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
Gabapentin
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (not a gel tube)
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • PC in a gel tube (the gel absorbs the drug)

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • Allow 14 days for results

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Gabapentin

 
Comments:  
Internal Use Only:
  • Run once a week
  • There are no published levels for dogs, but generally they appear to require higher doses than humans for effective control of convulsions
Internal Codes: X19
Internal Laboratory:
  • PathWest - toxicology
  • Notify Leon on 9346 3743 that the sample is coming
Internal Test Volume: 100 uL of serum or LH plasma
Galactomannan
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • Urine
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • 10 working days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments:
  • Galactomannan is a molecule found in the cell wall of Aspergillus sp and can be used as a screening test for Aspergillosis.
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: G28
Internal Laboratory: SA Pathology
Internal Test Volume:
Gastrin
Suitable Sample:
  • LH
Unsuitable Sample:
  • EDTA
  • PC
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml
Turnaround Time:
  • 7 days
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments: Sample must be submitted frozen using the following protocol:

  1. Fast the patient for 12 hours.
  2. Collect the LH sample and place the tube on ice. 
  3. Get the sample to Vetpath within 30 minutes (taxi) on ice. Alternatively, spin, separate and freeze the plasma within 30 minutes. Submit to Vetpath frozen on ice.
  4. Record the collection and freezing time on the submission form.
Internal Use Only:

Sample must get to Fiona Stanley Hospital FROZEN. If submitting as whole blood in LH, the sample must be separated and frozen within 30 minutes.

May require a courier to take the sample directly from the clinic/Murdoch to FSH.
Internal Codes:
Internal Laboratory: Fiona Stanley Hosp
Internal Test Volume:
Genetic Testing 		(DNA testing)
Suitable Sample:
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
Turnaround Time:
Request/Test Included in:
Comments:

  • Contact the labatories listed below, but note that the samples do not come to VETPATH and you must deal with these laboratories directly; samples are not sent to VETPATH.

Internal Use Only:
  • They will not deal via diagnostic laboratories.
  • Must deal directly with VetGen inthe USA (or their Australian agent GenTest); see their website for details.
  • Website address: http://www.vetgen.com
  • They will not deal via laboratories.
  • Testing is available for cWD, PD deficiency (Basenjis), PFK deficiency (ESS, ACS), copper toxicosis (Bedlingtons), PRA in Irish Setters, colour coat prediction (Labradors)
Internal Codes:
Internal Laboratory:
Internal Test Volume:
Geriatric Panel - Feline
Suitable Sample:
  • PC (ALT, creatinine, total T4)
    AND
  • Urine (wet microscopy, protein:creatinine ratio, SG)
    AND
  • FL (accurate glucose)
Unsuitable Sample:
  • SC
  • LH
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood
  • 2 mL of urine is acceptable, but >5 mL is better
Turnaround Time:
  • Approximately 4 hours (within normal laboratory hours) for ALT, creatinine and urine tests
  • Total T4 are run Monday to Friday, cutoff approximately 11:00 am
Request/Test Included in:
  • FGP (feline geriatric panel)

 
Comments:
  • Do not confuse with the FP3 panel

 
Internal Use Only: If it is unclear if it is an FGP or FP3 being requested, speak to a scientist or pathologist, OR phone the client to clarify
Internal Codes: FGP
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: See above
GGT (Gammaglutamyl transferase)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • EDTA
Unsuitable Sample:
  • LH
  • FL
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 4 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
    OR
  • CP 2, 6
  • EP1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
  • RP 1, 2, 3, 4
  • AP 2, 4
  • Liver monitoring panels (canine, ruminant, equine)
  • Phenobarbitone monitoring panel
Comments:
  • Haemolysis and the presence of RBCs in the plasma/serum will increase the value.
  • Calves & lambs have elevated GGT values due to colostral transfer.
  • GGT cannot be used as a measure of colostral transfer in foals, but foals may have a transient increase in GGT in the first 3 weeks of life
  • GGT cannot be used as a measure of colostral transfer in cria
Internal Use Only:
  • LH becomes cloudy in the reaction mixture
  • CIT and FL samples give results 10-15% lower than serum.
Internal Codes: Individual tests
Profiles
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 30 uL
GGT:Creatinine Ratio - urine 		(Urine GGT:Creatinine Ratio)
Suitable Sample:
  • Urine

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Blood

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL minimum, but >5 mL is much better

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 4 hours
  • Run 7 days a week within normal opening hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • Is used as an indicator of renal tubular damage
  • Primarily done in animals on aminoglycosides such as gentamycin
Internal Use Only: REFERENCE: Rivers et al (1996) JAAHA 32:323-336
Healthy dogs: < 0.42

Therapeutic doses of gentamicin resulted in up to a two-fold increase in the mean urine GGT:creatinine ratio that was not associated with clinically significant nephropathy.
Internal Codes: B31
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Giardia duodenalis Antigen in Faeces (Dogs & Cats)
Suitable Sample:
  • Fresh faeces
  • The sample can be stored for up to 2 days at 2-8oC
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Blood

 
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1-2 gram (small volume)

 
Turnaround Time:
  • Same day

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • This test is designed to detect Giardia duodenalsis antigen in dog and cat faeces
  • The fee does not include wet microscopy
  • This immunochromatographic test replaces the immunofluoresence (IFA) test
  • Reported sensitivity 97.2%
  • Reported specificity 99.9%
  • Note: Giardia are intermittent shedders.
Internal Use Only:
  • This test replaces the immunofluoresence (IFA) test
  • MegaCor FASTest Giardia strip in use
Internal Codes: P09 (Giardia RIM only)
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
Giardia Flotation (Faecal Concentration for Cysts and Ova)
Suitable Sample:
  • Fresh faeces

 
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Blood

 
Minimum Sample Size:
Turnaround Time:
  • Same day (Mon-Fri)

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test

 
Comments:
  • Includes wet microscopy
  • Need at least two samples to rule out.
  • Also see the direct immunofluoresence test which is more sensitive.
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes: F03
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume:
GLDH (glutamate dehydrogenase)
Suitable Sample:
  • PC

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

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 4 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
    OR
  • EP 3
  • RP 1, 2, 3, 4
  • AP 1, 2, 3, 4
Comments:
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
  • Invidual test
  • Profiles
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 45 uL
Globulins
Suitable Sample:
  • PC
  • LH
  • EDTA
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 4 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
    OR
  • CP 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • FP 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • EP1, 2, 3, 6, 7
  • RP 1, 2, 3, 4
  • AP 1, 2, 3, 4
Comments:
Internal Use Only: Globulins = total protein - albumin (ie calculated, not measured)
Internal Codes: Need to measure total protein and albumin (i
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 50 uL
Glucose
Suitable Sample:
  • FL is the best sample
  • PC, LH & EDTA can be used but will give lower results if the plasma has not  been removed from the cells soon after collection
Unsuitable Sample:
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 1 mL whole blood

 
Turnaround Time:
  • 4 hours

 
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
    OR
  • CP 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
  • FP 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
  • EP 3
  • RP 1, 2, 3, 4
  • AP 1, 2, 3, 4
Comments:
  • Samples collected in FL-EDTA give an accurate assessment of glucose at the time of collection. Glucose in other samples will decrease steadily after collection as the cells continue to consume it. Serum samples will often give very low glucose results.

 
Internal Use Only: {Notes for Internal Use}
Internal Codes:
  • B05, B06
  • Profile
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: 25 uL
Glucose Tolerance Panel (Equine) 		(Equine Glucose Tolerance Panel)
Suitable Sample:
  • EDTA and PC
Unsuitable Sample:
  • Urine
Minimum Sample Size:
  • 2ml whole blood
Turnaround Time:
  • 8 hours
Request/Test Included in:
  • Request test
Comments: The Equine Glucose Tolerance Panel includes:
  • Endogenous ACTH
  • 2 x insulin and glucose concentrations (pre- and post-glucose administration)
Internal Use Only:
Internal Codes: EGTP
Internal Laboratory: VP
Internal Test Volume: