• The vet tech spends a lot of time in the laboratory.scientist professor experimenting image by Canakris from Fotolia.com
  
  Every veterinary clinic will perform at least some diagnostic laboratory procedures, while more complex tests are often sent out. Lab results are very important to the veterinarian in order to diagnose disease and determine the course of treatment. However, it is the responsibility of the veterinary technician to collect samples and run these tests. The types of tests performed regularly are blood work, urinalysis, fecal examinations, and microbial tests.
  
  

Hematology

• Hematology, or the study of blood, is essential in diagnosing many types of disease. Most places will be able to perform a complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry analysis. The CBC can determine anemia, infections, and some chronic diseases. Chemistry analyzers perform tests of liver and kidney functions. All of these are done on machines, and the technician must know how to use them accurately.
  
  

Urinalysis

• Urine is placed on a reagent strip and the color resluts are compared with the container.medical test image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
  
  Urine tests provide information on the urinary tract as well as other body systems. The vet tech will use a reagent strip that has specific chemicals to record the pH and specific gravity, and it will be known if there is protein or glucose in the urine, which can signal disease. Then it is spun down and examined under a microscope. Many abnormalities such as bacteria, parasites, blood cells and crystals will be seen only under a microscope.
  
  

Parasitology

• A microscope is the only way to find out if a pet has internal parasites.microscope image by Fotocie from Fotolia.com
  
  There are two types of parasites, internal and external. External can be seen with the naked eye, and include fleas, lice and ticks. Internal parasites usually cause problems with the GI tract, resulting in diarrhea. Veterinary technicians look at stool samples under the microscope in search of parasite eggs. They must be able to differentiate between the types of eggs seen. Once the vet is notified of the type of infestation, the most effective medication can be prescribed.
  
  

Microbiology

• And example of a dish used to culture bacteria.Bacteria Colonies image by ggw from Fotolia.com
  
  Diagnostic microbiology is a useful tool, but not used often at the clinic. The technician should know how to obtain and prepare samples using a sterile cotton swap. Urine, feces, and pus from wounds can all be cultured for bacterial infections. The swab is streaked into a petri dish that will show bacterial growth. By doing this, the vet tech can not only find out what type of bacteria, but the best antibiotic to treat it.
  
  

Cytology

• Samples can be collected by swabbing or scraping skin, or aspirating a lump with a needle and syringe. It is then put on a slide to look at it under the microscope. Many veterinarians will do the examination themselves, but a seasoned vet tech will be aware of abnormalities and changes in cell structures. The veterinary technician can also look for neoplastic cells if cancer is suspected.
  
  

Conclusion

• A good veterinary technician is most useful in the laboratory. The skills they acquire at school and in practice doing routine blood work, urinalysis, and other tests saves the vet a lot of time and money. Many diseases, infections, and cancer can be diagnosed by laboratory procedures.