Hematology Techniques & Concepts for Veterinary Technicians by Gregg L. Voigt & Shannon L. Swist is designed as an introductory hematology text for use by veterinary technician students. According to the preface, the major difference between the 1st and 2nd editions is in the recognition of the development of new techniques and equipment to be used in the field of veterinary medicine. This text contains 15 chapters followed by a glossary, recommended reading, and index. A nice additive to this edition is a web link that accompanies the book and provides review questions and additional images.
Each chapter begins with a “key concepts” box which points out the major concepts to be discussed in the following chapter, thereby giving the reader a frame of reference and understanding when beginning to read. The chapter ends with a few review questions ensuring proper understanding of the material presented. The text starts, of course, with an introduction to the hematology laboratory in the first chapter then moves on to blood composition, blood volume, blood collection, blood smears, routine hematology tests, and automated hematology equipment all covered throughout chapters 2 – 7. Chapters 8-15 discusses white blood cells, gives an introduction to the immune system, discusses red blood cell form, function and abnormalities followed by discussion of various forms of anemia, polycythemia, hemostasis and coagulation, hematopoiesis and bone marrow evaluation, and finally wraps up with collection and handling of cytology samples. The pictures, drawings, and sketches included within the chapters are helpful although more examples of erythrocyte abnormalities could be included. For those abnormalities without pictorial depiction, a sketch has been done. The use of pictures as opposed to sketches in this instance would have been more helpful.
I found this textbook to appropriately cover all areas of hematology needed by an introductory course in veterinary hematology for veterinary technician students. It lays nice groundwork on which to build further concepts to be studied later in the veterinary technology curriculum as well as helping to lay a foundation when encountering cases in a clinical setting to aid piecing the puzzles pieces together. This book is a great addition to a veterinary technician’s library. Veterinarians may find this of limited usage due to its simplicity although as a reference source for their employed technicians, this could be helpful.
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell. (2011).
187 pages, soft cover
ISBN: 978-0-8138-1456-8