Machines Used in Veterinary Practice(1)

    The hospital standards agreement of the American Animal Hospital Association states that "veterinary care facilities must meet certain minimum criteria regarding hospital standards" in order to receive accreditation through the association. These criteria include up-to-date laboratory, diagnostic and procedural machinery. Many of these machines are used in human medicine as well.


      Laboratory Machines
 

      The laboratory centrifuge separates urine and blood samples into their liquid and solid components by spinning the fluids in small tubes at a centrifugal force of up to 25,000 times gravity. Veterinarians and vet techs can analyze each sample and determine if any abnormalities are present. In some clinics the centrifuge spins down fecal samples so that the eggs of intestinal worms and other parasites float to the top and are more readily visible under a microscope.

       Many veterinary clinics invest in an in-house chemistry analyzer. These machines require a blood or urine sample and use colored reagent slides to determine specific chemistries. A small amount of the patient's sample is added to each slide and the color density formed is electronically compared to predetermined norms. The concentrations of minerals, chemicals and electrolytes in the patient's blood and urine are useful in diagnosis.


      Diagnostic Machines

      Radiograph machines are necessary diagnostic equipment, and the type and size of machine varies depending on the caseload and type of practice. Small animal hospitals typically use a stationary unit with a large X-ray tube that projects rapidly moving electrons at a centered target on a table. A cassette tray under the table holds the X-ray film that captures the projected image. Once the image is shot, a veterinary technician develops the film in an in-house developer. Some small animal clinics own smaller dental radiograph machines built expressly to take images of the teeth and mouth. Large animal hospitals normally possess mobile X-ray units that can be moved from place to place (and farm to farm), and the films are usually developed off site.


      Veterinary hospitals will usually include an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine in their normal practice. The ECG measures heart functions and is a diagnostic tool for older patients and those with heart disease. It also monitors animals under general anesthesia during surgeries.