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
Gabapentin*
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (not a gel tube)
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • PC in a gel tube (the gel absorbs the drug)

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 14 days

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Gabapentin

 
Comments:  
  • Referred test
Internal Use Only:
  • Run once a week
  • There are no published levels for dogs, but generally they appear to require higher doses than humans for effective control of convulsions
Internal Codes: X19
Internal Laboratory:
  • PathWest - toxicology
  • Notify Leon on 9346 3743 that the sample is coming
Internal Test Volume: 100 uL of serum or LH plasma
Galactomannan - Systemic Aspergillosis*
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • Urine
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • 10 - 14 days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
    • Referred test
    Galactomannan is a molecule found in the cell wall of Aspergillus sp and can be used as a screening test for systemic Aspergillosis.
  • Also consider checking a urine sample for fungal elements.
  • Serum should be frozen within 48 hours.
Internal Use Only:

Freeze serum if there is more than a 24 hour delay in sending.

Minimum 500uL of serum is required.
Internal Codes: G28
Internal Laboratory: Pathwest (Fiona Stanley)
Internal Test Volume: 500uL serum
Geriatric Panel - Feline
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (ALT, creatinine, total T4)
    AND
  • Urine (wet microscopy, protein:creatinine ratio, SG)
    AND
  • FL (accurate glucose)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • SC
  • LH
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood
  • 2 mL of urine is acceptable, but >5 mL is better
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • FGP (feline geriatric panel)

 
Comments:
  • Do not confuse with the FP3 panel

 
Internal Use Only: If it is unclear if it is an FGP or FP3 being requested, speak to a scientist or pathologist, OR phone the client to clarify
Internal Codes: FGP
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: See above
GGT (Gammaglutamyl transferase)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • EDTA
Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH
  • FL
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • Haemolysis and the presence of RBCs in the plasma/serum will increase the value.
  • Calves & lambs have elevated GGT values due to colostral transfer.
  • GGT cannot be used as a measure of colostral transfer in foals, but foals may have a transient increase in GGT in the first 3 weeks of life
  • GGT cannot be used as a measure of colostral transfer in cria
Internal Use Only:
  • LH becomes cloudy in the reaction mixture
  • CIT and FL samples give results 10-15% lower than serum.
Internal Codes: Individual tests
Profiles
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 30 uL
Giardia Flotation (Faecal Concentration for Cysts and Ova)
Suitable Sample:
  • Fresh faeces

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Blood

 
Minimum Sample Size:
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • Includes wet microscopy
  • Giardia can be intermittently shed. 
  • Consider faecal PCR testing.
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes: F03
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
GLDH (glutamate dehydrogenase)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH
  • EDTA
  • 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:
  • Invidual test
  • Profiles
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 45 uL
Globulins
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
  • EDTA
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
    OR
  • CP 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • FP 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • EP1, 2, 3, 6, 7
  • RP 1, 2, 3, 4
  • AP 1, 2, 3, 4
Comments:
Internal Use Only: Globulins = total protein - albumin (ie calculated, not measured)
Internal Codes: Need to measure total protein and albumin (i
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 50 uL
Glucose
Suitable Sample:
  • FL is the best sample
  • PC, LH & EDTA can be used but will give lower results if the plasma has not  been removed from the cells soon after collection
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • Samples collected in FL-EDTA give an accurate assessment of glucose at the time of collection. Glucose in other samples will decrease steadily after collection as the cells continue to consume it. Serum samples will often give very low glucose results.

 
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
  • B05, B06
  • Profile
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 25 uL