BASIC PRINCIPLES OF HEMATOLOGY

 

 

Course Description

This 4 week course covers the basics of hematology. Topics covered in this course are proper methods of sample collection; methods of manual testing; identification of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets; terminology; and basic abnormalities associated with diseases.

 

Learning Objectives

  • Describe proper blood collection methods
  • Describe and perform blood film preparation and staining methods
  • Describe function and physical characteristics of all blood cells
  • Understand terminology used to describe abnormal blood cell structure
  • List some diseases associated with abnormal blood cells

 

Course Content

  1. Section One - Specimen Collection and Testing
    1. Collection methods
    2. Definition of a Complete Blood Count
    3. Hematocrit
    4. Sources of Error
    5. Macroscopic Examination of the Capillary Tube Using the Micromethod
    6. Hematocrit/Packed Cell Volume Determination by the Microhematocrit Method
    7. Plasma Proteins
    8. Plasma Protein Procedure
    9. Fibrinogen
    10. Peripheral Blood Smear
    11. Peripheral Blood Smear
    12. Estimating Total White Cell and Platelet Counts
  2. Section Two - White Blood Cells
    1. Neutrophils
    2. Lymphocytes
    3. Monocytes
    4. Eosinophils
    5. Basophils
    6. Band Neutrophils
    7. White Blood Cell Descriptive Terms
    8. Neutrophil Maturation Sequence
  3. Section Three - Red Blood Cells
    1. Function and Physical Characteristics
    2. Labratory Analysis
    3. Red Blood Cell Indicies
    4. Terminology
    5. Red Blood Cell Inclusions
    6. Blood Parasites
    7. Cellular Organization on the Peripheral Blood Smear
    8. Red Blood Cell Production
    9. Reticulocytes
    10. Reticulocyte Count: Manual Method
    11. Means of Enumeration
    12. Blood Smear Evaluation Guidelines
  4. Section Four - Platelets
    1. Platelet Structure and Function
    2. Laboratory Analysis
    3. Platelet Count Methods

 

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

...Very easy to use - good course notes.

...I liked the photos of blood films, I felt those were most beneficial.

...The illustrations provided were excellent. The language used in describing certain cellular characteristics for WBC differentiation was better than previous sources I have reviewed.

...The entire course was beneficial, but I especially like the pictures of cells and structures. It helps to see what I should be looking for instead of just reading what it should look like.

...The assignments were challenging - I appreciated the opportunity to dig around in some other resources to ensure myself that I answered the questions thoroughly and correctly.

... I especially enjoyed trying to figure out the blood film assignment - that was the ultimate challenge!

 

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

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 Hematology

 

Continuing Education Credits

Course meets the requirements for 15 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 NewMedia; 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.

 

Upcoming Sessions

 

Pricing

Price: $161.00 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.