Laboratory Equipment
Lab Procedures VTHT 1202
Centrifuge
• Used to separate substances of different
densities that are in a solution.
• Supernatant: the liquid component of a
sample.
• Sediment: the solid component of a
sample
• Different types of centrifuges are used in
veterinary medicine.
Centrifuge Types
Angled Head
*Most Common
Horizontal
(Swing-Arm)
Microhematocrit
Centrifuged Blood Sample
Microhematocrit Tubes
Blood Collection Tubes
• Different types of tubes are used
depending on what type of sample is
desired.
• Whole Blood- Purple (lavendar) top tube or
green top tubes
Blood Collection Tubes
Continued
• When looking at serum or other factors,
use different type of tubes.
• Oxalate Tubes: GREY TOP
Blood Tubes Continued
• Citrate Tubes: BLUE TOP
ACD (acid citrate dextrose)
• Used in blood collection for transfusions.
• Blood is stored in ACD vials or bottles and
given to anemic patients.
Blood Collection Equipment
• Use the largest gauge of needle that is
comfortable for animal.
• As gauge size increases, needle diameter
decreases.
Blood Collection Equipment
Continued
• Syringes should be picked based on one
closest to desired volume of blood.
• A larger syringe may collapse the vessel.
Syringe Sizes
1cc Tuberculin
3cc
6cc
Blood Collection Continued
Vacutainer allows blood to be collected
directly into a blood collection tube.
Refractometer
• Total solids meter.
• Used to measure the refractive
index of a solution.
• Refraction is the bending of the light
rays as the pass from one medium
into another.
• Refractometer in vet med is used to
measure specific gravity of urine
and plasma protein levels.
• Know how to calibrate refractometer
Blood Chemistry Analyzers/ CBC
Machines
• Generates data on organ function and
complete blood counts.
• Machines count cells based on size of
cells in a predetermined sample.
Vet Test -IDEXX
• Chemistry Analyzer
Incubators/ Agar plates
Curettes
Incubator
• Used in microbiological tests.
• Sustains temperature settings (37 ˚
C)
• Agar plates are inoculated with
potential bacteria.
• Plates are smeared with inoculation
loops.
Culture Plates
Pipettes
• Gives the ability to transfer liquids from
one place to another.
• May be plastic or glass
Culture Swabs
Slides
• Thin sheet of glass used to hold objects for
examination under a microscope.
• Usually place “specimen” in center of slide
to view.
Cover Slips
• Smaller, sheet of glass that may
cover specimen.
• Purposes are:
• To protect microscope’s
objective lens from
contacting the specimen
• Creates an even thickness
for viewing.
Washing glassware
• Wash with soap, detergent, or cleaning
powder.
• Wash with hot water.
• Wash as quickly as possible after use. If a
thorough cleaning is not possible
immediately, put glassware to soak in
water.
• All parts of glassware should be
thoroughly scrubbed with a brush.
• Use brushes that will not scratch or abrade
the glass surface.
Drying and Storing Glassware
• If glassware is to be dried, allow it to drain
or use paper towels.
• Never tap glassware against the side of
the sink!
• Dry labware by:
• Hanging on wooden pegs or placing
them in baskets with mouths downward
allowing them to dry in the air
• Protect glassware from dust by
plugging mouth and storing in a dust
free cabinet.
Technician Role Re: Lab Equipment
Technician should have a thorough
knowledge of all in-house laboratory
equipment.
• Have lab manufacturers phone numbers
readily available for assistance.
• Know how to operate laboratory
instruments.
• Know how to clean appropriately.
• Know requirements, calibration
measures, etc.
Sharps Container
• Always use an approved Sharps container
to dispose of contaminated sharps.
• When 2/3 full dispose in compliance with
Hazardous Waste Management Plan.
Recall the Metric System
Rules of Lab
1. NO FOOD OR DRINKS!!!
2. Listen to instructions.
3. No horseplay
4. Do not handle contact lenses
5. Dispose of or clean all used instruments
and slides accordingly.
6. Use sharps containers
7. Make sure that workstations are neat and
clean.
8. Make sure to wear appropriate attire and
PPE when told.
Watch Safety Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEjVSMeF
Hqs&feature=related