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


Ear Cytology
(Cytology - ear)
Suitable Sample:
  • Air dried smears for cytology
  • Swab (if culture requested; less suitable for cytology)
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • Single smear

 

Turnaround Time:
  •  24 - 48 hours (Mon-Sat)

 

Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
  • C15
  • C16
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Egg Count - Faecal (single & pooled)
(Faecal Egg Count)
Suitable Sample:
  • Fresh faeces

 

Unsuitable Sample:
  • Faecal swab

 

Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2-3 gm (a larger volume such as 10 gm is better)

 

Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 

Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
  • May be done on either individual animals or a pooled samples.
  • A pooled sample may contain faeces from a maximum of 10 animals.
  • The saturated salt solution is efficient at floating common parasite eggs, but does not float trematode eggs and some tapeworm eggs. Specific procedures are required for these parasites.
  • Faeces are stable for 3 days when refrigerated.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes:
  • P05
  • P06
  • P07
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Ehrlichia canis IFA serology
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

 

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

 

Turnaround Time:
  • Run Tuesday
  • Cutoff time 7pm previous working weekday 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes:
  • Q13
  • Q13i
  • Q13L
Internal Laboratory: Vetpath
Internal Test Volume:
Ehrlichia canis PCR*
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA
Unsuitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 

Turnaround Time:
  • 10 days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
    • Referred test
    Diagnostic test for clinical cases are subsidized by DPIRD
  • Screening test for well animals is charged (call laboratory for details)
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: G50 or G52
Internal Laboratory: DPIRD
Internal Test Volume:
Electrolyte Panel
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH (more accurate for electrolytes, but may not suitable if wish to add other tests, especially serology tests)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • SC
  • FL
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • Includes Na, K, Cl and Na:K ratio
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: B44
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Electrophoresis - Serum protein
(Serum protein electrophoresis)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

 

Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH
  • EDTA
  • Haemolysed samples
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1 mL whole blood (including total protein and albumin measurements)

 

Turnaround Time:
  • 5 days

 

Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
  • Used primarily to differentiate polyclonal from monoclonal gammopathies.
  • Samples must be non-haemolysed.

 

Internal Use Only:
  • Now done at WDP
  • Need to get them to sent the actual tracing
  • If need to make changes to the band marking, just mark it and send it back and they will reintegrate the numbers
  • Need to verify cost et
Samples that are haemolysed must not be sent.

If the sample is haemolysed then a new sample must be requested.
Internal Codes: B19
Internal Laboratory: WDP Myaree
Internal Test Volume: 400uL of serum is adequate, but preferably more.
Electrophoresis - Urine
(Urine electrophoresis)
Suitable Sample:
  • Urine
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Blood
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5 ml urine
Turnaround Time:
  • 5 days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • Urine electrophoresis is a screening test to detect monoclonal protein in the urine.
  • A narrow based peak in the urine electrophoresis suggests the presence of Bence Jones proteinuria due to multiple myeloma.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: B19
Internal Laboratory: WDP
Internal Test Volume:
Encephalitozoon cuniculi IFA (rabbit)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • EDTA
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • CIT
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • Run Wednesdays 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: S34
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
EP2
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • PC
  • FL
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1ml in each tube
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:

Request test

Comments:

EP2 includes a CBC, CK, AST, ALP, GGT, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, Na, K, Cl.

Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: EP2
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
EP3
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • PC
  • FL
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1ml in each tube
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • EP3 includes CBC, CK, AST, ALP, GGT, GLDH, bilirubin, triglycerides, glucose, urea, creatinine, total protain, albumin, globulins, Na, K, Cl, calcium and phosphorus.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: EP3
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Equine Chorionic Gonadotrophin (PMSG) ELISA
(PMSG (Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1 mL whole blood

 

Turnaround Time:
  • Wednesday, results available same day
Request/Test Included in:
  • ELISA test
Comments:
  • Mare pregnancy 45 - 120 days
  • Optimum 70 days
Internal Use Only:
  • Use of the rapid RIM test was stopped 28-6-07 due to poor sensitivity
  • This has been replaced by the ELISA which is run once a week when there are samples to be done.
Internal Codes: E12
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 250 uL serum (two duplicates of 100 uL each)
Equine Cushing's/Metabolic Syndrome Panel
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA (see endogenous ACTH for collection requirements)
  • PC
  • FL
Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml in each tube
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • Includes glucose, insulin and endogenous ACTH
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: Eecush
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Equine Glucose Tolerance Panel
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA (see endogenous ACTH for collection requirements)
  • PC (x2)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Urine
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml whole blood 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments: The Equine Glucose Tolerance Panel includes:
  • Endogenous ACTH
  • 2 x insulin and 2 x glucose (pre- and post-glucose administration)
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: EGTP
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1 and 4) detection by PCR*
(Herpesvirus - Equine (EHV-1 and 4) detection by PCR)
Suitable Sample:
  • Nasal swab not in culture media
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Fixed tissue
  • Frozen tissue
  • Blood
Minimum Sample Size:
  • Nasal swab not in culture media
Turnaround Time:
  • 10 - 14 days
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Detection of EHV-1 and 4 by PCR
      Comments:
        • Referred test
      • Nasal/respiratory swabs and preparations are sent to Vetnostics for the respiratory PCR panel.
      • Reproductive samples (swabs and foetal tissue) are send to DPIRD in Perth.
      Internal Use Only:
      • If sending as part of the respy PCR panel to Vetnostics it is $110 or can be sent to the Ag dept for $215
        • Nasal/respiratory swabs and preparations are sent to Vetnostics for the respiratory PCR panel.
        • Reproductive samples (swabs and foetal tissue) are send to DPIRD in Perth


      Internal Codes: G32 (nasal) SV4 (repro)
      Internal Laboratory: See above
      Internal Test Volume:
      Equine Herpesvirus (EHV1) Antibody Titre*
      (Herpesvirus - Equine (EHV1) Antibody Titres)
      Suitable Sample:
      • PC
      • If the sample is the first of a pair, please indicate this on the submission form so that the sample can be held and the pair processed together.
      Unsuitable Sample:
      •  LH
      • EDTA
      Minimum Sample Size:
      • Minimum 4 mL whole blood

       

      Turnaround Time:
      • Up to 3 weeks
      Request/Test Included in:
      • Request test
      • It is essential to indicate if this is a single sample, or the first/second of a pair.  All paired samples must be processed at the same time, even if the first of the pair has already been processed.
      Comments:
        • Referred test
        For detection of of a rise in Ab (indicative of current infection) paired sera (acute and convalescent) are required 14 days apart.
      • Paired samples must be processed at the same time; the first of the pair needs to be separated and frozen until the second sample arrives.  If the first of the pair has already been processed, it will need to re-tested with the second sample (ie it would need to be run, and charged for, twice).
      • Store whole blood at 4oC, but if transport is delayed it is necessary to separate the serum from the cells.
      Internal Use Only:
      • Now goes to the Ag Dept NOT Uni of Melbourne
      • Send separated if the sample will not be sent within 36 hours.
      • Transport cool (on ice).
      • Can be frozen.
      Internal Codes: SV2 (single) SV3 (paired)
      Internal Laboratory: AgWA
      Internal Test Volume: 4ml whole blood
      Equine Infectious Anaemia - Coggins Test*
      Suitable Sample:
      • PC

       

      Unsuitable Sample:
      • LH
      • EDTA
      Minimum Sample Size:
      • 4 mL whole blood

       

      Turnaround Time:
      • 10 - 14 days

       

      Request/Test Included in:
      • Request test
      • Can also be done with EVA (equine viral arteritis)
      Comments:
        • Referred test
        Agar gel immunodiffusion test

       

      Internal Use Only: Need to confirm price with Dep't of Ag if not in list
      Internal Codes:
      • SA1
      • SA31 (combined EIA and EVA)
      Internal Laboratory: Dept of Ag, WA
      Internal Test Volume:
      Equine Inflammatory Profile
      Suitable Sample:
      • EDTA
      • PC
      Unsuitable Sample:
      Minimum Sample Size:
      • 2ml whole blood
      Turnaround Time:
      • 24 hours
      Request/Test Included in:
      • Request test
      Comments:

      Profile includes:

      • CBC
      • serum Amyloid A
      • Iron concentration
      • Total protein
      • Albumin
      • Globulins
      Internal Use Only:
      Internal Codes: EP4
      Internal Laboratory: VP
      Internal Test Volume:
      Equine respiratory PCR panel*
      Respiratory PCR panel - Equine
      Suitable Sample:
      • BAL/TW in EDTA
      • Dry swab (not in culture media)
      Unsuitable Sample:
      • Blood
      Minimum Sample Size:
      • 1ml fluid
      Turnaround Time:
      • 5 days
      Request/Test Included in:
      • Request test
      Comments:

      • Referred test
      Panel includes:

      • Equine Herpesvirus 1
      • Equine Herpesvirus 4
      • Rhodococcus equi
      • Streptococcus equi subsp. equi
      • Chlamydia psittaci
      Internal Use Only:
      Internal Codes: G32
      Internal Laboratory: Vetnostics
      Internal Test Volume:
      Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) Antibody Titre*
      Suitable Sample:
      • PC

       

      Unsuitable Sample:
      • LH
      • EDTA
      Minimum Sample Size:
      • 4 mL whole blood

       

      Turnaround Time:
      • 10 - 14 hours
      Request/Test Included in:
      • Request test
      • May be done in conjunction with EIA (equine infectious anaemia)
      Comments:
        • Referred test
      • Serum virus neutralisation test

       

      Internal Use Only:
      • Samples must be at the Dep't of Ag by Wednesday afternoon for Thursday setup.
      • The test is only set up on Thursdays and is read the following Tuesday if all goes well (they check the cell line on Friday).
      Internal Codes:
      • SA3
      • SA31 (combined EVA and EIA)
      Internal Laboratory: Dept of Ag, WA (current information provided by Parkinson)
      Internal Test Volume:
      Eye Cytology
      (Cytology - eye)
      Suitable Sample:
      • Air dried smears
      • Swab
      Unsuitable Sample:
      Minimum Sample Size:
      • Single smear

       

      Turnaround Time:
      • 24 - 48 hours

       

      Request/Test Included in:
      • Request test

       

      Comments:
      Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
      Internal Codes:
      • C15
      • C16
      Internal Laboratory: VP
      Internal Test Volume: