Principles of clinical pathology

Question 1

Ideally, how long should an animal be starved for before a blood test, and why?

Answer 1

At least 12hrs

To reduce lipaemia- can affect biochem

Question 2

What collection tube do you need for haematology?

Answer 2

EDTA (or citrate)

Question 3

What collection tube should you use for coagulation testing?

Answer 3

Citrate

Question 4

What collection tube should you use for biochemistry or endocrinology?

Answer 4

Serum (separate if possible)

Question 5

What collection tube should you use for urgent biochem or ionised calcium?

Answer 5

Heparin

Question 6

What collection tube should you use for glucose testing?

Answer 6

Fluoride oxalate

Question 7

What collection tube should you use for cardiac troponins or phenobarbitone levels?

Answer 7

Plain serum tube (no gel separator)

Question 8

What abnormalities can be seen on the blood results of young animals (<6mo)?

Answer 8

Lower red blood cell masses and plasma/serum concentrations

Higher serum calcium, phosphate, and ALP

Higher lymphocyte concentrations

Question 9

What abnormalities can be seen on the normal bloods of greyhounds and other sighthounds?

Answer 9

Higher read cell masses

Lower WBC and platelet counts
Lower serum total thyroxine