Prepare and maintain veterinary diagnostic test equipment and materials

This standard is about preparing and maintaining veterinary diagnostic test equipment and materials used for collecting and testing samples from veterinary patients.  The samples can include blood, urine, faeces, skin or hair.

This standard is suitable for registered veterinary nurses.

1. confirm the correct veterinary patient's identity, its condition and the diagnostic test required
2. select and wear required clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) when preparing and maintaining diagnostic test equipment and materials
3. assess the risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when preparing the diagnostic test equipment and materials
4. select and implement the required veterinary practice infection control procedures for the area of the veterinary practice you are working in
5. prepare diagnostic test equipment and materials for samples according to the veterinary practice's and manufacturer's procedures
6. comply with the relevant legislation, regulations, manufacturer's instructions and guidelines relating to the use of diagnostic test equipment and materials
7. maintain diagnostic test equipment and materials according to specified manufacturer's instructions, veterinary practice maintenance schedules and veterinary practice procedures
8. check for faults in diagnostic test equipment and materials and take action to rectify or report these as required
9. dispose of surplus and waste materials in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and business practices
10. comply with relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice
11. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and business policies

1. how to identity the veterinary patient, its condition and the diagnostic test  required
2. the importance of obtaining guidance from members of the veterinary team
3. the types of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) required for preparing and maintaining veterinary diagnostic test equipment and materials
4. how to assess and minimise risks to yourself or colleagues when preparing diagnostic test equipment
5. the required veterinary practice infection control procedures for the area of the         veterinary practice you are working in
6. the diagnostic test equipment and materials that should be used for different diagnostic tests and how to prepare these
7. the relevant legislation, regulations, manufacturer's instructions and guidelines relating to the use of diagnostic test equipment and materials
8. how to maintain equipment in accordance with the veterinary practice's protocols and manufacturer's guidelines
9. the types of faults that can affect veterinary diagnostic equipment and the action to take to rectify or report these
10. the types of faults that can occur with materials, including out of date materials, damage and contamination and the action to take to rectify or report these as required
11. how to dispose of the different types of surplus and waste materials in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and business practices
12. your professional responsibilities as a registered veterinary nurse
13. your responsibilities for the health and welfare of animals under relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice
14. your responsibility under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, codes and practice and business policies

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Diagnostic analysis equipment:

• microscope
• refractometer electronic analysing equipment
• haematocrit reader
• glucometer
• centrifuge
• stains