In recent years, the numbers and types of clinical laboratory tests now available for use in the veterinary practice have significantly increased. These technological advances have resulted in improved patient service and higher practice revenue and have greatly expanded the role of the veterinary technician. This book represents an effort to collect the relevant clinical laboratory information needed by the practicing veterinary technician. Veterinary assistant and veterinary technology students will also find this a valuable everyday reference. Principles and procedures for laboratory diagnostics in the areas of clinical chemistry, microbiology, hematology, hemostasis, parasitology, urinalysis, immunology, and cytology are presented. A basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of common species has been assumed throughout the text but reviews of anatomy and physiology topics are included in some sections.
This new edition has been significantly updated with expanded information that reflects the latest developments in the veterinary clinical laboratory. Specific features of this new edition include:
• Extensive full-color illustrations including numerous photomicrographs of blood cells, cytology and microbiology samples, and urine sediment
• New sections on laboratory mathematics, hematopoiesis, molecular diagnostics, and the physiologic basis of immunity
• Expanded information on clinical analyzers and quality assurance
• Key points and recommended readings for each chapter
• Information on professional associations related to veterinary clinical pathology
Step-by-step procedure boxes for all commonly performed hematology, cytology, and parasitology laboratory tests are included in this new edition. The procedure boxes represent those skills that veterinary technician students must perform during their educational program, as well as additional procedures that are commonly performed by veterinary technicians in private veterinary practice. The following procedures are included in specially colored boxes within the chapters:
Contributing authors to this edition include experienced veterinary technician educators from AVMA-accredited veterinary technology programs. Their knowledge and commitment to enhancing the learning of these complex subjects are evident in the improved organization of the chapters, as well as the inclusion of many new diagrams and boxes that summarize important test principles.
It is our hope that this text will serve as an every day reference guide for the veterinary technician in the clinical laboratory.