VLP100 - Laboratory Procedures and Techniques

Subject Title
Laboratory Procedures and Techniques

Subject Description
Veterinary assistants are often involved in aiding the veterinary team with the collection and preparation of
laboratory samples. For this reason, it is important that a thorough knowledge of procedures and
instrumentation, as well as general knowledge about various tests performed, will be acquired and
demonstrated. This subject will provide the student with a comprehensive introduction to laboratory
functionality, aseptic technique, and health and safety protocols. Students will also establish a frame-work
for subsequent study of animal diseases and parasitology. The veterinary practice laboratory can also be a
significant source of income for the practice. Rapid availability of test results improves patient care and
client service. Most diagnostic tests can be performed in-house by well-educated veterinary staff.

Credit Status
One credit in Veterinary Assisting                                                             

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Upon successful completion of VLP100, you will be able to:

1. List and describe the appropriate and safe collection techniques of urine samples, compare and contrast between these methods and accurately determine the physical and chemical properties of collected urine specimens.
2. Identify common blood tubes in veterinary medicine and describe their appropriate usage for blood collection and clinical analysis.
3. Describe and correctly perform centrifugation of various specimens and operation of clinical chemistry and serology analyzers.
4. Correctly process and read a Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Total Protein (TP) within 0.01 L/L of the value.
5. Perform blood smear techniques and assist in the preparation of various specimen staining procedures as per the provided rubric criteria.
6. Appropriately collect voided fecal samples and prepare fecal flotations for examination.
7. Correctly identify external parasites: mites, lice, fleas, and ticks and describe their differentiating characteristics.
8. Explain and perform basic cytology collection and preparation for ear swabs, skin scrapings and imprints.
9. Record Keeping:
 Ensure all laboratory results are accurately recorded.
 Stock laboratory supplies.
 Input laboratory results into patient files.
 Maintain laboratory logs.

Essential Employability Skills
    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Execute mathematical operations accurately.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
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Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
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Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

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