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
Na:K Ratio 		(Sodium:potassium ratio)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA

 
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: Platelets from some species, including some breeds of dogs (eg Akitas), 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: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes: Profile or single test
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Neospora IgG Antibody Titre by IFA (canine)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
  • EDTA
  • Canine only

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • CIT
  • Sample from species other than dogs
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5 mL whole blood (100uL of serum minimum)

 
Turnaround Time:
  • Run Monday and Thursday
  • Cutoff 7pm previous working week day
  • Results available by 2pm the next day
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • The test is species-specific (canine only)
  • This test considers a titre of 1:16 to be seropositive. 
  • Seropositivity indicates exposure to antigens and does not imply clinical disease.  Note that parasitologically confirmed cases of neosporosis were shown to have titres of 1:200 or above and clinical cases may have titres in excess of 1:1200. 
  • Reference: Vet Parasitol (1996) 67:1-59.   
  • Although cats have been infected experimentally with N caninum, natural clinical infections in domestic cats have not been documented. (Greene 2007)
Internal Use Only:
  • Currently unable to run IgM as no control available.
  • No longer available for cats
Internal Codes:
  • (Neospora IgG)
  • S6GL (Neospora IgG for laboratories) 
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 150 uL
Neurological PCR panel - canine* 		(Canine neurological PCR panel)
Suitable Sample:
  • CSF
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Blood
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5ml
Turnaround Time:
  • 7 days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:

Panel includes:

  • Toxoplama gondii
  • Cryptococcus sp.
  • Angiostrongylus sp
  • Neospora caninum
  • Canine Distemper virus
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: G34
Internal Laboratory: Vetnostics
Internal Test Volume:
Neurological PCR panel - feline* 		(Feline neurological PCR panel)
Suitable Sample:
  • CSF
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Blood
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5ml
Turnaround Time:
  • 7 days
Request/Test Included in:

Request test
Comments:

Panel includes:

  • Toxoplasma gondii
  • Bartonella spp.
  • Borrelia spp.
  • Cryptococcus sp.
  • Coronavirus
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: G35
Internal Laboratory: Vetnostics
Internal Test Volume:
Nipah Virus SNT*
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

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

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 10 - 14 days

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • SNT = serum neutralisation test

 
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: No code available
Internal Laboratory: AAHL Geelong
Internal Test Volume: 1 mL of serum
Non-Healing Wound Culture & Sensitivity 		(Culture (NHW) - aerobic, anaerobic culture plus Z-N stain and reincubation for acid-fast organisms)
Suitable Sample:
  • Fluid and/or fresh tissue is preferred, but a swab can be submitted.
    PLUS
  • Air-dried smear for Gram stain
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Dry swabs

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • For successful anaerobic culture, it is best to have 2 mL of aspirated fluid or at least 1 cm2 of tissue.
Turnaround Time:
  • Total turnaround is up to 4 weeks for acid-fast organisms.
  • Preliminary Gram stain: 12 hours
  • Culture: 12-24 hours for most organisms
  • Sensitivity: 48 hours for most organisms
Request/Test Included in:
  • Non-healing wound culture (NHW)

 
Comments:
  • Samples should be stored in a cool, dry place and should not be refrigerated
  • Do not freeze tissue for culture
  • Samples stored at room temperature can be cultured for up to 3 days after collection and samples stored at 4oC can be cultured for up to 2 days after collection (anaerobes do not tolerate cold)
  • For information on intrinsic antibiotic resistance of specific bacteria, see the information sheet
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
  • M03
  • C25 (add-on to cytology)
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: