Laboratory Equipment Lab Procedures VTHT 1202

Centrifuge Used to separate substances of different densities that are in a solution. Supernatant: the liquid component of a sample. Sediment: the solid component of a sample Different types of centrifuges are used in veterinary medicine.

Centrifuge Types Angled Head Horizontal *Most Common (Swing-Arm) Microhematocrit

Centrifuged Blood Sample

Microhematocrit Tubes

Blood Collection Tubes Different types of tubes are used depending on what type of sample is desired. Whole Blood- Purple (lavendar) top tube or green top tubes

Blood Collection Tubes Continued When looking at serum or other factors, use different type of tubes. Oxalate Tubes: GREY TOP

Blood Tubes Continued Citrate Tubes: BLUE TOP

ACD (acid citrate dextrose) Used in blood collection for transfusions. Blood is stored in ACD vials or bottles and given to anemic patients.

Blood Collection Equipment Use the largest gauge of needle that is comfortable for animal. As gauge size increases, needle diameter decreases.

Blood Collection Equipment Continued Syringes should be picked based on one closest to desired volume of blood. A larger syringe may collapse the vessel.

Syringe Sizes 1cc Tuberculin 3cc 6cc

Blood Collection Continued Vacutainer allows blood to be collected directly into a blood collection tube.

Refractometer Total solids meter. Used to measure the refractive index of a solution. Refraction is the bending of the light rays as the pass from one medium into another. Refractometer in vet med is used to measure specific gravity of urine and plasma protein levels. Know how to calibrate refractometer

Blood Chemistry Analyzers/ CBC Machines Generates data on organ function and complete blood counts. Machines count cells based on size of cells in a predetermined sample.

Vet Test -IDEXX Chemistry Analyzer

Incubators/ Agar plates Used in microbiological tests. Sustains temperature settings (37 ˚ C) Agar plates are inoculated with potential bacteria. Plates are smeared with inoculation loops. Curettes Incubator Culture Plates

Pipettes Gives the ability to transfer liquids from one place to another. May be plastic or glass

Culture Swabs

Slides Thin sheet of glass used to hold objects for examination under a microscope. Usually place “specimen” in center of slide to view.

Cover Slips Smaller, sheet of glass that may cover specimen. Purposes are: To protect microscope’s objective lens from contacting the specimen Creates an even thickness for viewing.

Washing glassware Wash with soap, detergent, or cleaning powder. Wash with hot water. Wash as quickly as possible after use. If a thorough cleaning is not possible immediately, put glassware to soak in water. All parts of glassware should be thoroughly scrubbed with a brush. Use brushes that will not scratch or abrade the glass surface.

Drying and Storing Glassware If glassware is to be dried, allow it to drain or use paper towels. Never tap glassware against the side of the sink! Dry labware by: Hanging on wooden pegs or placing them in baskets with mouths downward allowing them to dry in the air Protect glassware from dust by plugging mouth and storing in a dust free cabinet.

Technician Role Re: Lab Equipment Technician should have a thorough knowledge of all in-house laboratory equipment. Have lab manufacturers phone numbers readily available for assistance. Know how to operate laboratory instruments. Know how to clean appropriately. Know requirements, calibration measures, etc.

Sharps Container Always use an approved Sharps container to dispose of contaminated sharps. When 2/3 full dispose in compliance with Hazardous Waste Management Plan.

Recall the Metric System

Rules of Lab 1. NO FOOD OR DRINKS!!! Listen to instructions. No horseplay Do not handle contact lenses 5. Dispose of or clean all used instruments and slides accordingly. 6. Use sharps containers 7. Make sure that workstations are neat and clean. 8. Make sure to wear appropriate attire and PPE when told.

Watch Safety Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEjVSMeFHqs&feature=related