The Clinical Pathology Lab offers the following hematology tests with the listed protocols.
Customized pricing may apply for high volume testing, batch testing, or panels of tests. Please contact the Clinical Pathology Lab at email, [email protected], or phone, 612-625-1746, for additional information regarding discount pricing.
Tests & Protocols
Hematology tests
EDTA
| Research, hematology testing | Test Description performed on the Advia 2120 | Specimen | Minimum volume required* | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBC, Complete Blood Count | Includes White Blood Count, Red Blood Count and indices, and Platelet count. Automated reticulocyte counts included for cats and dogs. Automated differentials that meet lab specified criteria are confirmed by manual examination of slides by lab staff. Slides are examined for cell morphology, parasites and abnormal cells. Additional review of slides is available by Board Certified Clinical Pathologists for slides that meet lab specified criteria or study requirements. | EDTA | 400 µl | Bovine, Camelids, Canine, Feline, Mice, Rats, Rabbits, Equine, Porcine, Non-human Primates, Ovine and others (contact lab) |
| Blood smear review | EDTA or slides are examined for parasites, abnormal cells or cell morphology. Test order must include description of item for review. One request item/order. For abnormal cells or cell morphology a CBC is recommended. Additional review of slides is available by Board Certified Clinical Pathologists for slides that meet lab specified criteria or study requirements. | EDTA or slides (minimum 2) | 400 µl | Bovine, Camelids, Canine, Feline, Mice, Rats, Rabbits, Equine, Porcine, Non-human Primates, Ovine and others (contact lab) |
| Cell count only | White Blood Count, Red Cell Count and indices, Platelet count. (Differential is not included in this test. See CBC if differential is required) Manual review of slide is not included in this test. | EDTA | 250 µl | Bovine, Camelids, Canine, Feline, Mice, Rats, Rabbits, Equine, Porcine, Non-human Primates, Ovine and others (contact lab) |
| Buffy coat smears | Blood smears prepared from buffy coat are examined for parasites or abnormal cells. One request item per order. | EDTA | 250 µl | Bovine, Camelids, Canine, Feline, Mice, Rats, Rabbits, Equine, Porcine, Non-human Primates, Ovine and others (contact lab) |
| Platelet count | Automated platelet count | EDTA | 400 µl | Bovine, Camelids, Canine, Feline, Mice, Rats, Rabbits, Equine, Porcine, Non-human Primates, Ovine and others (contact lab) |
| Reticulocyte count | Automated reticulocyte counts available for cats and dogs. | EDTA | 400 µl | Canine, Felines and Non-human Primates. |
* Automated CBC testing can be performed with a minimum volume of 200 µL of EDTA whole blood. Volumes of less than 200 µL cannot be performed using automated methods. Contact lab for additional options.
Small volume protocols
Collection protocol for small volume specimens (mice, rabbits, etc.)
Instruments
Advia 2120 Hematology Analyzer, version 2.00.00, multi-species; Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., Deerfield, IL
Sample requirements
EDTA whole blood (lavender top tube); minimum volume of 400 μLs is required for sampling processing; tubes of appropriate size should be selected to ensure an optimal ratio of EDTA to whole blood.
| Option | Description of item | Required EDTA, whole blood volume |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CBC- includes RBC count, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, plt count, MPV, PCT, PDW, PCV, total plasma protein, plasma color, manual WBC 100 cell differential count and evaluation of RBC morphologic changes | 400 μL* |
| 2 | Mini-CBC (same as above, but without manual differential cell count and RBC morphology) | 400 μL* |
| 3 | Platelet count and fibrinogen | 500 μL* |
*In some instances, automated CBC testing can be performed with a minimum volume of 200 μL of EDTA whole blood. Volumes of less than 200 μL cannot be performed using automated methods. Contact lab for additional options.
Appropriate tubes
The following tubes are suitable for blood collection and analysis using the Advia analyzer for animals in which only small volumes of blood can be collected safely. Please contact the lab if you have questions regarding the appropriate tube to utilize for your samples.
| Name | Sample volume | Mfr # |
|---|---|---|
| BD EDTA Microtainer Capillary Blood Collector | 500 µL | 365973 |
| BD EDTA Microtainer Capillary Blood Collector with BD Microgard Closure | 500 µL | 365974 |
| Greiner EDTA Vacuette MiniCollect Capillary Blood Collection System (requires purchase of specific capillary tube) | 500 µL | 450404 |
Sample handling
Following collection, tubes should be inverted 8 times to ensure adequate mixing of blood and EDTA. Label tubes using permanent marker with a legible, simplified numbering system. Samples should be refrigerated as soon as possible following collection. They should not be frozen or transported directly on ice. Transport with cold packs is recommended.
Results
CBC parameters generated from the Advia include RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, platelet count, MPV, PCT and PDW. Results generated by laboratory personnel include PCV, total plasma protein, plasma color (if abnormal), WBC and platelet estimate, 100 cell differential count, and RBC morphologic changes. Any abnormal results are reviewed by the clinical pathologist on duty. Results are available in Excel format. Slides and data are stored for 2 years in the laboratory, unless specially arranged with the lab.
Common interferences
Samples with clots cannot be analyzed due to inaccurate results and the potential to damage laboratory equipment. Hemolyzed and lipemic samples may artifactually elevate or invalidate the total plasma protein. Hemolysis may invalidate the hemoglobulin concentration, MCH and MCHC calculations.