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


A:G Ratio (albumin:globulin)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
  • EDTA
Unsuitable Sample:
  • CIT
  • FL 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request as a standalone test or in a profile
Comments:
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 25 uL
ACTH (Endogenous)
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA plasma (plastic tube only)
  • There are published data for this assay method for dogs and horses, but not for other species
  • See Comments for specific collection and storage instructions
Unsuitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
  • SC
  • Samples from species other than canine or equine
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5 ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request Test
Comments: The information below is also available on this website (ACTH)
  • Preferably fast the animal overnight prior to collection.
  • The animal should not be stressed or excited.
  • Collect a minimum of 1 mL of blood into a plastic EDTA tube.
  • Immediately place the sample in the refrigerator; this is important as ACTH deteriorates rapidly at room temperature.  Do not centrifuge the sample.
  • If possible, keep the sample cool during transit to the laboratory; this is particularly important during the summer months.
  • Samples collected and stored correctly are stable for at 24 - 48 hours.
  • Samples that will not be analysed within 24 - 48 hours should be submitted to the lab frozen (should not defrost during transit).

Ref: Scott-Moncrieff JK, Koshko MA et al. (2003).Validation of a chemiluminescent enzyme immunometric assay for plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone in the dog. Vet Clin Path 23:180-187.

Internal Use Only:
  • Client Information sheet available (DCI-06)
  • Comment re dogs and horses ONLY added 28-5-08 (MMcC)
Internal Codes: E07
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 150 uL plasma
ACTH Stimulation Test (cortisol x 2)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

 

Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH
  • EDTA
  • FL
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5 ml in each PC tube
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • The protocols for the ACTH stimulation test can be found in Client Information Sheets.
  • Note that results may be affected by methodology and care must be taken when using published reference intervals.
  • Contact the laboratory to speak with a pathologist for assistance in interpreting cortisol results.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: E02
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Adenovirus antibody titre*
(Canine Adenovirus Antibody Titre - Infectious Canine Hepatitis)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

 

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

 

Turnaround Time:
  • Referred test - Up to 4 weeks 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request Test

 

Comments:
  • Can be done as an individual test, or as a combination (distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus).
Internal Use Only:
  • Canine adenovirus (infectious canine hepatitis) testing is done at Biobest in Scotland.
  • Unless specifically requested, distemper and parvovirus antibody titres requested at the same time as an adenovirus titre are done at Vetpath and only the adenovirus test sent to Biobest.
Internal Codes:
  • S13B (adenovirus by VN)
  • S15B (combination distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus ONLY IF ALL are going to Biobest)
  • U
Internal Laboratory: Biobest, Scotland
Internal Test Volume: 1 ml clear serum
Albumin
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
  • EDTA
Unsuitable Sample:
  • FL

 

Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 

Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 

Request/Test Included in:
  • Request as a standalone test or in a profile
Comments:
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 25 uL
Aldosterone
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (aldosterone) separated within 4 hours (preferably submit frozen)
  • If renin is required, frozen EDTA plasma must be submitted (separated within 1 hour)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH
  • CIT
  • FL
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1.25 mL whole blood (minimum 500 uL serum) - submit frozen if possible

 

Turnaround Time:
  • 7 days

 

Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 

Comments:
  • Centrifuge and freeze serum or plasma ASAP. 
  • Published reference ranges available.
  • Aldosterone can be measured with renin, however the validity of the renin assay in veterinary species is uncertain.
  • Renin measurement requires 1ml EDTA plasma (2ml whole blood) that has been frozen within 1 hour of collection. 
Internal Use Only:
  • Added May 2008
  • Think the method is RIA (same as for published ranges but need to verify this with WDP)
  • Aldosterone - 500uL - 1ml serum
  • Renin - 1ml EDTA plasma frozen within 1 hour of collection
Internal Codes: E31
Internal Laboratory:
  • WDP
  • Goes to WDP manual biochemistry
Internal Test Volume: See above
Allergy Test - Allercept IgE*
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • Store at 2-8oC prior to sending to the laboratory
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • LH
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 6 mL whole blood (Take enough blood to yield at least 3ml of serum)
Turnaround Time:
  • 3 weeks

 

Request/Test Included in:
  • Allercept Allergy test (need to differentiate from the Canine ELISA)

 

Comments:
  • Referred test.
  • Store sample at 2-8oC before dispatch
  • Sample is to be sent to Vetpath as soon as possible
  • Can be used in dogs, cats and horses
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: S06
Internal Laboratory: Gribbles VIC
Internal Test Volume:
ALP (Alkaline phosphatase)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • CIT
  • FL
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1.0 mL whole blood

 

Turnaround Time:
    • 24 hours

 

Request/Test Included in:
  • Request as a standalone test or in a profile
Comments:
  • The corticosteroid isoenzyme is no longer measured.

 

Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 25 uL
ALT (Alanine aminotranferase)
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:
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 30 uL
Amylase
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • FL
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 

Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
Internal Use Only: Used to be able to use EDTA plasma, cannot with current method.
Internal Codes: {Codes(s)}
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 25 uL
Amyloid A (Serum)
(Serum Amyloid A - SAA)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (serum) 
  • Synovial fluid
Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH
  • EDTA
  • FL
  • Samples from species other than equine or feline
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 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:
ANA (Antinuclear Antibody)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (canine only)

 

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

 

Turnaround Time:
  • Run Monday and Thursday
  • Results are available by 2pm the following day.
  • Cut off time 7pm previous working weekday
Request/Test Included in:
  • ANA (canine)

 

Comments:
Internal Use Only:
  • Store in refrigerator

 

Internal Codes: S01
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Anaemia panel - Canine
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA
Unsuitable Sample:
  • PC
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1ml
Turnaround Time:
  • 7 days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:

Panel includes:

  • Anaplasma platyus
  • Babesia vogeli
  • Bartonella spp.
  • Mycoplasma haemocanis
  • Mycoplasma haemoparvum
  • Ehrlichia canis
  • Hepatozoon canis


This is a non-NATA accredited test and is unsuitable for export

Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: G57
Internal Laboratory: Vetnostics
Internal Test Volume:
Anaemia Panel - Feline
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA
Unsuitable Sample:
  • PC
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • 7 days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • PCR panel including Mycoplasma haemofelis, M. haemominutum and M. turicensis.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: G51
Internal Laboratory: Vetnostics
Internal Test Volume:
Anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody*
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

 

Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • LH
  • CIT
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood (absolute minimum of 500uL serum)

 

Turnaround Time:
  • 3 - 4 weeks 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
    Comments:
    • Referred test
    • Diagnostic test for myasthenia gravis
    • Can be used in dogs and cats
    Internal Use Only:
    • Allow at least two weeks as goes to the USA
    • Requires request form & TNT international con note (pack 4)
    • Quote VETPATH customer number 4432 when submitting samples
    Internal Codes: SU1
    Internal Laboratory: University of California, La Jolla, California USA
    http://medicine.ucsd.edu/vet_neuromuscular/forms.html
    Internal Test Volume: Website states that 1-2 mL of serum should be sent (NOT whole blood)
    Anti-Müllerian Hormone
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • EDTA
    • LH
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 0.75 ml whole blood (minimum 300 uL serum)
    Turnaround Time:
    • 5 days
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test
    Comments:
    • AMH is a hormone involved in gender differentiation in the developing embryo. In sexually mature animals it is produced by the granulosa cells of ovarian follicles and in the sertoli cells of the testicles. 
    • AMH levels markedly decline following neutering. 
    • Single measurement of AMH is therefore highly effective in differentiating between sexually intact and neutered dogs and cats of both sexes. AMH is also useful in identifying cases of ovarian remnant syndrome and cryptorchidism. 
    • The test is only suitable for animals over 6 months and repeat testing may be needed for animals between 6-12 months.
    • AMH can be used to detect granulosa cell tumours in mares (note that inhibin is no longer available) and used to distinguish between cryptorchid and castrated horses.
    • AMH concentration will tend to increase with sample storage.
    Internal Use Only:
    Internal Codes: E34
    Internal Laboratory: WDP
    Internal Test Volume: 300 - 500uL serum
    AP1 - Partial avian profile
    Suitable Sample:
    • LH
    • EDTA 
    • PC (biochemistry only)
    • Freshly made smear is useful for CBC
    Unsuitable Sample:
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 1ml
    Turnaround Time:
    • 24 hours
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test
    Comments:
    • AP1 includes CBC, AST, GLDH, glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid.
    • Please list the priority tests for small samples. 

    Internal Use Only:
    Internal Codes: AP1
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume:
    AP2 - Complete avian profile
    Suitable Sample:
    • LH
    • EDTA
    • PC (biochemistry only)
    • A fresh smear is useful for the CBC
    Unsuitable Sample:
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 1ml
    Turnaround Time:
    • 24 hours
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test
    Comments:
    • AP2 includes a CBC, AST, CK, GGT, ALP, CK, GLDH, GGT, cholesterol, urea, uric acid, total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, Na, K, Cl.
    • Prioritise tests for small samples.
    Internal Use Only:
    Internal Codes: AP2
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume:
    Aspergillus check (urine)
    Suitable Sample:
    • Urine (preferably cystocentesis sample)

     

    Unsuitable Sample:
    • Blood

     

    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 2 mL minimum
    • Preferably 10 mL to allow concentration
    Turnaround Time:
    • Initial report the first day
    • If negative, it is re-examined again 24 hours later
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test

     

    Comments:
    • Includes wet microscopy report and SG
    • Sediment is examined again after 24 hours for fungal hyphae in addition to the initial examination
    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes: U10
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: N/A
    Aspergillus Galactomannan - systemic Aspergillosis*
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • EDTA
    • LH
    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 if there more than a 24 hour delay in sending.

    Must have 500uL serum minimum

    Run Monday and Thursday - cut off is 11am.

    Internal Codes: G28
    Internal Laboratory: Pathwest (Fiona Stanley)
    Internal Test Volume: 500
    AST (Aspartate aminotransferase)
    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:
    • AST may be from either skeletal muscle or liver origin
    • To assess muscle damage, measure both CK and AST
    • AST is also present in RBCs and activity may be higher in haemolysed samples
    Internal Use Only:
    Internal Codes:
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: 30 uL
    Avian Sexing (DNA)*
    Suitable Sample:
    • Feathers with some blood soaked in the quill (at least 2 feathers)
    • LH blood soaked into filter paper (200uL)
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • Mature chest feathers are unlikely to yield DNA for testing.
    • Feathers that have been collected from the ground or moulted feathers are not suitable.
    • Clipped feathers cannot be tested.
    Minimum Sample Size:
    Turnaround Time:
    • 3 weeks

     

    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test

     

    Comments:
    • Referred test
    • One sample per container as it is important to avoid contamination.

     

    Internal Use Only:
    Internal Codes: G06
    Internal Laboratory: Gribbles
    Internal Test Volume: