BASIC PRINCIPLES OF URINALYSIS

 

 

Course Description

This 2 week course covers the basics of urinalysis. Topics covered in this course are proper methods of sample collection; methods of manual testing; microscopic identification of cells and casts found in urine sediment; terminology; and basic abnormalities.

 

Learning Objectives

  • Describe proper urine collection methods
  • Describe and perform blood film preparation and staining methods
  • Describe and perform the proper method for using the dry reagent strips
  • List and describe tests contained on the dry chemistry strip
  • Describe and perform urine sediment preparation and staining
  • Understand terminology associated with urinalysis

 

Course Content

  1. Section One - Specimen Collection and Dipstick Analysis
    1. Collection methods 
    2. Specimen Containers
    3. Specimen Processing
    4. Physical Properties
    5. Chemical Properties
    6. Sediment Analysis
    7. Chemical Analysis Procedure Using Dry Reagent Strips
    8. Storeage of Strips
    9. Protein Test
    10. Ketones Test
    11. Glucose Test
    12. pH Test
    13. Bilirubin Test
    14. Blood Test
    15. Urobilinogen Test
    16. Nitrite Test
    17. Specific Gravity Test
    18. Leukocytes Test

  2. Section Two - Microscoptic Analysis
    1. Centrifugation of Urine Specimen
    2. Procedure for Centrifugation and Microscopic
      Analysis
    3. Elements of Urine Sediment
    4. White Blood Cells
    5. Red Blood Cells
    6. Fat Droplets
    7. Epithelial Cells
    8. Casts
    9. Crystals
    10. Other Elements
    11. Urinalysis Reference Ranges

 

 

Required Materials

No additional materials provided - all course content is online.

Students that prefer to read technical material in text form may wish to purchase the book that comprises the general content. The text has been well received by students in past sessions and makes an excellent addition to private or practice libraries.

If you wish to buy the text, information is provided below in the Course Writer's section of this page.

 

Testimonials

...I liked the use of images in this course. In this particular course, images were a big part of the learning process. I also very much appreciated a couple of the tables that were included. Specifically the table of crystals and their characteristics and images.

...I liked refreshing myself on the types of casts and crystals. It has been a few years since I took this course in school, and even though I do urinalysis at work frequently, it was still nice to look at and relearn the types of casts and crystals I may find.

...I appreciated the assignment answer keys provided by the instructor after completion of the projects because they provided much more in-depth information than the original course content

... The discussion questions made me think more about what was being presented instead of just reading and hoping to remember the material

... It was a great course, I learned a lot that is going to be very helpful to me at work, which is very exciting!

... I thought it was great that we could ask our instructor questions, that was wonderful! I really liked going into detail with the dipsticks and about false positives and negatives. That really wasn't discussed much in school

... I found the illustrations for the sediment portion very helpful along with the reference charts.

 

Student Login Requirements

VetMedTeam courses are asynchronous - they do not contain real time components. Students log in while a course is in session at times convenient to personal schedules.

 

Course Completion Requirements


VetMedTeam courses do not contain real time sessions.

Upon fulfillment of all requirements, the student will receive a VetMedTeam, RACE documenting, certificate of completion. Students must:
  • attain a score of 80% or higher on each of the course examinations
  • complete the required posts to the discussion boards
  • complete the course exit survey

 

Recommended Student Criteria

This course is suitable for any member of the practice team seeking to develop a foundation in Urinalysis

 

Continuing Education Credits

Course meets the requirements for 10 RACE hours of continuing education credit for veterinary technicians in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB's RACE approval. However, participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery.

 

Course Writer

This course has been developed in cooperation with Teton NewMedia, utilizing content from Urinalysis & Hematology for the Small Animal Practitioner by Carolyn A. Sink, MS,MT (ASCP) and Bernard Feldman, DVM, PhD; published by Teton New Media; Edition 1, 2004.

If you are interested in purchasing this text for your library visit Teton New Media or do a web search to locate a distributor in your area.

 

Course Instructor

Heather Wamsley, BS, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVP (Clinical Pathology)Heather Wamsley, BS, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVP (Clinical Pathology)

 

Upcoming Sessions

 

Pricing

Price: $106.00 USD


Students may enroll in this course after it has begun, up to the enrollment deadline date. Participants who enroll after the start date do not miss out on any components of the course. There are no real time sessions. The design of this course allows each student to proceed based on individual schedule, as long as all assignments are submitted by the assignment submission deadline.

 

In addition, you many use your MERIAL® Rewards Visa® Prepaid Card to pay for courses. If you are not enrolled in the MERIAL Rewards program, ask your Merial Sales Representative or call 1-800-307-7000. If you do not have enough points and wish to supplement your payment with another card, please write to CE@VetMedTeam.com.