DOI : https :// www . doi . org / 10.56496 / MQZL4989

April Louise Murphy , RVN , ISFMCertFN

London Cat Clinic

ENVELOPE missapril104 @ gmail . com

April is an RVN and has completed her ISFM certificate in feline nursing . She works full-time at the London Cat Clinic . She loves learning , developing new skills and being kept busy in her role . She is passionate about feline care and nursing , and surgery and anaesthesia . April enjoys teaching and supporting people . She hopes to encourage veterinary nurses , students and veterinary care assistants to have a voice , feel valued in their roles and to learn from each other .

ABSTRACT Diagnostic testing in veterinary practice is a crucial tool in determining a patient ' s health status . Veterinary nurses usually assist with these procedures , and can share their knowledge of the subject area by getting involved with CPD and helping each other to identify normal and abnormal readings and potential causes of readings .

Laboratory testing can be a difficult subject to grasp , given the variation in ranges and parameters . This article has been written to help anyone in practice who wishes to strengthen their knowledge on this topic , from RVNs seeking a refresher to student veterinary nurses wishing to learn how to read vernier scales in preparation for their OSCEs .

Keywords infection control , blood testing , urine testing , microscope , blood smear , packed cell volume , urinalysis , specific gravity , diagnostic

Introduction

Diagnostic testing is carried out daily in practice . Veterinary nurses ( VNs ) play important roles in these procedures , including handling the animals , enabling the veterinary surgeon ( VS ) to obtain a sample , taking blood samples ( venepuncture , a Schedule 3 procedure performed under the direction of the VS ), assisting with the collection of free-catch urine samples , urinary catheter placement ( cystocentesis is performed by the VS as it involves entering a body cavity ), running blood tests , preparing and packaging samples to be sent off to the laboratory , and producing blood smears .

Infection control

It is vital to wear personal protective equipment ( PPE ), such as gloves , when handling a sample , whether it be blood , urine , faeces , skin , hair or tissue samples . Additional PPE may be required , depending on the patient , the procedure being performed and whether the patient is suspected to have an infectious condition .

Maintaining hand hygiene before and after handling a patient is crucial , to prevent cross-contamination . Wash your hands using the World Health Organization ( WHO ) handwash method with an appropriate skin cleanser ( Figure 1 , page 51 ). Hand washing removes microorganisms and gross contamination . If your hands are not visibly soiled , use a hand rub such as Sterilium and follow the WHO handrub method ( Figure 2 , page 52 ).

50 Veterinary Nursing Journal