Clinical pathology

The following tests are available:

• Cytology of solid lesions and internal organs (including special stains)
• Body fluid analysis (including effusions, CSF, BAL, TTW, Prostatic washes etc)
• Bone marrow cytology

The following tests are available:

• Automated blood cell count
• Manual cell count for non-mammalian species
• Blood smear examination by a veterinary pathologist
• Cross matching
• Coagulation screen

Our laboratory participates in the Randox International Quality Assessment Scheme (RIQAS)

The following tests are available:

• Species specific profiles
• Select organ and electrolytes profiles
• Individual parameters (e.g., bile acids)
• Acute phase proteins

Our tested parameters include (in alphabetical order): Albumin, ALT, ammonia, AGP, ALP, AST, BHB, bile acids, bilirubin, calcium (total and ionised), chloride, cholesterol, CK, copper, creatinine, globulin, GGT, GLDH, GSH-Px, inorganic phosphate, glucose, LDH, lipase, magnesium, NEFA, potassium, total protein, SAA, sodium, triglyceride, urea.

Our laboratory participates in the Randox International Quality Assessment Scheme (RIQAS)

The following tests are available:

• Thyroid hormones (tT4, TSH)
• Adrenal/Pituitary hormones (Cortisol, ACTH)
• Therapeutic drug monitoring (Phenobarbitone, Digoxin)

Our laboratory participates in the European Veterinary Endocrine Quality Assurance Scheme (EVE-QAS) which promotes the highest quality hormonal laboratory testing. 

The following faecal tests are available.

• Parasite faecal analysis (including Baermann’s test for lungworms)
• Occult blood
• Faecal calprotectin

The following urine analyses are available:

• Dipstick and sediment analysis
• Urine cytology
• Urinary protein: creatinine ratio (UPC)
• Fractional excretion

In recent years, acute phase proteins (APPs) such as α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) have been studied as potential biomarkers for FIP. AGP, in particular, has demonstrated higher diagnostic efficiency for FIP compared to other laboratory tests ^1,2 making it a valuable tool for supporting FIP diagnosis. Additionally, AGP measurement is emerging as a parameter for monitoring therapeutic success, reflecting its growing clinical significance ^3,4.

SAA is a major acute-phase protein in cats, increasing within hours of any inflammatory stimulus. It may be particularly useful for supporting the suspicion of a relapse in a cat previously diagnosed with FIP, as SAA levels are expected to rise before an increase in AGP is observed.

AGP and SAA analysis are now being offered by Easter Bush Pathology to help in aiding diagnosis of Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP), and monitoring response to treatment. These proteins may also be useful in confirming suspected relapse cases of FIP. Testing on serum is recommended and a minimum of 0.5ml of serum is required; these tests can be added to our routine biochemistry panels or run separately. AGP testing can also be done on effusion (minimum volume 0.5 ml); however, if sending a body cavity effusion, it should be noted that these proteins are often lower than when observed in serum therefore serum and effusions cannot be used interchangeably for monitoring.

Sample needed

A minimum of 0.5ml of serum (recommended) or effusion in a plain or serum tube. If possible, serum should be submitted after separation to prevent sample degradation. 

Shipping

Ideally samples should be sent with an ice pack but this is not mandatory; however, if whole blood or a serum gel separator tube are submitted, tubes should not be in direct contact with the ice pack to avoid freezing and haemolysis.

Sample should be sent together with a submission form ideally next-day or first class delivery to minimise delay.

Turnaround

Turnaround time is usually 24 hours from receipt of sample.