Can a TAHC approved LVT collect blood samples for brucellosis testing without direct supervision?

A licensed veterinary technician (LVT) approved by the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) can collect blood samples for brucellosis testing under general supervision from a TAHC approved veterinarian. This means that while the veterinarian does not need to be present in the immediate vicinity during the procedure, they must provide general oversight and be available for consultation. This framework allows LVTs to perform certain procedures independently, provided they have the necessary training and adhere to the standards set by the TAHC.

The requirement for general supervision reflects the trust in the technician's knowledge and abilities to carry out specific tasks, such as blood collection for testing purposes, while ensuring that a veterinarian is still ultimately responsible for the oversight of the procedure. This is an important aspect of veterinary practice regulations, as it balances the need for veterinary supervision with the capabilities of trained technicians to efficiently handle certain duties in a clinical setting.