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 (FeLV soluble Ag or FeLV IFA).

To download a copy of our lab request form please click link below:

LAB REQUEST FORM
Babesia - smear evaluation
Suitable Sample:
  • Air-dried blood smear
  • EDTA blood
Unsuitable Sample:
  • PC

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5 mL if submitting blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 4 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • Capillary blood (no anticoagulant) is most likely to yield positive results in infected animals.

 
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: P01
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: Blood smear
Babesia caballi (IFA)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • Tests are run Monday and Thursday
  • Cut-off time is 7pm previous working weekday
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • If the sample is going to be in transit for more than 24 hours, it is recommended that it should be separated and the serum sent rather than whole blood.

 
Internal Use Only: Store samples at 2-8oC
Internal Codes: Q14
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: Like 1 mL of serum, but can go down to 200 uL (but this is NOT optimal)
Babesia canis (IFA)
Suitable Sample:
  • Plain clotted
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • Test performed Mondays and Thursdays
  • Cut-off is 7pm previous working weekday
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: Q22
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Babesia equi (IFA)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • Tests are run Monday and Thursday
  • Cut-off time is 7pm previous working weekday
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • If the sample is going to be in transit for more than 24 hours, it is recommended that it should be separated and the serum sent rather than whole blood.

 
Internal Use Only: Store samples at 2-8oC
Internal Codes: Q14
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: Like 1 mL of serum, but can go down to 200 uL (but this is NOT optimal)
Babesia gibsonii Export Testing (IFA and smears)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • Capillary blood smears (if required)

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood
  • 2 blood smears made from ear margin capillary blood (if required)
Turnaround Time:
  • Tests are run on Monday and Thursday.
  • Cutoff time 7pm the previous working weekday.
  • If the Monday or Thursday is a public holiday the tests are run the next working day after the public holiday
  • Results are faxed/emailed out later the same day
  • Hard copies of results are mailed the next working day

Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • See Vetpath Website for current information http://vetpath.com.au
  • If the sample is going to be in transit for more than a day, it is recommended that the serum is separated and sent rather than whole blood if possible (this minimises haemolysis)  

Internal Use Only:
  • Store samples 2-8oC
  • From 03/06 Ryan at Murdoch is no longer able to offer Babesia PCR
Internal Codes:
  • Q04 (i) Babesia smear examination
  • Q05 (i) NZcombo
  • Q06 (i) South Africa combo 
  • Q08 (i) Titration
  • Q09 (i) Outside run time/rush
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
  • 1.0 mL serum, but can go down to 200 uL (not optimal)
  • 2 capillary blood smears
Bacterial identification
Suitable Sample:
  • Culture plate & orginal swab

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Culture plate alone

 
Minimum Sample Size:
Turnaround Time:
  • 12 - 48 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes: M04P
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
BAL 		(Bronchoalveolar Lavage)
Suitable Sample:
  • Sterile pot
  • Can also collect some into EDTA if for cytology only
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1 mL (small animals)

 
Turnaround Time:
  • Within 24 hours of arrival at laboratory

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes:
  • C13
  • C13p (paired with Trach wash)
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: N/A
Barmah Virus
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • LH
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 3 - 5 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 10 working days

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • Haemagglutination inhibition screening test
Internal Use Only:

Goes to Pathwest for HAI $74.00 + GST LT 8/5

Can also send to AAHL for PrNT for $438 + GST
Internal Codes: No code
Internal Laboratory: Pathwest
Internal Test Volume: N/A
Bartonella henselae (IFA)
Suitable Sample:
  • Plain clotted
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • LH
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • Run Monday and Thursday
  • Cut-off is 7pm the previous working weekday
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: S35
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Beak Feather Disease in Psittacine Birds
Suitable Sample:
  • At least 3 freshly plucked feathers. These should be sealed in a small plastic bag or container.
            and/or
  • LH blood: The volume should reflect the size of the bird, only a few drops are required for smaller species.
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • PC
Minimum Sample Size:
  • Blood: volume of LH blood depends on size of bird, a few drops from smaller species is acceptable
  • Feathers: at least 3 freshly plucked feathers (send in small plastic bag or container).
Turnaround Time:
  • Approximately 2 weeks (confirm with laboratory)

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • PCR test for Circovirus

 
Internal Use Only:
  • Switched to Biobest Dec 2003 (no longer available via Gary Cross at Sydney University)
  • Testing takes 1-2 days once sample received.
Internal Codes: G04
Internal Laboratory: Biobest, Scotland
Internal Test Volume:
Bicarbonate 		(Total CO2)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (specimen of choice)
  • LH (not recommended)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • CIT
  • FL 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 4 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:
Bile Acids 		(Serum bile acids)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (non-hemolysed)
  • EDTA (non-hemolysed)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH (interferes)
  • FL
  • Hemolysed samples
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 4 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:
Bilirubin (total)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
  • EDTA
Unsuitable Sample:
  • FL

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 4 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
  • Request test
  • CP 1,
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 30 uL
Biochemistry - single tests
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA (can do some tests)

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 4 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test by name

 
Comments:
  • If more than two or three tests, look to see if there is a profile or monitoring panal that is more economic.
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
  • BO1 for first test
  • B02
  • B03
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 50uL (depends on test)
Biochemistry Profile 1
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA (can do some tests, see comments)

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 4 hours (less if urgent)

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test by species, eg CP1 for canine profile 1

 
Comments: If only EDTA is submitted:
  • Tests that CAN be done: AST, albumin, ALT, bile acids, bilirubin, BOHB, cholesterol, creatinine, GGT, glucose, lipase, total protein, triglycerides, urea, uric acid
  • Test that CANNOT be done: ALP, amylase, calcium, CK, chloride, GLDH, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, total CO2
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes: PR series
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 200 uL
Biochemistry Profile 2
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA (can do some tests, see comments section)

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 4 hours (less if urgent)

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request by species, eg CP2 for canine profile 2

 
Comments: If only EDTA is submitted:
  • Tests that CAN be done: AST, albumin, ALT, bile acids, bilirubin, BOHB, cholesterol, creatinine, GGT, glucose, lipase, total protein, triglycerides, urea, uric acid
  • Test that CANNOT be done: ALP, amylase, calcium, CK, chloride, GLDH, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, total CO2
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes: PR series
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 250 uL
Bladder Tumour Antigen (BTA)
Suitable Sample:

  • Urine (sample must be as fresh as possible, preferably < 24 hours old, can store at 2-7oC for up to 48 hours)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Blood
  • Urine greater than 48 hours old

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 0.5 ml (more is desirable for the wet microscopy)

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 4 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • Canine only
  • Test includes wet microscopy
  • Sensitivity 90%, specificity 78%
  • Negative predictive value 95%, positive predictive value 64%
  • False positive results increased by >30-40 RBC/hpf, >3-40 WBC/hpf, glucosuria 4+, proteinuria 4+
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes: U12
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 0.5 ml
Blood Culture
Suitable Sample:

  • 1 - 4 mL of non-anticoagulated blood in a blood culture bottle.

  • Do not refrigerate the sample.

     

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Blood collected into any other container

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1 mL

 
Turnaround Time:
  • Cultures are examined at 24 hrs, 48 hrs and 7 days.

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • For optimal chances of a positive culture, collect samples from two different sites at the peak of the pyrexia (samples will be charged as one).
  • Another sample within 24 hours can also be submitted (will be charged as a separate culture) to increase the chance of a positive culture.
  • Do not refrigerate.
  • Contact Vetpath for blood culture bottles.
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
  • M07 (processing)
  • M08 (culture bottl
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 1 - 4 mL
Blood Parasites 		(eg M haemofelis, Trypanosomes, Babesia)
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA blood
  • Air-dried blood smear
    		•
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • PC

     
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 0.5 mL if submitting blood

     
    Turnaround Time:
    • 4 hours

     
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test

     
    Comments:

     

    • Smears prepared from capillary blood (no anticoagulant) are most likely to yield positive results in infected animals.
    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes: P01
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: Blood smear
    Blood smear examination
    Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA blood
  • Air-dried EDTA blood smear
    		•
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • PC

     
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 0.5 mL if submitting blood

     
    Turnaround Time:
    • 4 hours

     
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test

     
    Comments:
    • A full CBC provides much more information than blood smear examination alone for little extra cost.

     
    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes: H04
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: Blood smear
    Blood Typing
    Suitable Sample:
    •  EDTA

     
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • Plain clotted
    • LH
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 2ml EDTA blood
    Turnaround Time:
    • 4 hours
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test
    Comments:

    • In dogs, the blood typing test will classify dogs as DEA 1.1 positive or negative.

    • In cats, the immunochromatographic test will classify cats as Type A, Type B or Type AB.

       

     
    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes: H25
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume:
    Body fluid analysis & cytology     		(Fluid Analysis & Cytology)
    Suitable Sample:
    • Fresh smears made at the time of collection are useful
    • EDTA is optimal for cytology
    • Collect non-anticoagulated if sample is to be cultured; samples in EDTA are not suitable for culture
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • LH

     
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 0.5 mL if cell count is to be done
    • Smears for cytology only
    Turnaround Time:
    • 24 hours Monday-Saturday
    • Most results are available later the same day
    • Samples submitted late in the day may be read the next morning (results available by 1 pm)
    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:
    • C03
    • C03a (second site, same animal)
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: 0.5 mL
    BOHB (B-hydroxybutyrate)     		(Ketones)
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC
    • LH
    • EDTA 
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • Lipaemic sample
    • FL
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 1 mL whole blood
    Turnaround Time:
    • 4 hours
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test
    • RP 1, 2, 3, 4
    • Camelid profile
    • If the glucose is elevated, the BOHB is automatically included in:
      • CP 2, 4
      • FP 2, 5
    Comments:
    Internal Use Only:
    • Did in house comparison of serum vs fluoride oxalate plasma 10-9-2010
    • Excellent correlation (r2 = 0.9914, Slope 0.98)
    Internal Codes: B01/B02 (included in CP2, FP2 if appropriate
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: 75 uL
    Bone Marrow Cytology (includes CBC)
    Suitable Sample:
    • EDTA-anticoagulated bone marrow
      OR
    • Smears from bone marrow
    • PLUS
    • EDTA-anticoagulated blood
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • PC
    • LH
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 0.5 mL bone marrow (non-clotted)
    • 1.0 mL EDTA peripheral blood
    Turnaround Time:
    • Within 24 hours of arrival Monday to Saturday.

     
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test

     
    Comments:
    • It is important to have a concurrent peripheral blood to interpret the bone marrow cytology. The cost of a CBC is included in the fee for bone marrow cytology.
    • Clotting is frequently a problem with bone marrow samples and the syringe used for aspiration must contain sufficient EDTA to prevent this.
    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes: C04
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: N/A
    Borrelia burgdorferi     		(Lyme Disease)
    Suitable Sample:
    • Serum
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • EDTA
    • LH
    • FL
    • Urine
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 2ml whole blood
    Turnaround Time:
    • Test is run Tuesdays and Fridays.
    • Cut off is 9am.
    • Results are available by 6pm.
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test
    Comments:
    • Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi
    Internal Use Only:
    Internal Codes: S33
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume:
    Botulism (Clostridium botulinum)
    Suitable Sample:
    • Contact Vetpath

     
    Unsuitable Sample:
    Minimum Sample Size:
    Turnaround Time:
    • 5 working days

     
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Contact Vetpath for further information re sample requirements and availability.

     
    Comments:
    • The assay is a bioassay and its use has to be justifiable. It is not a sensitive test and is only suitable for species which may have large amounts of toxin. It is not suitable for species such as dogs if they are still alive as they will not have detectable amounts of toxin.

     
    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes: N/A
    Internal Laboratory: Dep't of Agriculture.
    Internal Test Volume: N/A
    Bovine Mucosal Disease
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC (not separated)
      PLUS
    • LH (not separated) OR EDTA (not separated)
    • LH is preferable to EDTA
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • PC
    • LH or EDTA that have been separated
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 4 mL whole blood

     
    Turnaround Time:
    • 5 - 10 working days

     
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test

     
    Comments:
    • Antibodies can be detected by either agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) or a serum neutralisation test (SNT).
    • Virus isolation can also be done, but requires specific samples and collection; it is essential to contact the lab in advance.
    Internal Use Only: The LH or EDTA is essential for calves less than 4 months of age, but not for adults
    Internal Codes: Check price
    Internal Laboratory: Dep't of Ag WA
    Internal Test Volume:
    Bromide     		(Potassium Bromide)
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC
    • LH

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

     
    Turnaround Time:
    • 10 - 14 days 
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request Test

     
    Comments:
    • Collect sample 1 hour prior to the next dose of KBr
    • Mild lipaemia and/or haemolysis is acceptable
    • More information on monitoring of therapeutic drugs is available on this website
    Internal Use Only:
    • Samples will be sent to Vetnostics Monday and Thursday.
    • Within run precision <3%
    • Between run precision >5%
    • All veterinary samples are run neat and diluted 1/5.
    • Client information sheet DCI-01 Drug Monitoring gives collection times for therapeuic monitoring of a range of drugs.
    Internal Codes: B09
    Internal Laboratory: Vetnostics (Mayne, Sydney) but actually run at RPA Hospital 
    Internal Test Volume:
    • 200 uL serum (at a pinch can get away with less)
    • Hemolysis does not interfere

     
    Bronchoalveolar Lavage     		(BAL)
    Suitable Sample:
    • Sterile pot
    • Can also collect some into EDTA if for cytology only
    Unsuitable Sample:
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 1 mL (small animals)

     
    Turnaround Time:
    • Within 24 hours of arrival at laboratory

     
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test

     
    Comments:
    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes:
    • C13
    • C13p (paired with Trach wash)
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: N/A
    Brucella abortus (large animals)
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC

     
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • LH
    • EDTA
    Minimum Sample Size:
    Turnaround Time:
    • 10 working days

     
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request Test

     
    Comments:
    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes: N/A
    Internal Laboratory: Dep't of Agriculture
    Internal Test Volume: N/A
    Brucella canis (for export)
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC

     
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • LH
    • EDTA

     
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 2-3 mL whole blood (need 1 mL serum)

     
    Turnaround Time:
    • Test performed Mondays and Thursdays
    • Cut-off is 7pm previous working weekday
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request Test

     
    Comments:
    • Test is performed on Mondays and Thursdays.
    • Sample must be at Vetpath by close of business the night before. 
    • Results are reported same day.
    • Method is rapid slide agglutination. 
    Internal Use Only:
    Internal Codes: SG3
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: 1 mL serum
    Brucella suis serology
    Suitable Sample:
    • PC
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • EDTA
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 2ml
    Turnaround Time:
    • 7 working days
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request test
    Comments:

    Two methods are performed:

    1. Slide agglutination.

    2. Rose Bengal test.
    Internal Use Only:

    No code

    Goes to the WA Ag dept

    Cost is $71.80 + GST to client (October 2017)
    Internal Codes:
    Internal Laboratory: Ag Dept
    Internal Test Volume:
    Buffy Coat Smears
    Suitable Sample:
    • EDTA

     
    Unsuitable Sample:
    • PC
    • LH

     
    Minimum Sample Size:
    • 2 mL

     
    Turnaround Time:
    • 6 hours

     
    Request/Test Included in:
    • Request Test

     
    Comments:
    Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
    Internal Codes: H18
    Internal Laboratory: VP
    Internal Test Volume: N/A