Laboratory Facilities
Xavier University School of Veterinary Medicine (XUSOVM) provides modern laboratory facilities to support the teaching, learning, and research activities of the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program.
The University maintains dedicated laboratories for anatomy, histology, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, biochemistry, clinical pathology, and other veterinary sciences. These facilities are designed to provide students with practical, hands-on experiences that complement classroom instruction and support the development of veterinary competencies.
Anatomy Laboratory
The Anatomy Laboratory is equipped with:
- Preserved anatomical specimens;
- Skeletal collections;
- Anatomical models;
- An Anatomage Table and other digital learning resources; and
- Cadaveric specimens for dissection and anatomical study.
Additional cadaver specimens may be available through approved educational and clinical partnerships to support dissection and anatomical instruction.
Histology Laboratory
The Histology Laboratory supports instruction in:
- Histology;
- Microscopic anatomy;
- Veterinary pathology; and
- Related biomedical sciences.
The laboratory includes:
- Student microscopes;
- Teaching microscopes;
- Digital microscopy resources;
- Histological slide collections;
- Projector and camera systems for demonstrations; and
- Digital slide libraries and Anatomage resources.
Biochemistry and Integrated Laboratory Sciences Facility
The Biochemistry Laboratory includes:
- Wet laboratory workstations;
- Virtual laboratory learning areas;
- Microbiology workspaces;
- Sterile preparation areas; and
- Laboratory instrumentation used for practical instruction.
The facility may also be utilized for microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, pathology, and other laboratory exercises requiring specialized equipment, aseptic techniques, or sterilization procedures.
Laboratory Rules and Safety Regulations
Student safety and professionalism are essential components of laboratory education. All students are expected to comply with laboratory safety requirements and instructions provided by faculty and laboratory personnel.
Failure to comply with laboratory policies may result in removal from laboratory activities and may lead to disciplinary action.
General Laboratory Conduct
- Students shall not work alone in any laboratory without prior authorization and supervision by an instructor or designated laboratory personnel.
- Students shall conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Horseplay, disruptive behavior, practical jokes, unsafe activities, or disrespect toward faculty, staff, or fellow students are prohibited.
- Students must follow all instructions provided by faculty, laboratory personnel, and safety officers.
- Students must maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Personal Hygiene and Infection Control
- Students must wash their hands thoroughly before beginning laboratory activities and immediately upon completion of laboratory work.
- Hand hygiene must also be performed after handling:
- Animals;
- Cadavers;
- Biological specimens;
- Chemicals;
- Body fluids; or
- Laboratory equipment.
- Work surfaces must be appropriately disinfected before and after laboratory sessions.
- Following dissections or necropsy activities, work surfaces must be cleaned and disinfected according to laboratory protocols.
Food and Beverage Restrictions
- Eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking, vaping, or using tobacco products in any laboratory area is strictly prohibited.
- Food and beverages shall not be stored in laboratory refrigerators, freezers, or storage areas.
Personal Protective Equipment
Students must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as directed by the instructor.
Required PPE may include:
- Laboratory coats;
- Scrubs;
- Examination gloves;
- Protective eyewear;
- Face shields;
- Masks or respirators;
- Protective footwear; and
- Other safety equipment appropriate to the activity.
Anatomy and Dissection Laboratories
For anatomy, dissection, necropsy, and biological specimen laboratories, students are required to wear:
- Scrubs;
- Examination gloves;
- Safety glasses or face protection;
- Closed-toe shoes that completely cover the foot; and
- Any additional PPE required by the instructor.
Safe Handling of Specimens, Chemicals, and Biological Materials
- Students must keep their hands away from their face, eyes, nose, and mouth when handling:
- Cadavers;
- Preserved specimens;
- Chemicals;
- Biological samples;
- Body fluids; and
- Laboratory animals.
- Applying cosmetics, inserting contact lenses, or biting fingernails in the laboratory is prohibited.
- Students must follow all chemical safety and biosafety procedures.
- Chemicals and biological materials shall only be used as directed by instructors.
Emergency Procedures
- Any chemical splash, exposure, injury, or laboratory accident must be reported immediately to the instructor.
- In the event of chemical exposure to the eyes, students must immediately use the nearest eyewash station and seek assistance.
- All accidents, injuries, spills, breakages, exposures, or safety concerns must be reported regardless of severity.
- Emergency exits, eyewash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and emergency contact information must remain accessible at all times.
Sharps and Instrument Safety
- Scalpels, needles, blades, and other sharp instruments may only be used under instructor supervision and after appropriate training.
- Sharp instruments must be transported using designated trays or containers.
- Students must always direct sharp instrument tips away from themselves and others.
- Used sharps must be disposed of in approved sharps containers.
- Needlestick injuries, cuts, or sharps-related incidents must be reported immediately.
Laboratory Equipment
- Students may only use laboratory equipment after receiving appropriate instruction and authorization.
- Equipment shall be used only for its intended purpose.
- Damaged, malfunctioning, or unsafe equipment must be reported immediately.
- Students shall not attempt repairs or modifications to laboratory equipment.
Gloves and Contamination Prevention
- Students wearing contaminated gloves shall not:
- Touch microscopes;
- Touch computer keyboards;
- Touch mobile phones;
- Touch writing utensils;
- Touch personal belongings;
- Touch door handles; or
- Leave designated laboratory areas.
- Gloves must be removed and disposed of appropriately before touching non-laboratory items.
- Hand hygiene must be performed immediately after glove removal.
Biosafety and Biosecurity
Students must comply with all biosafety and biosecurity policies established by XUSOVM.
This includes:
- Appropriate handling of biological materials;
- Proper disposal of biological waste;
- Adherence to infection control practices;
- Compliance with zoonotic disease prevention protocols;
- Reporting of occupational exposures; and
- Completion of required biosafety training.
Professional Responsibility
Students are expected to demonstrate professionalism, respect, integrity, and accountability while participating in laboratory activities.
Any behavior that compromises safety, professionalism, animal welfare, academic integrity, or the learning environment may result in disciplinary action.