Clinical Pathology Laboratory - Available Test
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Hematology Tests
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Group Tests |
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| We offer a variety of hematology group tests
(e.g. hemogram) for both mammalian and non-mammalian species. Please
refer to the detailed hematology group test list
for additional testing information. |
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Mammals: |
- The standard hematology test is a routine hemogram (CBC). This
is performed with our new hematology analyzer, the Advia.
The CBC provides white blood cell parameters (white blood cell
count, differential cell count and leukocyte morphology), red
cell parameters (red cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit,
red cell indices and red cell morphology), platelet parameters
(platelet count, mean platelet volume and smear estimate), total
protein (by refractometer) and plasma appearance.
Our Advia hematology analyzer also provides an automated
hemogram. This is available for certain species only, including
dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, mice, rats and
certain species of monkeys. The only acceptable sample for a mammalian
hemogram is EDTA (lavender top tube).
A reticulocyte count is automatically added to a CBC in dogs and
cats only, when Hcts < 39% in dogs and < 25% in cats. We
also provide an absolute reticulocyte count, which gives a more
accurate assessment of the bone marrow response to anemia than
the reticulocyte percentage.
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Non-mammalian species: |
- The standard hematology test is the non-mammalian hemogram.
These tests are run manually using bench methods.
EDTA is the preferred sample for non-mammalian hemograms.
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Species-independent tests: |
- The group tests include a blood smear examination and a white
blood cell panel (this includes a white blood cell count and blood
smear examination). An automated white blood
cell panel is also available for certain species (see above).
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Individual Tests |
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| Many of our hematology tests can be ordered individually, rather
than as group tests. This is useful for research samples. In this
case, samples other than EDTA may be acceptable, however before samples
are submitted to the laboratory for hematology testing in any other
anticoagulant than EDTA, please contact the laboratory. These include
the following: |
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Red blood cell count: The preferred sample is EDTA. |
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Hemoglobin concentration: The preferred sample is EDTA. |
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Hematocrit (HCT): |
- The hematocrit is a calculated value from the Advia hematology
analyzer. The Advia measures the red cell count and mean cell
volume directly, then calculates the HCT. Therefore, only EDTA
is acceptable.
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Packed cell volume (PCV): |
- The packed cell volume is directly measured from a microhematocrit
tube after blood has been centrifuged within a microhematocrit
centrifuge. Depending on the species, the PCV is usually higher
than the calculated HCT because of plasma trapping. A packed cell
volume can be determined from blood collected into any anticoagulant.
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White blood cell count: |
- The preferred sample is EDTA, however we can perform white cell
counts in blood collected into citrate and heparin anticoagulants.
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Platelet count: |
- A platelet count is automatically included as part of a routine
hemogram in all non-mammalian species, whose blood can be analyzed
through the Advia (this excludes llamas and alpacas). A count
will only be provided if it is considered accurate by our technicians.
If the Advia does not count platelets or the count is inaccurate
due to clumping or interference from cell debris, a platelet count
will not be included unless this has been specifically requested
for that sample. On these rare occasions, a manual count will
be added to the sample at extra cost. Please note that platelet
clumps usually invalidate a count and if platelet clumps are observed
in a peripheral blood smear, manual counts will not be performed
on that sample.
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Total protein by refractometer: |
- Total protein can be measured by refractometer in blood collected
into any anticoagulant.
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Reticulocyte count: |
- Reticulocytes are automatically included as part of the routine
(not automated) hemogram in dogs and cats, when HCTs are <
39% and <25%, respectively. A reticulocyte count will have
to be specifically requested (and will be added at extra charge)
for dogs or cats, with HCTs > than the above values, or any
other species. Reticulocytes are counted with the Advia for dogs
and manually (counted in new methylene blue-stained smears) for
all other species. We are now providing absolute reticulocyte
counts for dogs and cats only when a reticulocyte count is requested
or added automatically to a hemogram. Please note, however, that
an absolute reticulocyte count cannot be provided if a red cell
count is not available for that sample (the absolute reticulocyte
count is calculated from the product of the reticulocyte percentage
and the red cell count).
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Fecal occult blood: |
- The indication for this test is to confirm gastrointestinal
blood loss. This test is performed on feces and is based on the
pseudo-peroxidase activity of hemoglobin. In the test, hemoglobin
oxidizes phenolic compounds in guaiac acid to quinones, producing
a color change. The animal should be on a meat-free and peroxidase-vegetable
free diet for up to 3 days prior to the test. Hemoglobin and myoglobin
from animal meat will cause false positives as will vegetables
containing plant peroxidase (e.g. turnip, cauliflower, canteloupe,
parsnip, broccoli, horseradish, radish). To eliminate false positives
due to plant peroxidases, any positive fecal occult tests are
confirmed by retesting 48 hours later. Plant peroxidase activity
will decrease during this time, thus eliminating false positives.
Represented below is our fecal occult blood report.
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