One of the most challenging areas of the VTNE in regards to prepping for the test is, in this reviewers opinion the area devoted to laboratory sciences (to include clinical pathology). This is quite possibly due to the fact that one must be familiar not only with the tests that are performed on blood, feces, urine, skin, etc. but the understanding of the evaluation of such methodologies. It may then come as no surprise that there are a multitude of books on the subject.
Barger & MacNeill have presented us with the latest text to address the areas with the veterinary technician in mind in the form of a 264-page book outlining a variety of laboratory techniques to be routinely carried out by veterinary technicians in clinical practice. The book is neatly broken down into seven chapters which address the following: Introduction to Getting Started, Hematology, Hemostasis, Clinical Chemistry, Urinalysis, Parasitology and Minimizing Errors in the Laboratory. The layout of the chapters follows an outline format of key points that somewhat resembles the Mosby’s Comprehensive Review for Veterinary Technicians (on a smaller scale). While not written in “textbook” form, this book resembles a “cookbook” approach to actual test performance that is supplemented with beautiful pictures and step-by-step pictorial guides for completing such tasks as blood smears, recognition of cells, parasites (from egg to adult stage), sediments, etc. While not a textbook to recommend for a course, it is a handy reference guide to have on the bench to refer to within the lab setting or to be used as a supplemental guide. As a technician educator and an author myself this is one book that has a permanent home on my bench and my bookshelf.
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell (2015)
ISBN13: 9781118345092