow, SE, Walshaw, SO, Boyle, JE: Manual of Clinical Procedures in Dog, Cats,
Rabbits & Rodents, 3rd edition, Ames, Iowa, 2009, Wiley-Blackwell
Course Website
Vet-205 is a "web-enhanced" class. The class has its own website, and each member of the class
has an account for the website. The BCC online course management system is known as
"Moodle."
To access your course in Moodle open a browser and go to the Portal site http://my.bergen.edu.
You can find instructions on how to login to the Portal and connect to Moodle via Portal listed on
the Portal Help Site (http://www.bergen.edu/portalhelp/Pages/StudentHelp.aspx).
1) Your user name is the same as your WebAdvisor username.
2) For your initial password, users logging into http://my.bergen.edu (the Portal) for the first
time will use the first 2 letters of their last name with the first letter capitalized, plus the last
6 digits of your Bergen Community College Identification number. For example,
Name = Pat O’Shaunessy BCC ID = 354210 Initial Password = Os354210
Name = Nancy McDouglas BCC ID = 0054532 Initial Password: Mc054532
Please note that after logging in, you will be forced to change your password. Your
password must be at least 8 characters long. It must contain a number, and an UPPER case
letter and a Lower case letter. Your password cannot be any of your previous 6 passwords.
After you login to the portal site, you will find your Moodle course listed under MyClass
sites. If you are logging in for the first time, you will be prompted to enter your username
and password again. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete onetime setup of your
password.
Unless you are on campus, you are responsible for supporting your own Internet access and email
account throughout the course.
If you still have difficulty logging in, please call the help desk at 1-877-612-5381.
Teaching Methodologies
Classroom activities will include lectures, with power point slides, audiovisual presentations and
large group discussions. Lectures will emphasize the significance of clinical evaluation in
veterinary practice with discussion of test principles and methodologies. Laboratory exercises
will provide experience in performing test methodologies, using appropriate instrumentation,
calculations, quality control applications, and data reporting. Labs will be held at the Veterinary
Technology Building on Bergen campus.
Lecture Grading Policy*
Lecture grades will be averaged as follows for 50% of the final course grade:
Lecture Assignments 5%
Exam #1 10%
Exam #2 10%
Exam #3 10%
Comprehensive Final Exam 15%
Lecture assignments are online—opening and closing dates are provided in the course outline and
also posted in Moodle. Grades and general feedback on assignments are provided in Moodle. It
behooves you to check Moodle frequently, as late assignments will not be accepted. No lecture
quizzes will be dropped from your final lecture grade.
There will be three written unit exams given at times selected and announced in advance by the
instructor, and a comprehensive final examination. Exams will cover lecture material as well as
textbook material (from required texts) and selected article readings and handouts. Exams will be
given in a combination of multiple choice and clinical case formats. Students are expected to take
exams as scheduled by the instructor. Failure to attend a scheduled examination requires the
student to contact the instructor within 3 days of the scheduled exam date and provide a (written)
bona fide excuse for the absence. Upon demonstration of a verifiable absence, the instructor will
provide a make-up examination which will be given in a format of the instructor’s choice—oral,
essay, fill-in, short answer, etc. The exam will be administered on a day and in a location
designated by the instructor. Failure to contact the instructor within this given time frame will
result in a grade of 0 for that exam.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Students must obtain a minimum of an overall 76% in the lecture to
successfully pass the course (independent of the laboratory grade).
Laboratory Grading Policy*
The laboratory grade will be averaged as follows for 50% of the course grade:
Attendance, preparation & active participation 5%
Laboratory assignments 10%
Hematology practical examination 15%
Final comprehensive practical exam 20%
*IMPORTANT NOTE: The student must obtain a minimum of an overall 80% in the final
laboratory grade to pass the course (independent of the lecture).
Lab Attendance, Preparation & Active Participation:
Each student will be required to bring related reading and materials to each laboratory
session. Students must wear appropriate attire (as outlined in the Veterinary Technology
Handbook), and adhere to safety guidelines outlined, provided, and posted. Each student will be
required to bring in a watch (for timing tests) and will be allowed a basic function calculator. No
cell phones will be allowed in the lab (with rare exception and approved in advance by the
instructor). As a student in the lab, you will be responsible for leaving the laboratory and meeting
room clean. All biologic specimens should be recorded in a central logbook, which is located in the
lab. Lockers, located by the rear offices, are provided for the student to store personal belongings.
Locks should be provided by the student. Practical exams are primarily hands-on and related to
essential skills. Exams begin promptly. If you are late for an exam, you will not be provided
extra time. The attendance and participation portion of the laboratory grade will be based on
weekly evaluations in the following areas (with an opportunity to score up to 10 pts each lab
session):
1 Student was on time to lab session (1 pt)
2 Student was properly attired for lab session (1 pt)
3 Student brought required materials to lab session (1 pt)
4 Student was academically prepared for lab session (i.e. able to answer questions
related to the laboratory session) (1 pt)
5 Student was attentive and followed instructions in lab (1 pt)
6 Student actively participated and worked independently in lab (1 pt)
7 Student practiced time management in lab (1 pt)
8 Student followed safety guidelines in lab (1 pt)
9 Student recorded biologic samples in central logbook (1 pt)
10 Student cleaned up after laboratory session (1 pt)
Laboratory Assignments:
Each lab will have a corresponding online laboratory assignment. Questions are related to
the lab performed on a given week. The opening and closing dates for submitting the assignment
are posted on Moodle and in the lab schedule. These assignments are an individual effort and
academic integrity is expected. There is access to computers on campus for all students. At the
discretion of the lab instructor, one lab assignment may be dropped from this portion of the grade.
Late assignments, however, will not be accepted.
Veterinary Program Grading Policy:
91-100 = A
88-90 = B+
83-87 = B
80-82 = C+
78-79 = C
< 78 = F
Clinical Competency Evaluations
In addition to the regular coursework required, students will complete clinical
competencies for a list of essential skills associated with the course topic, as dictated by the
AVMA accrediting body. Areas of clinical laboratory procedures relate to specimen
management and analysis. Students will work individually (or in groups where indicated) to
achieve a satisfactory competence level necessary for each required skill. A list of skill sets will be
available (by appointment) in the Veterinary Technology building for ongoing review. Students
must perform ALL the essential skills required in this course. The student will be given the
opportunity to complete these skills during regular class time. All skills performed during the
semester will be evaluated by the instructor, who will provide a signature after the successful
completion of a task. If any essential skill is not completed after the first scheduled attempt, the
student and instructor will meet to discuss and make arrangements for a second opportunity. If
clinical competency remains unsatisfactory after two attempts, the student, instructor, and program
director will meet to discuss further options for successful completion of the course.
Lecture & Laboratory Resources
Learning resources are posted on Moodle; they are designed to supplement the lecture and
laboratory performance objectives and are not meant to serve as a replacement for attending class.
Lecture Attendance Policy
Attendance and classroom participation are of utmost importance. Students are expected to be
present and on time for all classes. Attendance will be recorded each session. It is your
responsibility to sign in during the class in order to receive credit for attendance. Whether you are
late or absent for a particular class, you are responsible for all material covered in your
absence—this material should be obtained from a classmate. Missing >3 lecture sessions
(lateness > 20 minutes will be counted as ½ absence) will result in failure for this course. You will
be referred to the program director in the event this should happen. If you are late for a lecture,
please enter the classroom quietly and without interruptions. You can contact the lecturer at the
break or after lecture for any announcements you may have missed.
Laboratory Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory. Missing more than two lab sessions, regardless of the cause, will result
in a failure for the course. Lateness > 20 minutes will count as ½ absence. You will be referred to
the program director in the event this should happen. If you have a legitimate reason for missing
a laboratory session, you must inform the instructor within 24 hours. If possible, another lab
section may be offered. Labs cannot be made up in their entirety.
Student Accommodations
Students who require accommodations by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can request
support services from the Office of Specialized Services of Bergen Community College, Room
L-116, Pitkin Education Center, 201-612-5270 or www.oss@bergen.edu.
Rules and Regulations Governing Conduct
Each student is expected to obtain a copy of the Bergen Community Student Handbook and is
responsible for knowing the information included in the Handbook. Copies are available in the
Office of Student Life, the Welcome Center, evening office, and on the Bergen Web site.
In addition, each student accepted in the Veterinary Technology Program is expected to obtain a
copy of the Veterinary Technology Student Handbook and is responsible for knowing the
information included in this Handbook. Copies are available through the program director.
All student and faculty are governed by college rules and regulations. Please refer to the Student
Handbook for information regarding codes of conduct.
Academic Integrity
Bergen Community College is committed to academic integrity. Please refer to the current
Student Handbooks for details related to academic integrity/discipline.
Vet 205 Lecture Outline & Schedule*
Semester offered: Fall 2013
Lectures meet on Tuesdays 10:30am-12:25pm
WEEK DATE TOPIC REQUIRED
TEXT READING
ONLINE
ASSIGNMENT
1 9/3/13 Introduction; Lab Equipment &
Materials; Sample Handling;
Hematology
Chapter 1
Chapter 2 pp.
27-68
Opens 9/3
Closes 10/8
2 9/17/13 Hematology
3 9/24/13 Hematology
4 10/1/13 Hematology
5 10/8/13 Coagulation Chapter 2 pp.
69-73; Chapter 8
Opens 10/8
Closes 11/5
6 10/15/13 Unit Exam #1/Coagulation continued
7 10/22/13 Immunology
8 10/29/13 Serology
9 11/5/13 Chemistry Screens Chapter 3 Opens 11/5
Closes 11/26
10 11/12/13 Unit Exam #2; Chemistries continued
11 11/19/13 Chemistry Screens
12 11/26/13 Urinalysis Chapter 5 Opens 11/19
Closes 12/8
13 12/3/13 Urinalysis
14 12/10/13 Unit Exam #3
15 12/17/13 Comprehensive Final Exam
*Lecture schedule subject to change
Vet 205 Laboratory Outline & Schedule*
Lab sections meet in the Veterinary Technology building:
Section 001: Weds 1:45-4:30pm
Section 002: Weds 4:45-7:30pm
Section 003: Thurs 1:45-4:30pm
Section 004: Thurs 4:45-7:30pm
WEEK TOPIC ONLINE
ASSIGNMENT
1 Introduction: Lab Safety; Equipment & Materials;
Microscope Review; Blood Smears
Opens 9/4
Closes 9/13
2 PCV/TS; Blood Smears; Stains Opens 9/11
Closes 9/20
3 Hematology ID; Complete Blood Counts Opens 9/18
Closes 9/27
4 Hematology ID; Hematology Calculations Opens 9/25
Closes 10/4
5 WBC Differential Count Opens 10/2
Closes 10/11
6 Large Animal & Exotics Hematology Opens 10/9
Closes 10/18
7 Hematology Review & Practice; Coagulation Tests NONE
8 Hematology Practical Exam NONE
9 Serology & Blood Typing Opens 10/30
Closes 11/8
10 Blood Crossmatching Procedures Opens 11/6
Closes 11/15
11 Chemistry Screens Opens 11/13
Closes 11/22
12 Complete Urinalysis Opens 11/20
Closes 12/6
13 Complete Urinalysis NONE
14 Comprehensive Final Practical Exam NONE
15 Review NONE
*Laboratory schedule subject to change
COURSE CONTACT INFORMATION
Lecture & Lab:
Dr. Cynthia Rockafellow
Program Veterinarian
Associate Professor
Office #S-336A
Office Phone: 201-493-5016
Veterinary Technology lab room: 201-493-3764
E-mail: crockafellow@ bergen.edu
Relevant Addresses and additional contact information:
Division of Health Professions
Department of Veterinary Technology
400 Paramus Road
Paramus, NJ 07652-1595
Health Professions Fax # 201-612-3876
Veterinary Technology office (program director): 201-612-5389
Lecture & Lab Office Hours:
Monday 12:30-1:30pm: S-336A
Tuesday 12:30-1:30pm: S-336A
Thursday 12:30-1:30pm: VetTech building
OR by appointment (please contact me by phone or e-mail at least
72 hours in advance of appointment)
Additional Laboratory Instructors:
Ms. Linda Gines, CVT
Ms. Lorena Lago, CVT
Syllabus updated 7/13