Test Information

To locate information on a particular test, click on the relevant letter and follow the trail. eg To find information on sample requirements, test availability and turnaround time for FeLV, click on "F" and then click on the relevant test.

* Tests referred to external laboratories

To download a copy of our lab request form please click link below:

LAB REQUEST FORM

Please note: All turnaround times are quoted from the time of arrival at laboratory Monday-Friday


Babesia - smear evaluation
Suitable Sample:
  • Air-dried blood smear
  • EDTA blood
Unsuitable Sample:
  • PC

 

Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5 mL if submitting blood

 

Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 

Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
  • Capillary blood (no anticoagulant) is most likely to yield positive results in infected animals.

 

Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: P01
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: Blood smear
Babesia caballi ELISA
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

 

Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA

 

Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 

Turnaround Time:
  • Tests are run Wednesday
  • Cut-off time is 7pm previous working weekday
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
    • Test method: ELISA
    • IFA is currently unavailable.
    If the sample is going to be in transit for more than 24 hours, it is recommended that it should be separated and the serum sent rather than whole blood.

 

Internal Use Only: Store samples at 2-8oC
Internal Codes: Q14
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: Like 1 mL of serum, but can go down to 200 uL (but this is NOT optimal)
Babesia canis IFA
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
  • EDTA
Unsuitable Sample:
  • CIT
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • Test performed Tuesday
  • Cut-off is 7pm previous working weekday
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:

Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: Q22
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Babesia equi ELISA
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

 

Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA

 

Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 

Turnaround Time:
  • Tests are run Wednesdays
  • Cut-off time is 7pm previous working weekday
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
  • Test method: ELISA
  • IFA is currently unavailable
  • If the sample is going to be in transit for more than 24 hours, it is recommended that it should be separated and the serum sent rather than whole blood.

 

Internal Use Only: Store samples at 2-8oC
Internal Codes: Q14
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: Like 1 mL of serum, but can go down to 200 uL (but this is NOT optimal)
Babesia gibsoni PCR (WA only)*
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA (keep refrigerated)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml
Turnaround Time:
  • 7 days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • Referred test
  • Vetpath only accepts samples from Western Australian clients. Samples from other states should be submitted directly to IDEXX.
  • Babesia gibsoni PCR can be performed as part of a New Zealand export combo with Heartworm antigen testing
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes:
Internal Laboratory: Idexx
Internal Test Volume:
Bacterial identification
Suitable Sample:
  • Culture plate & orginal swab

 

Unsuitable Sample:
  • Culture plate alone

 

Minimum Sample Size:
Turnaround Time:
  • 12 - 48 hours

 

Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes: M04P
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Bartonella henselae IFA
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • LH
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • Run Wednesdays
  • Cut-off is 7pm the previous working weekday
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: S35
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Bartonella PCR*
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  •  
Unsuitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1ml whole blood 
Turnaround Time:
  • 14 days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request canine or feline anaemia panel
Comments:
  • Referred test
  • Send as part of the canine or feline anaemia panel
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: G51 or G57
Internal Laboratory: Vetnostics
Internal Test Volume:
Beak Feather Disease in Psittacine Birds*
Suitable Sample:
  • At least 3 freshly plucked feathers. These should be sealed in a small plastic bag or container.
            and/or
  • LH blood: The volume should reflect the size of the bird, only a few drops are required for smaller species.
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • PC
Minimum Sample Size:
  • Blood: volume of LH blood depends on size of bird, a few drops from smaller species is acceptable
  • Feathers: at least 3 freshly plucked feathers (send in small plastic bag or container).
Turnaround Time:
  • 3 weeks

 

Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
  • Referred test
  • PCR test for Circovirus

 

Internal Use Only:
  • Goes to Gribbles
Internal Codes: G04
Internal Laboratory: Gribbles
Internal Test Volume:
Bicarbonate
(Total CO2)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • CIT
  • FL 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 

Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 

Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:

 

Internal Use Only:
  • From 01-05-2007 is no longer included in routine profiles unless specifically requested by the client.
  • LH is not listed as a suitable specimen by DCL, but other sources list it for this method.  Results may be invalid.
Internal Codes:
  • B08 (bicarb alone)
  • B08a (when done as part of a profile)
Internal Laboratory:
  • VP
Internal Test Volume:
Bile Acids
(Serum bile acids)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (non-hemolysed)
  • EDTA (non-hemolysed)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH (interferes)
  • FL
  • Hemolysed samples
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 

Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
  • Protocol for dogs and cats:
    1.  Overnight fast.
    2.  Collect a baseline blood sample  (plain clotted).
    3.  Immediately feed a moderately fatty meal.  If inappetant, a small amount of oil can be  syringe-fed (the intent is to stimulate gall bladder contraction).
    4.  Collect a second blood sample two hours after the first sample.
Internal Use Only:
  • Although the kit insert states use "serum or plasma" under sample requirements, later in the insert it also states that lith heparin plasma interferes and should be avoided.
Internal Codes:
  • B21 (single)
  • B22 (pair)
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Bilirubin
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
  • EDTA
Unsuitable Sample:
  • FL

 

Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 

Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
  • Request test
  • CP 1,
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 30 uL
Biochemistry - single tests
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH (some tests)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA (can do some tests)

 

Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 

Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 

Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test by name

 

Comments:
  • If more than two or three tests, look to see if there is a profile or monitoring panel that is more economic.
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
  • BO1 for first test
  • B02
  • B03
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 50uL (depends on test)
Bladder Tumour Antigen (BTA) - Canine
Suitable Sample:
  • Urine (sample must be as fresh as possible, preferably < 24 hours old, can store at 2-7oC for up to 48 hours)

Unsuitable Sample:
  • Blood
  • Urine greater than 48 hours old

 

Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5 ml (more is desirable for the wet microscopy)

 

Turnaround Time:
  • 3 working days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
  • Canine only
  • Test includes wet microscopy
  • Sensitivity 90%, specificity 78%
  • Negative predictive value 95%, positive predictive value 64%
  • False positive results increased by >30-40 RBC/hpf, >3-40 WBC/hpf, glucosuria 4+, proteinuria 4+
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes: U12
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 0.5 ml
Blood Culture
Suitable Sample:
  • 1 - 4 mL of non-anticoagulated blood in a blood culture bottle.

  • Do not refrigerate the sample.

     

 

Unsuitable Sample:
  • Blood collected into any other container

 

Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1 mL

 

Turnaround Time:
  • Cultures are examined at 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 7 days.

 

Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
  • For optimal chances of a positive culture, collect samples from two different sites at the peak of the pyrexia (samples will be charged as one).
  • Another sample within 24 hours can also be submitted (will be charged as a separate culture) to increase the chance of a positive culture.
  • Do not refrigerate.
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
  • M07 (processing)
  • M08 (culture bottl
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 1 - 4 mL
Blood smear examination
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA blood
  • Air-dried EDTA blood smear
  • Unsuitable Sample:
    • PC

     

    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 0.5 mL if submitting blood

     

    Turnaround Time:
    • 24 hours

     

    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test

     

    Comments:
    • A full CBC provides much more information than blood smear examination alone for little extra cost.

     

    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes: H04
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: Blood smear
    Blood Typing
    Suitable Sample:
    •  EDTA

     

    Unsuitable Sample:
    • Plain clotted
    • LH
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 2ml EDTA blood
    Turnaround Time:
    • Canine - 24 hours
    • Feline - 3 - 5 working days (send away test)
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test
    Comments:
    • In dogs, the blood typing test will classify dogs as DEA 1.1 positive or negative.

    • In cats, the immunochromatographic test will classify cats as Type A, Type B or Type AB.

       

     

    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes: H25 fel/H25can
    Internal Laboratory: VP (canine), Vetnostics (feline)
    Internal Test Volume:
    Body fluid analysis & cytology
    (Fluid Analysis & Cytology)
    Suitable Sample:
    • Fresh smears made at the time of collection are useful
    • EDTA is optimal for cytology
    • Collect non-anticoagulated if sample is to be cultured; samples in EDTA are not suitable for culture
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • LH

     

    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 0.5 mL if cell count is to be done
    • Smears for cytology only
    Turnaround Time:
    • 24 - 48 hours 
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test

     

    Comments:
    • If sufficient fluid, place some in an EDTA tube and the rest in either a PC tube (without activator) or a sterile urine container.

    Internal Use Only:
    Internal Codes:
    • C03
    • C03a (second site, same animal)
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: 0.5 mL
    BOHB (B-hydroxybutyrate)
    (Ketones)
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC
    • LH
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • EDTA
    • FL
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 1 mL whole blood
    Turnaround Time:
    • 24 hours
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test
    Comments:
    Internal Use Only:
    • Did in house comparison of serum vs fluoride oxalate plasma 10-9-2010
    • Excellent correlation (r2 = 0.9914, Slope 0.98)
    Internal Codes: B01/B02 (included in CP2, FP2 if appropriate
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: 75 uL
    Bone Marrow Cytology (includes CBC)
    Suitable Sample:
    • EDTA-anticoagulated bone marrow
      OR
    • Smears from bone marrow
    • PLUS
    • EDTA-anticoagulated blood
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • PC
    • LH
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 0.5 mL bone marrow (non-clotted)
    • 1.0 mL EDTA peripheral blood
    Turnaround Time:
    • 24 - 48 hours

     

    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test

     

    Comments:
    • It is important to have a concurrent peripheral blood to interpret the bone marrow cytology. The cost of a CBC is included in the fee for bone marrow cytology.
    • Clotting is frequently a problem with bone marrow samples and the syringe used for aspiration must contain sufficient EDTA to prevent this.
    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes: C04
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: N/A
    Borrelia burgdorferi IFA
    (Lyme Disease)
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • EDTA
    • LH
    • FL
    • Urine
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 2ml whole blood
    Turnaround Time:
    • Run on Wednesdays. 
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test
    Comments:
    • Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi
    Internal Use Only:
    Internal Codes: S33
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume:
    BRAF Urine Test*
    Suitable Sample:
    • Urine sample submitted in a specific container with a preservative (available from Vetpath)
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • Blood
    • Un-preserved urine
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 25 - 40ml urine (fill the pot to the line on the side)
    • The sample must be placed into the preservative within 15 minutes of collection.
    • Multiple collections over a day can be used to achieve the required volume.
    • See comments below for more information.
    Turnaround Time:
    • 3 - 4 weeks
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Contact the laboratory for a test kit
    Comments: Background

    85% of canine transitional cell (urothelial) carcinomas (TCC/UC) carry a mutation in the BRAF gene

    This mutation may be detected in a urine sample containing as few as 10 mutant-bearing cells

    15% of canine TCC/UC lack BRAF mutation. More than two thirds of these have other genomic signatures detectable by a second level test (BRAF-PLUS). See also Notes below. 

    The overall sensitivity to detect canine TCC/UC is therefore > 95%. 

    Specificity of both BRAF and BRAF-PLUS tests is ~ 100%.

    - The BRAF mutation has not been detected in non-neoplastic bladder lesions, including benign polyps and cystitis

    - The test is not impacted by the presence of blood, protein, glucose or bacteria in urine, or by drug therapy (including antibiotics and NSAIDS).


    Indications

    Any dog with unexplained bladder wall change on ultrasound examination (especially broad-based mass-like lesion).

    Dogs over 6 years old with:

    - Undiagnosed cause of lower urinary tract disease (e.g. haematuria, dysuria, stranguria, pollakiuria, incontinence)

    - Non-resolved urinary tract infection after appropriate antibiotic treatment

    - As a screening test in high-risk breeds.

    During chemotherapy for TCC/UC to monitor treatment success via decreased levels of BRAF mutation, or to monitor for relapse by detection of BRAF mutation-bearing cells.



    Collection protocol

    Urine must be collected into a special preservative solution

    To obtain a test kit email [email protected].



    The test kit consists of:

    - Urine sample jar containing preservative

    - Antech instruction sheet for owner (or veterinarian) regarding collection

    - Antech checklist form for veterinarian to complete

    - Vetpath BRAF Instructions for Veterinarian. 



    The required sample is 40 mL free-catch (voided) urine

    - A smaller volume of urine (10-25 mL) may be submitted though the sensitivity may be decreased (this is less likely to be a problem if a bladder mass can be visualised)

    - A smaller volume may also limit option of the second level BRAF-PLUS test, if required (see above and below)

    - Urine collected by cystocentesis or catheterisation is NOT recommended since the sensitivity may be decreased.



    Urine should first be collected into a clean, dry container and transferred into the preservative within 15 minutes of collection

    Once in the preservative, urine is stable for several days at room temperature when kept out of direct sunlight

    Short periods of refrigeration should not affect the specimen but refrigeration is not necessary

    Urine collection may take place over 2-3 days as long as each aliquot is promptly placed into the preservative solution and stored out of direct sunlight. 

      

    Notes

    Vetpath prepares cytocentrifuge smears from the urine. These smears are sent to USA for testing.

    If the submitted sample does not have detectable BRAF mutation, the BRAF-PLUS test for other relevant genomic signatures (see above) will automatically be performed at no additional charge. However, because more DNA is required to perform the BRAF-PLUS assay, a small number of samples that are BRAF-undetected will not be eligible for the BRAF-PLUS assay, and a new urine sample must be submitted (which will incur a second charge).  

    When a mass is detected, histologic confirmation of TCC/UC is recommended which may also indicate whether the mass has invaded the muscle wall. Further imaging and evaluation of local lymph nodes should be performed to stage the disease. 



    Reference

    https://www.antechdiagnostics.com/laboratory-diagnostics/molecular-diagnostics/cadet-braf-plus


    Internal Use Only:
    Internal Codes: GBRAF
    Internal Laboratory: Antech
    Internal Test Volume: 40ml
    Bromide*
    (Potassium Bromide)
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC

     

    Unsuitable Sample:
    • EDTA
    • LH
    • CIT
    • FL
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 1 mL whole blood

     

    Turnaround Time:
    • 10 - 14 days 
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request Test

     

    Comments:
    • Referred test
    • Collect blood any time during dosing interval.
      • Due to the prolonged half-life of potassium bromide, between 60 and 120 days will be required before testing the therapeutic levels unless loading dose regimens have been utilised initially.
      • Mild lipaemia and/or haemolysis is acceptable.
    Internal Use Only:
    • Samples will be sent to Vetnostics Monday and Thursday.
    • Within run precision <3%
    • Between run precision >5%
    • All veterinary samples are run neat and diluted 1/5.
    • Client information sheet DCI-01 Drug Monitoring gives collection times for therapeuic monitoring of a range of drugs.
    Internal Codes: B09
    Internal Laboratory: Vetnostics (Mayne, Sydney) but actually run at RPA Hospital 
    Internal Test Volume: 400 uL serum
    Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL)
    Suitable Sample:
    • Sterile pot
    • Can also collect some into EDTA if for cytology only
    Unsuitable Sample:
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 1 mL (small animals)

     

    Turnaround Time:
    • 24 - 48 hours 
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test

     

    Comments:
    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes:
    • C13
    • C13p (paired with Trach wash)
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: N/A
    Brucella abortus (large animals)*
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC

     

    Unsuitable Sample:
    • LH
    • EDTA
    Minimum Sample Size:
    Turnaround Time:
    • 10 - 14 days

     

    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request Test

     

    Comments:
    • Referred test
    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes: N/A
    Internal Laboratory: Dep't of Agriculture
    Internal Test Volume: N/A
    Brucella canis serum agglutination*
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC

     

    Unsuitable Sample:
    • LH
    • EDTA

     

    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 2-3 mL whole blood (need 1 mL serum)

     

    Turnaround Time:
    • 10 - 14 days
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request Test

     

    Comments:
    • Referred test
    • Serum agglutination test for export
    Internal Use Only:

    Now being sent away


    Old comment

    • Test performed Mondays and Thursdays
    • Cut-off is 7pm previous working weekday
    Internal Codes: SG3
    Internal Laboratory: AAHL
    Internal Test Volume: 1 mL serum
    Brucella suis serology*
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • EDTA
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 2ml
    Turnaround Time:
    • 10 - 14 days
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test
    Comments:

    Referred test

    Two methods are performed:

    1. Slide agglutination.

    2. Rose Bengal test.

    Internal Use Only:

    No code

    Goes to the WA Ag dept

    Cost is $72.50 + GST (LT 12/1/22)

    Internal Codes:
    Internal Laboratory: Ag Dept
    Internal Test Volume:
    Buffy Coat Smears
    Suitable Sample:
    • EDTA

     

    Unsuitable Sample:
    • PC
    • LH

     

    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 2 mL

     

    Turnaround Time:
    • 24 hours 

     

    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request Test

     

    Comments:
    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes: H18
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: N/A