Laboratory Equipment Lab Procedures January 12, 2010

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.

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:

Blood Tubes Continued Citrate Tubes:

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.

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.

Incubators/ Agar plates Used in microbiological tests. Sustains temperature settings (37 ˚ C) Agar plates are inoculated with potential bacteria. Plates are smeared with inoculation loops.

Pipettes Gives the ability to transfer liquids from one place to another. May be plastic or glass

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. ZIf 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 Technician should have a thorough knowledge of all in-house laboratory equipment. Know how to operate 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. Dispose of or clean all used instruments and slides accordingly. 4. Make sure that workstations are neat and clean. 5. Make sure to wear appropriate attire and PPE when told.

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