The candidate will submit a total of three case reports, any species, from three different clinically abnormal patients.
- Case One will have a major emphasis on hematology.
- Case Two will have a major emphasis on serum clinical chemistry.
- Case Three a major emphasis on urinalysis.
EACH CASE REPORT WILL BE COMPOSED OF TWO SECTIONS
Section 1 - Forms:
1) Completed pre analytic, analytic and post analytic forms. Cases lacking significant portions of data will not be accepted.
2) Other forms completed as needed from the following list: Microscope Information Form
Blood Sample Case Report Form
Hematology Sample Case Report Form (Must be accompanied by at least two blood films)
Chemistry Sample Case Report Form
Urinalysis Sample Case Report Form
Parasitology, Internal/External, Coprology Case Report Form
Note: Not all forms will be utilized for each case report. If the information on the form fits what you have used or are testing, you need to complete and include that form.
3) Copies of the printed test results. Remember to black out all patient/client identifying information and to place the corresponding case log number and case report number on each page of submitted test results. Sequential test results that have been run on different days only need to have printed results submitted for those dates in which the results have a significant impact on the course of a case.
Section 2 - An original written report (limited to 1250 words, single spaced 12 pt Arial font with 1 inch margins) including a:
1) Case summary, start to finish from the standpoint of the patient clinically, related test results and the veterinarian’s differential diagnosis. Include any issues or problems that arose during the course of the case.
2) Description of the importance of the data and sample handling as it influences the patient, specimen and test results in this case.
3) Describe the laboratory QA / QC and procedures recommended for the instruments used in the case, your actual QA / QC procedures if different, and how QA / QC relates to the accuracy of the laboratory results. (This section does not count toward the 1250 word limit)
4) Discussion of the quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) procedures used to ensure the diagnostic quality of the results. (This section does not count toward the 1250 word limit)
At a minimum, the following items must be included in each detailed case report:
- A discussion of the significance of elevations or decreases in specific results in relation to the case. Even results within normal reference intervals can be significant.
- A similar discussion of the results of any other laboratory tests performed.
- The significance of pre-analytical sample collection/processing, patient variables (Ex: gender, age, behavioral state, hydration status, medications, etc.) and their impact on any laboratory results.
- Provide details on how the laboratory testing relates to the overall case with discussion of pathophysiology and how this ties in with the disease process.
- How did the laboratory results contribute to the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plan, etc?
- Other relevant clinical pathology information and influences.
The candidate will personally perform all the processes for the case (including: sample collection, laboratory analyses of samples, QA / QC procedures and reporting of results, and development of the report) in-house with minimal assistance. Acceptable assistance includes: a member of the veterinary health care team restraining the patient for sample collection and interpretation of clinical data and differential diagnosis from the attending veterinarian. Case reports may have a few outside tests performed to verify the in-house results. Case reports are to be cross-referenced with the case log. The majority of the testing must be done in-house with only specialized tests being sent out.If the candidate is unable or unauthorized to perform any aspects or procedures with the case a written explanation must be given as to why it was not possible.
Note: Only AVCPT official abbreviations are to be used in the Case Report write up, please refer to the AVCPT Veterinary Abbreviations & Acronyms Guide. If abbreviations not listed must be used, please include an abbreviation key with the packet materials.
