Blood, Feces, and Urine

In case you couldn't tell from the title, the past 2 days have been spent working in the lab as an intern. I have done fecal exams in the past during my internship, so I have them down really well. However, I haven't done much with the blood or urine throughout my internship, let alone the machines. So I have been working side-by-side with the lab tech learning how to work the crazy machines. I was able to spin down some blood to check electrolytes and kidney/liver enzymes and spin down hematocrit tubes to obtain packed cell volume (pcv) values. I also learned how to work the CBC machine to gather RBC and WBC numbers. Aside from the blood machines, I have ran quite a few heartworm and feline leukemia tests. Luckily, only one was positive! Well, at least in the last 2 days. The poor dog was positive for lyme disease and anaplasmosis, both of which are tick-bourne diseases. The poor dog wasn't on any preventative, and now the owners will pay a whole lot more now. Other than the blood and feces, I have learned how to use the urinalysis machine and perform a UA. Back in school, we would have to analyze the urine strips on our own. At the clinic, there is a machine to do it for me! I simply apply urine to the strip and stick it in the machine. Within minutes, out pops a piece of paper with values. It's very nice to have around. During the slow times, I helped fill meds at the pharmacy and cleaned out rooms. It's been a busy 2 days.

Now for the latest countdown... I have only 2 days left of working until time off!!! And I graduate on Saturday!! It's gonna be a great weekend :)