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
SAA 		(Serum Amyloid A)
Suitable Sample:
  • Whole blood in plain/clot activated tube
  • Serum
  • Synovial fluid
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Anticoagulated blood
  • Samples from species other than equine or feline
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 3 mL whole blood (plain/clot activated tube)
  • 1 mL serum
  • 0.5 mL synovial fluid in an EDTA tube
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • SAA as a part of a biochemistry panel
    OR
  • SAA as a stand-alone test
Comments:
  • SAA is an acute phase protein which is increased as part of the acute phase response.
  • It is increased in response to a wide range of processes which result in tissue injury; these include bacterial and viral infection, parasitic infestation, surgery, ischaemia, and neoplasia.
  • SAA is a major acute phase protein in the horse.
  • Following acute inflammation, SSA shows a rapid increase and peaks within 36-48 hours.
  • After the resolution of inflammatory disease, there is an equally rapid decrease.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes:
  • B43
  • B43a
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Salmonella culture
Suitable Sample:
  • Faeces
  • Swab
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Dry swabs

 
Minimum Sample Size:
Turnaround Time:
  • 24-48 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • Samples should be stored in a cool, dry place; samples do not need to be refrigerated.
  • A fresh sample is more likely to yield a positive result
  • Samples stored at room temperature can be cultured for up to 3 days after collection
  • Samples stored at 4oC can cultured for up to 4 days after collection.
  • Multiple cultures at 24 hour intervals are more likely to yield a positive result than single cultures when trying to diagnose Salmonellois in horses.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: M13
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Salmonella ID
Suitable Sample:
  • Swab
  • Culture plate
  • MacConkey agar plate
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Dry swabs

 
Minimum Sample Size:
Turnaround Time:
  • 10 - 14 days

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes: M14
Internal Laboratory: WDP Myaree
Internal Test Volume: N/A
SDMA (Symmetic dimethylarginine)*
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • LH
  • FL
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • 5 working days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • SDMA is now available within the SVS laboratory network.
  • SDMA should not be run indiscriminately in routine biochemistry profiles, particularly in clinically healthy young to middle aged cats and dogs of any age. In those instances where clinical examination and initial serum biochemistry, TT4 (cats) and urine results indicate that there may be additional value in performing SDMA analysis.


Examples of where SDMA may be useful:

• Monitoring of middle aged and older dogs and cats in breeds at high risk of renal disease

• IRIS grading of dogs and cats with documented renal insufficiency and concurrent significant muscle mass loss

• Dogs and cats with sub-optimal urine concentration not explained by other serum biochemistry, TT4 (cats) or urine results

• Non-azotaemic dogs and cats with significant muscle wasting/low muscle mass, particularly if creatinine is within the middle to upper region of the reference interval.
Internal Use Only:

Send to QML
Internal Codes: BSDMA
Internal Laboratory: Vetnostics
Internal Test Volume:
Seizure Panel - canine 		(Canine Seizure Panel)
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA (hematology component of CP2). LH is less suitable but can be used.
  • PC (biochemisty & serology)
  • FL (glucose)
  • Urine for the SG component of the CP2
Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH
  • SC
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL of whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • CP2: 24 hours
  • Cryptococcus Titre: Same day (Mon-Friday 3:00 pm cutoff, Saturday 1:00 pm cutoff)
  • Neospora & Toxoplasma serology: Run Monday and Thursday. Results are available by noon the next day. Samples must be at the laboratory the night before testing. 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Canine Seizure Panel (CSP)
Comments:
  • This panel includes:  CP2, Neospora IgG IFA, Toxoplasma IgG & IgM IFA, Cryptococcus titre
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: CSP
Internal Laboratory:
Internal Test Volume:
Seizure panel - feline 		(Feline seizure panel)
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA, PC and FL
Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH can be used for CBC but is less suitable. 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • FP2: 24 hours
  • Cryptococcus Titre: Same day (Mon-Friday 3:00 pm cutoff, Saturday 1:00 pm cutoff)
  • Coronavirus & Toxoplasma serology: Run Monday and Thursday. Results are available by noon the next day. Samples must be at the laboratory the night before testing. 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request Feline seizure panel
Comments: Includes: FP2, Toxoplasma IgM and IgG, Cryptococcus and Coronavirus titres.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: FSP
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Selenium
Suitable Sample:
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 10 mL whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • 10 - 14 days

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • RBC glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as an indicator of Se status.
  • Whole blood is preferable to plasma as plasma only indicates current Se intake
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: B14
Internal Laboratory: DPIRD
Internal Test Volume:
  • 2 mL of plasma is required for the plasma assay
  • 2 mL of milk is required for the assay
Senior pet screen
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • FL
  • PC
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1ml in each tube
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • Senior pet profile include ALT, ALP, urea, creatinine, glucose and urine SG.
  • Can include total T4 and/or CBC.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: SPC, SPCT, SPET
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Serum Amyloid A (SAA) 		(Amyloid A (serum))
Suitable Sample:
  • Whole blood in plain/clot activated tube
  • Serum
  • Synovial fluid
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Anticoagulated blood
  • Samples from species other than equine or feline

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 3 mL whole blood (plain/clot activated tube)
  • 1 mL serum
  • 0.5 mL synovial fluid in an EDTA tube
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • SAA as a part of a biochemistry panel
     OR
  • SAA as a stand-alone test
Comments:
  • SAA is an acute phase protein which is increased as part of the acute phase response.
  • It is increased in response to a wide range of processes which result in tissue injury; these include bacterial and viral infection, parasitic infestation, surgery, ischaemia, and neoplasia.
  • SAA is a major acute phase protein in the horse.
  • Following acute inflammation, SSA shows a rapid increase and peaks within 36-48 hours.
  • After the resolution of inflammatory disease, there is an equally rapid decrease.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: B43
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Serum Bile Acids 		(Bile Acids)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (non-hemolysed)
  • EDTA (non-hemolysed)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH (interferes)
  • Fluoride oxalate (glucose tube)
  • 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:
Serum iron 		(Iron)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

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

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • TIBC (total iron-binding capacity) is no longer available.

 
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: B25
Internal Laboratory: WDP .... need to check on any specific requirements
Internal Test Volume:
Serum protein electrophoresis 		(Electrophoresis - serum protein)
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.

 
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: 250uL not incl TP and alb
Skin Cytology
Suitable Sample:
  • Air dried smears
  • Sticky tape preparations (especially if suspect Malassezia)
  • 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
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Skin Mites (KOH)
Suitable Sample:
  • Skin scraping (eg mineral oil)

 
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • Single smear

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 - 48 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test (KOH)

 
Comments:
  • If Demodex is suspected, deep scrapings are more likely to be diagnostic
  • If Sarcoptes is suspected, superficial scrapings are more likely to be diagnostic (usually very few mites present)
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes: C15
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Sodium (Na)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • FL
  • CIT
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Individual test
  • CP2, 6, 3
  • FP2, 5, 3
  • EP2, 3, 4, 5, 7
  • RP2, 4
  • AP2, 4
Comments:
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes: Profile or single test
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: N/A
Sodium: potassium ratio (Na:K)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Individual test
Comments: Platelets from some species, particularly dogs, contain high concentrations of K and the [K] in serum samples is higher than in LH plasma samples. To minimise this problem when monitoring dogs with hypoadrencorticism, the use of LH samples is recommended.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: Profile or single test
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
South Africa Partial Export Combo
Suitable Sample:
  • PC and EDTA
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml EDTA and PC
Turnaround Time:
  • 7 days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:

The combo includes:

  • Babesia gibsoni smear evaluation
  • Heartworm concentration
  • Leishmania infantum IgG IFA
  • Trypanosoma evansi CAT and smear evaluation


The combo does not include:

  • Babesia gibsoni IFA or PCR
  • Brucella canis IFA
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: Q50
Internal Laboratory:
Internal Test Volume:
Stains (Gram, Leishmans, India Ink, Z-N)
Suitable Sample:
  • Air dried smears
  • Swab
  • (Culture)
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • Single smear

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes:
  • M22
  • M23
  • M24
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Streptococcal ID
Suitable Sample:
  • Swab
  • Culture plate
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Dry swabs

 
Minimum Sample Size:
Turnaround Time:
  • 48 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: M15
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Strychnine*
Suitable Sample:
  • Stomach contents or Vomitus - freeze 
  • Bait
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Blood
  • Urine
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 50 mL stomach contents frozen
Turnaround Time:
  • 6 - 8 weeks
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
Internal Use Only:

Goes to:

Chemical Residue Laboratory (CRL)
Health and Food Sciences Precinct
39 Kessels Road
COOPERS PLAINS  QLD  410
Internal Codes: X06
Internal Laboratory: QLD Chem residue lab
Internal Test Volume: N/A
Synovial Fluid Analysis & Cytology
Suitable Sample:
  • Direct smear; this is the most important sample to get for cytology
  • PC/sterile pot if sample is to be cultured (EDTA is not suitable for culture)
  • EDTA is better for cytology alone (see comment)
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5 mL if cell count is to be done

 
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:
  • C10
  • C11 (second site, same animal)
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: