VSPN TECH174-2022: Blood Chemistry in the Canine and Feline

This course is a self-paced, non-interactive course.

Presenter: Ann Wortinger, BIS, LVT, VTS (ECC, SAIM, Nutrition)
Course Open: January 3, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Total CE Credit: 1.5
RACE Category: 1.5 hours Medical

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Course Information:
Many of us run blood tests and chemistry profiles daily. Do you really understand what each of these tests indicate and what they mean? This class will go through the most common chemistry tests and explain what each one indicates, how they correlate with other tests, and what they really mean. We will also cover some of the more common tests done in-house for viruses and parasites. Common tests sent out to reference labs will be reviewed as well to complete the course.

This course will consist of three (3) non-interactive segments that are composed of videos and crossword puzzles, and a mandatory end of course test. To earn a certificate of participation, you must attain a score of 80% or higher on the end of course test. Participants must complete participation requirements by December 31, 2022 to be eligible to earn a certificate of participation.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:
  • Identify common problems associated with in-house testing such as hemolysis, icterus and lipemia.
  • Identify the common non-enzymatic tests.
  • Describe what the tests indicate and how they interrelate with other tests.
  • Identify limitations of some of the tests.
  • Describe enzymatic tests and how they differ from the non-enzymatic tests.
  • Identify the causes for enzyme changes in the dog and cat including the organ(s) that produce them and their interrelation to each other.
  • Identify the function and charge of electrolytes and how they differ from enzymes and by-products.
  • Describe tests commonly sent out to reference labs including sample preparations and parameters for running the test; including bile acids, cortisol, toxicology, and specific drug testing.
  • Identify in-house tests as well as those commonly sent out to a reference laboratory such as for bacteria, viruses and parasites.
  • Describe sample collection and preparation, and the goal of the test.
Level and Prerequisites: This intermediate VSPN CE non-interactive course is focused toward those veterinary personnel who are familiar with laboratory testing and equipment. This course will not cover how to use specific pieces of equipment, but rather help staff identify how to improve sample collection and tests available, and testing procedures to result in more reliable results.
RACE Accreditation: This course has been RACE approved for veterinary technicians/technologists (20-890703).

Course Agenda:

Segment 1: Clinical Chemistry
Hours: 0.5
Common issues with in-house testing, common non-enzymatic test, and limitations and interrelations of tests.

Segment 2: Enzymes and Electrolytes
Hours: 0.5
Enzymatic tests, causes for enzyme changes, electrolytes and how they differ from enzymes.

Segment 3: Serology and Virology
Hours: 0.5
In-house tests as well as those commonly sent out to a reference laboratory such as for bacteria, viruses and parasites

Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course. To learn more about the requirements for earning a CE certificate, please refer to Receiving Your CE Credit and Course Completion Certificate.

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Tuition: $33
Prices are listed in US dollars.

*To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close on December 1, 2022 at 5 pm ET (USA) or when the maximum number of participants is reached.

*For more information on how online CE works, see the Participant Resource Center.

To Enroll:
  1. Enrollment qualifications: VIN CE courses are open to VIN member and non-member veterinarians. Veterinarians enrolling in a VSPN CE course must be a VIN member. Veterinary support staff must be a VSPN member to enroll in a VSPN CE or a VIN CE course open to VSPN member enrollment.
  2. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses. Email is our major form of communication with participants; personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
  3. For further assistance call 800-846-0028 ext.792 or email . Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.

Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to starting the course. If you wish to withdraw after the start date please contact the VIN office 800-846-0028 ext. 792 to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.

*For more information on VSPN's upcoming CE courses, check the VSPN Course Catalog.

Lisa Kernaghan, LVT, RVT, CVT, VTS (ECC)
VSPN CE Coordinator

VSPN CE Services:
800-846-0028 or 530-756-4881; ext. 792
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01 45 222 6154
or direct line to VIN/VSPN from Australia: 02 6145 2357