Description
Perform veterinary diagnostic testing and specimen processing in a laboratory to support the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of animal diseases. Collect and accession samples; prepare tissues and blood; run hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, microbiology, and cytology tests; prepare and handle reagents, vaccines, and serums as directed; clean and sterilize lab instruments; maintain and calibrate equipment; ensure quality control, biosafety, and accurate records; and report timely results to veterinarians. May assist with sample collection and necropsy procedures.
- • Accession, label, and verify specimens; ensure correct patient and test information in the LIMS.
- • Collect blood, urine, feces, and tissue samples under veterinary supervision.
- • Prepare specimens by centrifuging, aliquoting, and storing with proper temperature control.
- • Perform hematology tests, including CBCs and differentials, using automated analyzers and manual methods.
- • Run clinical chemistry and electrolyte panels; review results and quality flags.
- • Conduct urinalysis, including specific gravity, dipstick, sediment exams, and microscopy.
- • Perform fecal flotation, antigen tests, and parasite identification.
- • Prepare and stain slides for cytology; perform preliminary microscopic evaluations and document findings.
- • Culture specimens and perform microbiology procedures, including Gram stains and antimicrobial susceptibility per SOPs.
- • Set up and run immunoassays or molecular diagnostics (e.g., ELISA, PCR) as directed.
- • Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and analyzers; coordinate vendor service as needed.
- • Perform daily quality control and proficiency testing; document and address out-of-range results.
- • Clean and sterilize instruments, glassware, and work surfaces; maintain aseptic technique.
- • Prepare, standardize, and store reagents, media, vaccines, and serums as directed by a veterinarian.
- • Assemble and distribute specimen collection kits and supplies to clinical staff.
- • Verify specimen integrity (e.g., hemolysis, lipemia, contamination) and request recollection when needed.
- • Enter, verify, and release test results; generate and transmit reports to veterinarians within target turnaround times.
- • Maintain laboratory records, logs, and inventories in compliance with SOPs and regulatory requirements.
- • Follow biosafety and biosecurity procedures (BSL-2), including PPE use and waste disposal.
- • Assist with animal restraint only as needed for safe sample collection.
- • Assist with necropsy procedures, tissue sampling, and proper biohazard disposal.
- • Package and ship specimens to reference laboratories per IATA/DoT regulations; maintain chain-of-custody.
- • Monitor stock levels; order and receive supplies, reagents, and consumables.
- • Maintain controlled substances, hazardous chemicals, and temperature logs as required.
- • Communicate specimen requirements, test availability, and result status to veterinarians and clients.
- • Train and mentor staff or students on laboratory techniques and SOPs.
- • Schedule testing runs and instrument maintenance to meet workload demands.
- • Participate in process improvement, assay validation, and method verification activities.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
