Unit Menu

  Introduction

  Unit 1 - The Basics of Veterinary Practice
  Unit 2 - Administrative Duties
  Unit 3 - Computers in the Veterinary Practice
  Unit 4 - The Vet Assistant as a Communicator
  Unit 5 - Ethics and Law in the Office
  Unit 6 - Billing / Collecting in the Office
  Unit 7 - Assisting the Vet and Grooming Basics
  Unit 8 - Preparing for Employment
  Final Exam

  Topics in this Unit

  Basics of Veterinary Practice

  Staffing the Practice
  Veterinary Settings
  Time Management
  Cross-Training
  Office Policies and Procedures
  Maintaining a Safe Facility
  Safety Hazards
  Preventing Accidental Injury
  Controlling Infection and Disease
  OSHA Guidelines
  Right-to-know Station
  Office Equipment and Maintenance
  Materials and Supplies
  Want Lists
  Inventory Management
  Activities and Unit Exam

  Student Resources

  Table Of Contents
  Meet Your Instructor
  View Your Transcipts
  Online Resource Links
  Search For A Job
  Class Bulletin Board System
  Unit Texts In Word Format

 

Veterinary Assistant DEMO - Unit 1 - Page 9

Controlling Infection and the Spread of Disease Cleanliness helps to avoid the transmission of disease and germs. Since many animals in the hospital or veterinarian's office are already sick, there must be a minimum opportunity for the transmission of germs that can cause additional illnesses. Animals that are carrying infectious diseases should be kept in isolation and care must be used during daily maintenance. Hand washing is one of the best ways to avoid the transmission of diseases. Always wash hands between caring for animals and touching anything that might be infected. This habit protects the animals, the veterinary assistants and other employees. Clean smocks should be used when handling animals for maintenance and then cleaning their cages. Do not use the same smock for both duties. If the smock becomes soiled with potentially infectious material, immediately change it. OSHA Guidelines The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a governmental agency that provides for safe and healthful working conditions for all employees. OSHA became much more prevalent in the medical field after the onset of HIV infections. Although HIV is not as common in veterinary offices, the veterinary assistant must still guard against infectious diseases and safety hazards in the practice.