Introduction to the IDEXX Laboratory Training Course

The IDEXX Laboratory Training Course has been designed to help you to carry out basic laboratory techniques within your practice laboratory. The course is based on the syllabus for the Laboratory section (Unit 7) of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Veterinary Nursing National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Scheme and aims, through the use of lectures and practical sessions, to:

• Develop a knowledge of health and safety in the workplace, and its relevance in the veterinary practice

• Give an overview of the use of clinical pathology in veterinary practice

• Provide an overview of patient population and sample collection for haematology, biochemistry, microbiology, cytology and histology samples

• Develop a basic understanding of biochemistry, including: the basic knowledge of biochemistry testing, specific testing with regard to the kidney and liver, glucose metabolism and general biochemistry testing, the identification of different types of laboratory equipment and its use in the laboratory, the use of diagnostic aids such as dipsticks and a glucometer to estimate urea and glucose in blood.

• Develop a basic understanding of haematology, including: the identification of white cells, red cells and platelets, including individual white cell lines and mature and immature red cells, the preparation and staining of good quality blood smears for morphological examination, understanding the common uses of the ELISA test and how to perform such a test, the generation of a PCV result using microhaematocrit tubes and the recording of sample quality, the preparation and examination of a reticulocyte count.

• Develop a basic understanding of microbiology and its uses, including: the examination of urine samples the recognition of simple cultures, preparation and staining of slides for the identification of bacteria, the preparation and use of a microscope, the examination of hair and skin samples for parasites, bacteria and fungi and the examination of faeces for parasites.

The course has been structured so that the time spent on practical sessions is maximised. The lectures are aimed to give you the fundamental information you require, with additional information being covered in the course notes.

The course also includes:

• Comprehensive course notes and study aids for you to keep
• An end-of-course assessment
• A certificate of attendance for successful participants
• A course evaluation form for you to complete

For further details, please call our customer services team on: 01937 544 000

Course Application Form