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SECTION IV

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Laboratory Tests

EDITOR

Lois Roth-Johnson
DVM, PhD, DACVP

This section, Laboratory Tests, groups over even be population or test kit specific. The Relative Cost
150 diagnostic tests that are used widely in ranges published here should be considered A price scale is included to provide a relative
small-animal practice. Information is drawn only a guide. indication of test costs. Necessarily, the exact
from both basic science and applied clinical cost will vary from one laboratory or institu-
medicine to provide a brief summary of each Causes of Abnormally tion to another and one geographic region to
test. The facts and interpretations necessary to High/Low Levels another, and changes over time will alter these
understand these tests under most circumstances The common differential diagnoses for values values within any laboratory. Nevertheless, by
are included. NOTE: The unit of measure of falling outside the normal range comparing tests to each other according to their
micron, sometimes denoted by the Greek costs, the price scale can provide a relative sense
letter µ, is abbreviated in this text by mc. Next Diagnostic Steps to Consider of the expense associated with each test. The
For example, 1 mcL = 1 microliter; 1 mcg = if Levels are High/Low scale used is based on costs of tests submitted
1 microgram. Recommended tests or procedures that typi- to a full-service reference laboratory in North
Each topic is organized in a consistent cally are indicated if the current test is not the America in 2018, as follows:
manner. Sections for each entry include: definitive test of choice $: <$50
$$: $50-100
Definition Important Interspecies Differences $$$: $100-200
A concise explanation of the nature of the test Relevant physiologic or test-associated variation $$$$: >$200
Synonym Drug Effects Pearls
When applicable, other names by which the Alterations in test results that may be Tips, important reminders, or explanations
test is known expected when a patient is receiving certain generally acquired through experience. These
medications are clinically important but otherwise often
Physiology escape publication.
A brief description of the natural processes Lab Artifacts
underlying the analyte being measured and Extraneous factors that may produce a false
specific application of the test reading and should be considered by the clini-
cian when interpreting test results
Reference Interval
A broad reference interval for normal results. Specimen Collection and Handling
Exact ranges are laboratory specific and may The sample required to perform the test Clinical Algorithms

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