Page 45 - The Veterinary Laboratory and Field Manual 3rd Edition

14 Susan C. Cork, Roy Halliwell and Willy Schauwers

Curricula for trainees in larger laboratories, Training in basic laboratory techniques can
where a larger range of tests might be per- also be provided to livestock extension and
formed, would need to be more comprehensive veterinary staff so that they have a better appre-
and may take up to 1 year or more to complete. ciation of tests done in the laboratory. Specific
The formal requirements for obtaining specific training can also be provided in the use and
qualifications in laboratory technology will vary interpretation of results from common field
from country to country depending on what tests (for example, mastitis screening tests, slide
is supported by ‘in country’ academic institu- agglutination tests, pen side diagnostic kits and
tions and the relevant regulatory authorities. so on).
In most cases, it is preferable to select trainees The importance of ongoing educational sup-
that already have a good high-school education port and mentorship for all staff in the animal
in biological sciences, applied mathematics, health services cannot be overemphasized.
physics and chemistry. Entrance-level qualifi-
cations for laboratory assistants and support
staff will vary depending on the scope of the 1.4 Safety in the laboratory
job.
It should be noted that in some situations Access to the core part of the diagnostic labo-
there might also be highly competent laboratory ratory should be restricted to authorized
technicians without formal qualifications but employees. Clear signage should be in place to
who have gained years of valuable experience ensure that unauthorized visitors do not enter
on the job. beyond the sample submission or registration
At the end of a formal training programme, area. Every member of staff working in a vet-
laboratory technicians should be assessed on erinary laboratory, including administrative
both their theoretical knowledge and practical staff, should be made aware of the possible risks
skills. Newly trained laboratory technicians will associated with handling potentially hazardous
need ongoing supervision and support once they biological material.
reach their province/district. This should be Some animal diseases, for example, rabies,
done by a designated laboratory trainer or super- hydatids, bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis and
visor. Continuous training in the workplace is salmonellosis are zoonoses, and material from
one of the most effective ways of maintaining suspected cases of these and other diseases
and upgrading the knowledge and technical must be handled very carefully. Staff should
skills of laboratory staff. have knowledge of common zoonotic diseases
To ensure the quality of the veterinary labo- (see Appendix A1) and if the risk of exposure to
ratory service it is recommended that there are specific diseases of concern (for example, rabies,
regular visits (by experienced staff from the tuberculosis and so on) is high, vaccinations (if
central laboratories to provide ongoing mentor- available) are recommended. Guidelines for
ship and technical training support) scheduled personal protection are provided by the World
to district facilities to assess the performance of Health Organization (WHO) but each labora-
personnel. In addition, regular (at least once a tory should also develop a policy and associated
year) refresher training opportunities should be operational guidelines to ensure the health and
available through the larger regional or central safety of staff with specific attention to the dis-
veterinary laboratory. These courses provide a eases and hazards common to the region and/or
good opportunity to introduce and explain the facility. The OIE provides standards for biosafety
use of new techniques and technologies. and biosecurity for veterinary laboratories and

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