PTHB 531 Laboratory Diagnostics

(1 cr.) (Clinical Rotation)

This rotation offers students experience in practical necropsy and clinical laboratory skills in clinical pathology, microbiology, and parasitology laboratory rotations.

In the necropsy section, students perform a complete necropsy, recognize and interpret gross lesions in a disease process, and prepare a written necropsy report. Emphasis is placed on collection and submission of specimens to a laboratory for histopathology and for microbiology and toxicology if relevant. Students correlate gross necropsy and microscopic findings to make an appropriate diagnosis. Safety precautions with respect to equipment, protective wear, and biosecurity are introduced.

In the clinical pathology section, students practice laboratory safety procedures, perform a complete manual blood count, urinalysis, and biochemistry analysis using an Idexx VetTest®. Students are expected to demonstrate basic competence in the preparation and examination of cytological specimens. Students shall be able to select/ provide the correct test(s) for a wide variety of diseases of domestic animals, be able to submit the appropriate sample for these tests, and have the ability to accurately interpret a series of laboratory results in the content of patient history and clinical signs.

In the parasitology section, students identify common parasites in feces, blood, urine, skin, and body fluids. Emphasis is placed on clinical cases where students are expected to make a diagnosis based on history, clinical signs, and identification of the parasite(s), as well as recommend treatment and control strategies based on the diagnosis.