Collect, process and preserve diagnostic test samples from veterinary patients and communicate the results

This standard is about collecting and processing diagnostic test samples from veterinary patients and communicating the test results to the appropriate person.  This covers handling and restraint of the veterinary patient and monitoring the patient's welfare.

This standard also covers the preservation of diagnostic test samples using refrigeration and chemical methods prior to communicating the results for decision making by the veterinary surgeon.

This standard is suitable for registered veterinary nurses.

1. confirm the veterinary patient's identity, its condition and the diagnostic test required
2. assess the risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when collecting, processing and preserving diagnostic test samples from veterinary patients
3. select and implement the required veterinary practice infection control procedures for the area of the veterinary practice that you are working in
4. select and wear the required clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for collecting, processing and preserving diagnostic test samples
5. check the veterinary patient is positioned and restrained, using the required restraining methods and equipment
6. identify the sample collection site and collect or assist with the collection of the diagnostic test samples for analysis as requested by the veterinary surgeon
7. monitor the veterinary patient to detect any concerns during the collection of diagnostic test samples
8. handle, preserve, label and store diagnostic test mples correctly to process for external or internal analysis
9. complete the necessary documentation in accordance with the veterinary practice procedures
10. package and send diagnostic tests samples which require external analysis according to the relevant legal requirements, veterinary practice policy and the requirements of the external testing laboratory
11. perform the relevant test for internal analysis of diagnostic samples using the required diagnostic testing equipment safely and in accordance with veterinary practice protocols
12. obtain and record the results of external and internal diagnostic tests in accordance with veterinary practice protocols
13. identify any invalid diagnostic test results and take remedial action
14. dispose of surplus and waste materials in accordance with the relevant legislation and veterinary practice procedures
15. comply with relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice
16. 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.  the types of veterinary conditions that are investigated using diagnostic tests
2. how to assess the risks to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues when collecting, processing and preserving diagnostic test samples from veterinary patients
3. the required veterinary practice infection control procedures for the area of the         veterinary practice you are working in
4. how to select and wear the required clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for the collection, processing and preserving of diagnostic test samples
5. how to position and restrain different species of veterinary patients for different types of diagnostic tests
6. why it is important to confirm that the correct sample is taken from the veterinary patient
7. how to collect the required diagnostic test samples from the veterinary patient
8. how to monitor the veterinary patient to detect physical and behavioural concerns during the collection of diagnostic test samples
9. how to identify and report any concerns that may occur during sample collection
10. the details required for labelling in relation to the diagnostic test sample and why it is important to record them
11. how to handle, preserve and store different types of diagnostic test samples to avoid spoilage and contamination
12. the relevant regulations and veterinary practice procedures for packaging and sending diagnostics test samples for external analysis
13. how to obtain and record the results of external and internal diagnostic tests
14. the veterinary practice procedures for processing and analysing test data and samples for different types of internal diagnostic tests
15. the indicators of invalid diagnostic test results and how to rectify or report these to colleagues or external agencies responsible for external analysis
16. how to identify the required parameters of measurements for diagnostic test samples
17. how to communicate the diagnostic tests results to members of the veterinary practice
18. the correct procedures for the disposal of surplus and waste materials
19. your professional responsibilities as a registered veterinary nurse
20. your responsibilities for the health and welfare of animals under relevant legislation and codes of practice
21. your responsibility under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislations, codes of practice and business policies