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
T4 - Free (Vetpath) 		(Free T4 - Vetpath)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • LH
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5 ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request free T4
Comments:
  • Vetpath is now running a free T4 assay that correlates with the free T4 by Equilibrium Dialysis.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: E32
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
T4 - Free by equilibrium dialysis 		(Free T4 - Equilibrium Dialysis)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • LH 

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood 

 
Turnaround Time:
  • Allow 3 weeks

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test (must be specifically free T4 by ED, not free T4 (Vetpath) or total T4)

 
Comments:

 
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: E16
Internal Laboratory: MSU
Internal Test Volume: Need a minimum of 400 uL of serum
T4 - Total (canine, feline, equine)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (preferred)
  • LH
  • EDTA

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • FL
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • A decrease in total T4 is a reasonably sensitive, but not very specific test for canine hypothyroidism. Adding a canine TSH increases the sensitivity but not the specificity.
  • More information on monitoring of therapeutic drugs is available on this website.
Internal Use Only:
  • Client information sheet DCI-01 Drug Monitoring gives collection times for therapeuic monitoring of a range of drugs.
  • The kit insert for canine T4 does not list LH as a suitable sample, whereas the kit insert for non-canine species indicates that LH will give similar results to serum.
  • LH no longer deemed suitable sample - May 08
Internal Codes:
  • E19
  • E20
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
  • Canine - minimum 130 uL
  • Feline/equine - minimum 120 uL
Taurine*
Suitable Sample:
  • Lithium heparin
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • PC
  • CIT
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 3 ml (at least 1ml plasma is required)
Turnaround Time:
  • 3 weeks
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • Referred test
  • Sample must be submitted within 4 hours of collection for separation and freezing.
Internal Use Only:
  • Lith hep is required
  • Spin, separate and freeze ASAP
  • Minimum volume is 1ml
  • Send to Vetnosticson DRY ICE (treat like an MSU sample).
Internal Codes: B45
Internal Laboratory: Vetnostics on dry ice
Internal Test Volume: 1ml
Taylorella (CEM)* 		(Contagious Equine Metritis)
Suitable Sample:
  • Aimes medium with charcoal swabs (see comments)

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Normal transport media swabs

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • Mares: 1 swab
  • Stallions: 3 swabs
Turnaround Time:
  • At least 48 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request CEM culture to DPIRD
Comments:
  • Need to use Aimes with charcoal swabs
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: A50
Internal Laboratory: DPIRD
Internal Test Volume:
Testosterone
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

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

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 3 days

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • The hCG response test is used to diagnose rigs in horses <3 yo (use oestrone sulphate in horses 3 yo or older).
  • A client information sheet is available on identification of rigs (DCI-05).
  • The hCG response test is also used in mules and other animals.
  • Single testosterone values may also be used to diagnose cryptorchidisim in dogs and cats.
Internal Use Only:
  • WDP for all species
  • A client information sheet is available on identification of rigs (DCI-04).
Internal Codes:
  • E24C - dogs (and cats) 
  • E24E - equine
Internal Laboratory: WDP
Internal Test Volume:
Thiamine (RBC)*
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA (test is performed on red cells)
  • Freeze whole and wrap in foil.
Unsuitable Sample:

  •  LH

  • PC
Minimum Sample Size:

  • 1 mL whole blood minimum
Turnaround Time:
  • 10 - 14 days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • Red cell thiamine is a measure of stores and best for animal assessment.
  • There no well documented canine thiamine reference intervals
  • Protect from light.
Internal Use Only:
  • Run at the Department of Agriculture (since 25/7/2011) 
  • 1ml minimum
  • Cost to client is $104 31/7/20
Internal Codes: B41
Internal Laboratory: Dep't of Ag
Internal Test Volume: 200 ­µL but will not consider test unless they have 1ml! 
Thyroid panel - canine
Suitable Sample:
  • PC for total T4, free T4, TSH and cholestrol (LH and EDTA can also be used for T4)
  • EDTA for PCV.  (Note: EDTA is not suitable for endocrine tests)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH
  • FL
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • Includes PCV, Free T4, total T4, TSH, cholesterol.
  • Note that a total T4 alone is adequate for therapeutic monitoring in dogs.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: ECTP
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Thyroid panel - feline
Suitable Sample:
  • PC, LH or EDTA
  • Urine
Unsuitable Sample:
  • FL
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml whole blood
  • 2ml urine
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • Includes total T4, ALT, ALP, GGT, urea, creatinine, urine SG and urine dipstick
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: EFHTP
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
TLI - Canine 		(Canine Trypsin-like Immunoreactivity)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (canine only)
  • An overnight (>8 hours) fast is recommended prior to blood collection
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • LH
  • FL
  • CIT
  • Species other than canine
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • Sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) 
Internal Use Only:
  • Run on Immulite
  • Back-up is Melbourne Uni
Internal Codes: E30
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: Needs a minimum of 150 uL of serum
TLI - Feline 		(Feline Trypsin-like Immunoreactivity)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC - fast for 8 - 12 hours prior to collection 

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • LH
  • Hemolysed serum is also not suitable
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1.5 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 3 weeks

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
  • FELINE TLI
Comments:
  • Fast for 8 - 12 hours prior to sample collection
  • Species specific assay
  • Feline TLI is currently only done in the USA (canine TLI is available at VETPATH) 
Internal Use Only: Sample goes to the GI Lab at Texas A&M Uni (USA)
Internal Codes: E30F
Internal Laboratory: The GI Lab at Texas A&M University (USA)
Internal Test Volume: 500 uL serum
Total CO2 		(Bicarbonate)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (specimen of choice)
  • LH (not recommended)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • CIT
  • FL
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
  • These are not done as part of any routine profile and need to be specifically requested.
Comments:
  • The sample is best taken into a vacutainer and taken on ice directly to the laboratory.

 
Internal Use Only:
  • From 01-05-2007 is no longer included in routine profiles unless specifically requested by the client.
  • LH is not listed as a suitable specimen by DCL, but other sources list it for this method. Results may be invalid.
Internal Codes:
  • B08 (bicarb alone)
  • B08a (when done as part of a profile)
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Total Protein - serum/plasma 		(Protein (total) - serum/plasma)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC - serum protein
  • LH - plasma protein
  • EDTA - plasma protein
Unsuitable Sample:
  • FL
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • CP1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • FP1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • EP1, 2, 3
  • RP1, 2, 3, 4
  • AP1, 2, 3, 4
  • Request test
Comments:
Internal Use Only: Have used fluoride EDTA previously but there is no information with the current reagents to indicate that this is or is not suitable.
Internal Codes:
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 25 uL
Total Solids Protein (TSP)
Suitable Sample:
  • Blood (EDTA, PC, LH)
  • Fluids (eg peritoneal, pleural, synovial)
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
  • Done as part of routine CBC (if no biochemistry)
Comments:
  • Measured by refractometer
  • The TS protein measures all solids in the sample
  • Lipaemia causes significant positive interference
  • Hyperbilirubinemia also interferes if moderate-marked
  • Marked hyperglycemia or azotemia will also affect the results
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Toxicology screen*
Suitable Sample:
  • Stomach contents
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Blood
  • Urine
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 10g stomach contents
Turnaround Time:
  • 2 weeks
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • Tests for a variety of toxins including 1080 and strychnine.
  • This test is not NATA accredited and not suitable for prosecution/legal cases.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: X30
Internal Laboratory: DPIRD
Internal Test Volume: 10g
Toxoplasma Ab titre IFA - Dogs & cats
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • EDTA
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • CIT
  • Samples from species other than dogs & cats
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5 mL whole blood (100uL serum minimum per titre)

 
Turnaround Time:
  • Run Monday and Thursday
  • Cutoff is 7pm previous working weekday
  • Results available by 2pm the following day

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request Toxo IgG and IgM
    OR
  • Request Toxo IgG OR IgM as individual tests 
  • Toxo IgG and IgM titres are also included in the canine and feline seizure panels
Comments:
  • IFA test
  • Both IgG and IgM available (separately or as a pair)
  • The IgG titre is used as an indicator of previous exposure
  • The IgM titre is used to indicate current/active disease
Internal Use Only:
  • Wildlife samples get sent to Tasmania
  • Changed to Friday from Thursday Dec 14 2009
Internal Codes:
  • S3C Both IgG & IgM (must be ordered at the same time)
  • S3CL IgG & IgM for laboratories (must be ordered at the same time)
  • CSP for canine seizure panel
  • S3G IgG by IFA
  • S3GL IgG by IFA for laboratories
  • S3M IgM by IFA
  • S3ML IgM by IFA for laboratories
  • S3P pair of either IgG OR IgM
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Toxoplasma Latex Agglutination Screening Test - All species
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:
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: S3X
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Tracheal Wash Cytology
Suitable Sample:
  • Tracheal wash sample in sterile container (no anticoagulant)

 
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5 mL

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 - 48 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes:
  • C12
  • C12 L
  • C13p (with BAL)
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Triglycerides
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH (plasma may give lower values)
  • 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:
Internal Codes:
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Trypsin-like Immunoreactivity - Canine
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (canine only)
  • An overnight (>6 hours) fast is recommended prior to blood collection
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • LH
  • FL
  • CIT
  • Species other than canine
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • Sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of canine exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
Internal Use Only:
  • Run on Immulite
  • Back-up is Melbourne Uni
Internal Codes: E30
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: Needs a minimum of 150 uL of serum
Trypsin-like Immunoreactivity - Feline*
Suitable Sample:
  • PC - fast for 18 hours prior to collection

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • LH
  • Hemolysed serum is also not suitable
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1.5 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 3 weeks

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test 
Comments:
  • Fast for 18 hours prior to sample collection
  • Species specific assay
  • Feline TLI is currently only done in the USA (canine TLI is available at VETPATH) 
Internal Use Only: Sample goes to the GI Lab at Texas A&M Uni (USA)
Internal Codes: BUS8
Internal Laboratory: The GI Lab at Texas A&M University (USA)
Internal Test Volume: 500 uL serum
TSH (Canine thyroid stimulating hormone)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

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

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 24 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • In approximately 70% of true hypothyroid dogs there is elevated TSH.

 
Internal Use Only: There is no information in the kit insert regarding samples other than serum.
Internal Codes:
  • E20 (with T4)
  • E27
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: Minimum 130 uL