AGV 134 - Clinical Pathology II
Last Date of Approval: 05/2025
3 Credits
Total Lecture Hours: 30
Total Lab Hours: 30
Course Description:
Clinical Pathology II is a continuation of foundational diagnostic laboratory training for veterinary technology students, with a focus on the interpretation and clinical relevance of laboratory findings. This course provides in-depth instruction in hematology, hemostasis, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, and cytology. Students will develop advanced skills in laboratory techniques, including preparation and evaluation of blood smears, urinalysis, cytologic samples, and interpretation of automated and manual test results. Emphasis is placed on correlating laboratory data with animal health and disease processes to support veterinary diagnoses and treatment planning. Laboratory sessions reinforce hands-on proficiency in sample processing, slide interpretation, and use of diagnostic instrumentation.
Prerequisites: AGV 235 Clinical Pathology and Microbiology
Mode(s) of Instruction: Traditional/Face-to-Face
Credit for Prior Learning: There are no Credit for Prior Learning opportunities for this course.
Course Fees: None
Student Learning Outcomes and Objectives:
- Perform hematologic evaluations.
- Perform complete blood count (CBC) and communicate the results.
- Demonstrate knowledge of hemostasis, common diagnostic tests, and communicate results in clinical contexts.
- Conduct and communicate results for clinical chemistry panels.
- Collect, process, and communicate the results for urine samples.
- Prepare and interpret cytologic specimens.
- Apply laboratory results to clinical case scenarios, demonstrating the ability to support diagnostic and treatment decisions under veterinary supervision.
- Adhere to veterinary laboratory safety protocols and demonstrate proficiency in using and maintaining common diagnostic equipment.
Unit Objectives:
Unit 1: Hematology
Objective 1: Comply with laboratory safety protocols and biosecurity.
Objective 2: Demonstrate effective use and maintenance of hematology instruments.
Objective 3: Demonstrate proper techniques for blood sample collection, handling, labeling, and preservation to ensure diagnostic accuracy.
Objective 4: Describe the composition and function of blood, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets in various domestic animal species.
Objective 5: Prepare, stain, and evaluate peripheral blood smears, identifying normal and abnormal cell morphology and identification of common blood parasites.
Objective 6: Perform and communicate results for complete blood counts (CBCs).
Objective 7: Apply hematologic findings to clinical case scenarios, supporting veterinary diagnoses and treatment plans.
Unit 2: Hemostasis
Objective 1: Describe the normal physiology of hemostasis.
Objective 2: Identify the clinical signs of coagulopathies in veterinary patients.
Objective 3: Collect and handle blood samples properly for coagulation testing, using appropriate anticoagulants and minimizing sample artifacts.
Objective 4: Perform and accurately communicate results for common hemostatic diagnostic tests.
Objective 5: Explain the significance of abnormal coagulation test results and correlate them with types of coagulopathies.
Objective 6: Demonstrate safe and appropriate use of laboratory equipment and adhere to laboratory safety and infection control procedures.
Unit 3: Clinical Chemistry
Objective 1: Describe the role of clinical chemistry in veterinary diagnostics, including its relevance to organ function evaluation, metabolic status, and disease detection.
Objective 2: Explain the principles behind common clinical chemistry tests, including organ function tests, electrolyte, and protein levels.
Objective 3: Demonstrate proper collection, handling, labeling, and storage of samples for clinical chemistry analysis.
Objective 4: Operate and maintain laboratory equipment commonly used in clinical chemistry testing.
Objective 5: Recognize factors that affect the accuracy of clinical chemistry tests.
Objective 6: Perform basic clinical chemistry testing and record results accurately.
Objective 7: Recognize normal vs. abnormal values for commonly tested parameters in domestic animal species and understand their clinical significance.
Objective 8: Communicate findings clearly to the supervising veterinarian, understanding the legal and ethical boundaries of the veterinary technician’s role.
Objective 9: Apply safety and quality control procedures in the clinical laboratory setting.
Unit 4: Urinalysis
Objective 1: Explain the purpose and clinical significance of urinalysis.
Objective 2: Describe methods of urine collection.
Objective 3: Demonstrate correct handling, labeling, and storage of urine samples
Objective 4: Perform physical examination, chemical analysis, and measure urine specific gravity.
Objective 5: Prepare and examine urine sediment microscopically and relate abnormal findings to the veterinarian.
Objective 6: Apply safety and biohazard protocols when handling and disposing of urine samples and laboratory materials.
Unit 5 Cytology:
Objective 1: Explain the purpose and diagnostic value of cytology.
Objective 2: Describe the indications and techniques for sample collection.
Objective 3: Demonstrate proper preparation of cytologic slides.
Objective 4: Describe appropriate fixation and staining methods.
Objective 5: Perform microscopic examination of cytologic samples.
Objective 6: Recognize common cytologic artifacts and sources of error.
Objective 7: Adhere to safety and biosecurity protocols when handling cytologic materials and potential zoonotic agents.
Objective 8: Understand the technician’s role in cytologic evaluation.
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