Advanced Education for Veterinary Technicians 2009 Series
The NC State College of Veterinary Medicine is providing opportunities for advanced education to veterinary technicians and assistants. To achieve this goal, the Office of Continuing Education & Outreach is working with our own Veterinary Teaching Hospital staff to develop a series of courses tailored for the experienced veterinary hospital employee. These one-day courses will be scheduled on weekends at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and will consist of both lecture and laboratory sessions. The emphasis will be providing hands-on training. Class size will be limited to ensure that all attendees have ample opportunity to practice the techniques covered. Continuing Education credits will be provided for those with licensure requirements. Due to the level of material covered in these courses, it is recommended that attendees be either registered veterinary technicians or have several years' experience.
Cytology
July 25, 2009
Instructors:
- Carolina Escobar, DVM
- Jennifer Neel, DVM
- Mia Peters, LMT
- Ida Piperisova, DVM
Cytologic evaluation of lesions is a critical component of the diagnostic plan for many veterinary patients. Although histologic examination of tissues is considered the “gold standard,” cytologic evaluation has several important advantages over biopsy and histopathology in clinical situations , including relative noninvasiveness, avoidance of anesthesia in unstable patients, low rates of complications, rapid results, and lower cost .
Often the veterinary technician is the primary person responsible for sample management including sample preparation and staining, and shipping and handling as well as completing the necessary forms regarding sample identification, description and history (appearance, location, duration of the lesion, etc). For some specimens such as superficial skin lesions, lymph nodes and possibly body fluids, the veterinary technician can assist in sample collection and evaluation to determine if sample quality is adequate or if re-aspiration is necessary. Variation in collection technique has an impact on sample quality, and therefore diagnostic value. All necessary points regarding adequate sample collection methods and sites; proper processing techniques to prepare and stain slides and body fluids; and evaluation of quality control will be discussed.
After completing this course the technicians will be capable to obtain cytology samples from superficial lesions, lymph node and fluids from body cavities. They will be familiar with various techniques of cytology sample collection and slide preparation, and participants will know the advantages and disadvantages of each. They will be able to evaluate sample adequacy and identify insufficient samples that need to be re-aspirated. Course participants will also gain valuable knowledge about commonly used stains, how to evaluate stain quality and how to properly maintain stain solutions. They will understand basic quality control regarding common cytology techniques and will be aware of the most common mistakes and how to troubleshooting them.
Theoretical presentations will be followed by practical laboratory experiences in the afternoon that will reinforce participant's skills in the field of cytology sample acquisition, staining and quality evaluation. Techniques that will be demonstrated include: hemocytometer counts, slide preparation, and aspiration techniques. Hands-on activities will include processing a body fluid specimen (hemocytometer count, slide preparation and staining, initial examination), tissue aspiration using fresh tissue specimens, slide preparation and slide evaluation. Assistance and feedback will be provided by by two clinical pathology residents, a boarded clinical pathologist, and a licenced medical technologist experienced in cytology. In this way, theoretical content will be reinforced by hands-on application.
Schedule
7:30 - 8:00 |
Registration |
8:00 - 9:00 |
Lecture I: Definition of cytology, advantages/disadvantages, general indications, sample acquisition, slide preparation Dr. Ida Piperisova |
9:00 - 9:50 |
Lecture II: Sample preparation II, staining, quality control body fluid collection Dr. Ida Piperisova |
9:50 - 10:00 |
Break |
10:00 – 11:00 |
Lecture III: Cytology: Microscopy technique, slide evaluation, identifying intact cells, common artifact and common lesions. Dr. Carolina Escobar |
11:00 – 11:50 |
Lecture IV: Preparation of body fluids, sample collection and handling, cell counts, slide preparation, ancillary tests Mia Peters, LMT |
11:50 - 1:00 |
Lunch (provided) |
1:00 - 2:50 |
Laboratory session I: Body Fluids (Peters, Piperisova, Neel, Escobar) |
1:00 - 1:30 |
- Demonstration of hemocytometer count and slide making techniques |
1:30 - 2:50 |
- Process a body fluid (hemocytometer count, slide preparation and staining, quality control) |
2:50 - 3:00 |
Break |
3:00 – 5:00 |
Laboratory session II: Tissues (Peters, Piperisova, Neel, Escobar) |
3:00 – 3:30 |
- Demonstration of aspiration and slide making techniques |
3:30 – 5:00 |
- Tissue aspiration and slide making, staining, quality control and sample evaluation. |
Registration
Tuition for this course is $119, which includes all lectures and labs, proceedings on CD, and lunch. A refund will be granted for cancellation notices received in writing, either by mail, fax, or e-mail, by the day before the course. No refunds will be granted after the course has begun. The registration form is available here.
Location & Lodging
This course will be held at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine at 4700 Hillsborough Street in Raleigh, NC. For information on area hotels, visit our informative website.
Continuing Education
This course offers eight (8) hours of continuing veterinary medical education for veterinary technicians.
ADA Statement
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Samantha Hartford to discuss your needs at least 30 days prior to the event.