|
|
|
 |
 |
Main : Course Catalog : Basic Hematology |
|
|
|
TECH124-0907: Basic Hematology - the bloody truth about cats and dogs
INSTRUCTOR:
Cheryl Stockman, MT (ASCP)
DATES:
September 13-October 19, 2007
Real Time Sessions: Wednesday evenings; September 19 and 26 and October 3 and 10; 8:30pm-10:00pm ET (USA)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Participants will explore basic hematology concepts applicable to small animal practice with feline and canine patients. The course will include an overview of proper sample handling and processing, in house hematology instrument theory and manual methods involved in a complete blood count. Of course, no hematology course would be complete without a little lab math, so that will also be covered.
The course will have message boards to further discuss the course materials, weekly homework/quiz assignments, reading materials/handouts for reference to correspond with information during the real time sessions and/or in the library materials.
NOTE: This course will not specifically cover individual, in-house instrumentation. Abnormal blood cells and blood parasites will not be thoroughly covered. Phlebotomy and particular venipuncture methods will not be discussed.
Computer aided hematology reading is a nice advance in technology, however, a good clinical pathologist will always make slides for immediate inspection as well as review to aid in a clinical diagnosis. Veterinary support staff should have the ability to assist the veterinarian in this area of diagnostic set up. Veterinary technicians must have these skills as part of their essential skills. Ms. Stockman has been a supervising medical technologist at Tufts University for over 10 years and works closely with Dr. Joyce Knoll in teaching veterinary students. She also has continued practical experience as an assistant in a veterinary hospital giving her the ability to understand and teach in both the academic and general practice fields.
All members of the veterinary support staff are encouraged to join; however, the course is focused towards technicians and experienced assistants. This course is designed for these staff members to have a better understanding of the basics of crossmatching, blood typing, collection and storage of blood, component therapy, transfusion reactions and emergencies. This course has been submitted for RACE approval for veterinarians and veterinary technicians.
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
Recommended:
Week 1: Terminology and Concepts
Content: This week we will discuss terminology used in basic hematology. The concept of CBC will be discussed including the proper collection, handling and storage of the blood specimen. The difference between manual and automated cell counts will be discussed and the process of performing a packed cell volume will be explored. The steps involved in making an adequate blood smear will be illustrated and the need for a good smear will be part of the conversation.
Week 2: Instrumentation, Equipment, and Controls
Content: The discussion this week will be packed with basic hematology instrument theory so that an operator will have some understanding of general measuring principles. This discussion will also include the definition of parameters obtained on an automated analyzer (such as MCH, MCHC, and MCV). There will be basic math presented in the lesson this week. Quality control theory, such as Levy Jennings charting of quality control values will be introduced. Packing time procedure will be incorporated in the discussion as an in-house method of maintaining quality control of the lab centrifuge. The use of a hemocytometer for manual erythrocyte and platelet counts will be examined. This will be a fast-paced week with relevant, but often, overlooked information.
Week 3: Function and Morphology or Erythrocytes
Content: Week 3 will be dedicated to the red blood cell. The function and morphology of erythrocytes will dominate the week's discussion. The concepts of rouleaux and agglutination will be defined and the reticulocyte count and its mathematical correction will be contained in the topical material.
Week 4: Leukocyte Morphology
Content: During this last session, white blood cells will be the main focus. Normal leukocyte morphology will be discussed and abnormal white blood cells will be introduced. It will also be a week to tie up loose ends and get the last minute questions answered on the message board.
LIBRARY MATERIALS:
Library materials will be made available prior to the topic week so participants will have plenty of time to prepare for the real time sessions and discussion.
MESSAGE BOARD DISCUSSIONS:
Message board discussions regarding the topic presented will begin on the day the course opens and continue for one week following the last real time session. These discussions will be held in the VSPN CE course area.
CE HOURS: 6 (RACE applied for)
TUITION:
$111 ($100.00 early bird special if registered before August 30, 2007).
Students currently enrolled in and taking at least 2 classes or 5 units at an AVMA accredited or CAAHT approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status)
*VT students: You must include the following information in the comments section of the CE enrollment form in order to be eligible for this discount: your program directors name and contact information (email/phone) and school name.
** NOTE: Enrollment will be closed when the maximum number of participants is reached or at 5pm ET the day of the first real time session
** Minimal computer requirements for participating in VSPN and VPSNCE: http://www.vspn.org/CE/MinReqs.htm
**For More Information on how our online CE courses work please read the following:
How to's of online CE: http://www.vspn.org/CE/VSPN_M02233.htm
Policies and Procedures: https://www.vin.com/Members/VSPN/Library/Misc/VSPN_M06292.htm
TO REGISTER:
Note: "This course has been submitted (but not yet approved) for 6 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE approval; however participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education. Call VSPN CE at 1-800-700-4636 for further information." (Attendees are encouraged to check with their licensing jurisdiction(s) for information regarding recognition by their board).
Ginger Sanders (Ginger@vspn.org), ext 183
Charlotte Waack (Charlotte@vspn.org), ext 193
VSPN CE Services
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-756-4881
**For More Information on VSPN's upcoming CE Courses, check out http://www.VSPN.org/CE
|
777 West Covell Blvd, Davis, CA 95616 Copyright 2000, Veterinary Information Network, Inc. |