Full Brochure - Langford Veterinary Services

Why choose us?Our servicesThe Diagnostic Laboratories are part of LangfordVeterinary Services (LVS), which is a totally ownedCompany of the University of Bristol.ContentsPage• We offer a fully comprehensive laboratory service across the species.• We are a dynamic customer focussed business providing an extensive, high quality range of laboratory tests.• We are an ECVCP (European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology) approved training laboratory.Profiles 4Haematology 4Quality AssuranceWe participate in RIQAS Biochemistry, NEQAS Bacteriologyand Haematology QA schemes.Ease of Sample SubmissionIn order to help you provide the best service to your client,we provide:• FREEPOST envelopes for sample submission.• Viral Transport Medium (VTM) for feline virus isolationsamples.• Competitive and flexible pricing.• Please contact us to discuss pricing for bulksubmissions: Tel 0117 928 9412, Fax 0117 928 9613,Email lvslab@langfordvets.co.uk• Submission forms can be downloaded from the website.‘One Stop Shop’We offer services in the disciplines of haematology, cytology,biochemistry, clinical microbiology, molecular diagnostics(QPCR) and histopathology to cover the majority of your labrequirements.• We use the University of Bristol’s (School of ClinicalVeterinary Science) Clinical Immunology andHistopathology laboratories.• We provide services to veterinary surgeons in generalpractice, as well as our own practices and referralhospitals (Small Animals, Equine and Farm Animals), sowhatever type of practice you are, we can help.Molecular Diagnostic Unit (QPCR)The Molecular Diagnostic Unit was the first veterinarydiagnostic laboratory in the UK to offer state of the artquantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) assays to veterinarysurgeons.• Research and development of new diagnostic andgenetic QPCR tests is a long term commitment for thediagnostic laboratories.Lipoprotein AnalysisWe are the only UK laboratory to offer this service forthe investigation of hyperlipidaemia. Lipoprotein analysisincludes chemical analysis and lipoprotein electrophoresis.Clinical ExpertiseOur clinical pathologists work together with the cliniciansat the University of Bristol’s School of Clinical VeterinaryScience and are involved with clinical cases. As well asreporting on your samples, they are happy to discuss theresults with you.High Quality ServicesOur clinical pathologists, research staff and skilled technicalstaff ensure we provide a high quality service.Biochemistry 5Endocrinology 6Immunology 6Microbiology 7Virology 8Serology 8Arthropod-borne Disease 8Molecular Diagnostic Unit (QPCR) 9Cytology 10Histopathology 10Urinalysis 10Sampling Instructions 11Submission, Reporting & Contact Details 11Langford Veterinary Services Dedicated to Excellence www.langfordvets.co.uk/diagnostic_laboratories.htm 43

ProfilesBiochemistryPROFILES – SCREENS SAMPLE INFORMATION(CLINICAL INVESTIGATIONS)Bovine screen EDTA, smear & SERUM or HEP Full haem, fibrinogen, UREA, CREAT, TP, ALB,GLOB, GGT, GLDH, BHB, Ca, Mg, Na, K, ClCanine anaemia profile EDTA & smears Full haem, reticulocyte count, Coombs’ testCanine basic profile EDTA & smears Full haem, UREA, CREAT, TP, ALB, GLOB, ALT, ALPCanine extended profile EDTA, smear & SERUM or HEP & OxF Full haem, UREA, CREAT, TP, ALB, GLOB, ALT, ALP,GGT, Tot. BIL, GLU, CHOL, TRIGS, Ca, Phos, Na, KEquine screen EDTA, smear & SERUM or HEP Full haem, fibrinogen, UREA, CREAT, TP, ALB,GLOB, AST, ALP, GGT GLDH, CKFeline anaemia profile EDTA, smear & SERUM or HEP Full haem, haemoplasma PCR, FIVAb & FeLVAg,reticulocyte countFeline basic profile EDTA, smear & SERUM or HEP & OxF Full haem, UREA, CREAT, TP, ALB, GLOB, ALT, ALPFeline extended profile EDTA, smear & SERUM or HEP & OxF Full haem, UREA, CREAT, TP, ALB, GLOB, ALT, ALP,GGT, Tot. BIL, GLU, Ca, Phos, Na, KFeline screen EDTA, smear & SERUM or HEP Full haem, UREA, CREAT, TP, ALB, GLOB, ALT, ALP,FIVAb & FeLVAgFeline thin/weight lossprofileStandard haematology examinationsStandard haematology examinations (full blood counts). Each and every haematology includes a smear examination:fresh smears are deeply appreciated!• Bone marrow aspirates – Do call us to discuss your case.• Clotting studies – PT/APTT and D – dimers.• Blood from laboratory animal species, with the exception of primates.• Exotic mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian and fish blood.• Fibrinogen (in large animals).The haematology laboratory participates in the national quality assurance scheme (NEQAS) to ensure the ongoing reliabilityand quality of results.HAEMATOLOGY SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONAPTT & PT Citrate plasma Same day Time sensitive/please contact lab beforesamplingBone marrow cytologyEDTA, smear & SERUM or HEP & OxFBM smears, EDTAblood & blood smearSame or next dayIncludes full haematology if EDTA sampleis submittedCanine anaemia profile EDTA & smears Same or next day Full haematology, reticulocyte count,Coombs’ testCoombs’ test EDTA Same day See immunologyFeline anaemia profile EDTA & smears Same day- FIA PCR 1 weekFull haem, UREA, CREAT, TP, ALB, GLOB, ALT, ALP,GLU, FIVAb & FeLVAg, T4Rabbit profile EDTA, smear & SERUM or HEP Full haem, UREA, CREAT, TP, ALB, GLOB, ALT, ALP,AST, CK, Na, K, Ca, PHOS, CHOLEST, TRIGSRabbit liver profile EDTA, smear & SERUM or HEP Full haem, UREA, CREAT, TP, ALB, GLOB, ALT,GLDH, ALP, GGT, AST, CK, TOTAL BILIRUBINHaematologyFibrinogen EDTA Same day Equine/Bovine onlyFull haematology, reticulocyte count,haemoplasma (FIA) PCR, FIV Ab & FeLV AgFull haematology EDTA & smears Same day Hct, Hb, RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Platelets,WBC, WBC differential, smear commentIron status Serum 3-5 days Iron concentration + total iron binding+ % transferring saturationReticulocyte count EDTA Same day New Methylene blue stainThis laboratory offers a wide range of biochemical testing inserum, plasma, urine and other fluids from companion, farmand exotic animals.The KoneLab60i analyser is combined with selected manual methods to provide a broad range of tests.The biochemistry laboratory participates in the national quality assurance scheme (RIQAS) to ensure the ongoing reliabilityand quality of results.BIOCHEMISTRY SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONAcute phase proteins Serum Usually 3 days Canine: CRP and/or haptoglobinFeline: a1GP and/or haptoglobinEquine: SAA and/or haptoglobinB12 + folate (Canine/Feline) Serum Usually 5-7 days Fasted. 1 ml minimum volumeBasic biochemistry(Canine/Feline)Bile acids (dynamic:pre & post prandial)Biochemistry (Bovine)Biochemistry (Equine)DigoxinExtended biochemistry(Canine/Feline)LeadSerum or HepplasmaSame dayUREA, CREAT, TP, ALB, GLOB, ALT, ALPSerum Same day Time: 0 and 2 hours post feedingSerum or HepplasmaSerum or HepplasmaSerum or HepplasmaSerum or Hepplasma & OxFWhole blood inHep tubeSame daySame dayUREA, CREAT, TP, ALB, GLOB, GGT, GLDH,BHB, Ca, MgUREA, CREAT, TP, ALB, GLOB, AST, ALP,GGT, GLDH, CK5-7 days Time: 8 hours post Digoxin administrationAllow 5 days on treatment before testingSame day7 daysUREA, CREAT, TP, ALB, GLOB, ALT, ALP,GGT, Tot.BIL, GLU, Ca, Phos, Na, KLipid electrophoresis EDTA plasma 3-5 days For the investigation of hyperlipidaemia.We have established our own referenceintervals for dogs.Lipid profile analysis EDTA plasma 3-5 days Includes Electrophoresis + PrecipitationOccult blood in faeces Faeces Same day No red meat for 3-5 days before testingOsmolality Serum/plasma/urine Same day Osmometer (freezing point)Phenobarbitone Serum 5-7 days (Not serum gel) Allow 2-3 weeks ontreatment before testingPotassium bromide Serum Same day Serum levels may take at least 4 monthsto stabiliseSerum proteinelectrophoresisSerum 5 days We have established our own referenceintervals for dogs and catsTLI Canine/Feline Serum Usually 5 days 1 ml minimum volumeLangford Veterinary Services Dedicated to Excellence www.langfordvets.co.uk/diagnostic_laboratories.htm 56

EndocrinologyMicrobiologyENDOCRINOLOGY SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONACTH stimulation test(Canine)ACTH stimulation test(Feline)Dexamethasonesuppression testSerum/Hep plasma 1-3 days Time: 0 and 2 hoursSerum/Hep plasma 1-3 days Time: 0, 60 and 90 minutesSerum/Hep plasma 1-3 days Time: 0, 3 and 8 hoursFree T4 (ED) Serum Usually 5 -7 days Method: Equilibrium dialysisFructosamineSerum(not serum gel)2-4 daysTotal T4 Serum Same dayTotal T4 + TSH (Canine) Serum 1-2 daysTSH (Canine) Serum 1-2 daysUrine cortisol: creatinineratioSerum1-2 daysThis laboratory processes appropriate samples from companion, farm and exotic animals (and the environment) whichmay be infected, in a carrier state or harbouring potentially infectious bacteria. Experienced technicians have an array oftechniques for identification of organisms.The laboratory employs microscopy and Wood’s lamp fluorescence for the detection of fungal elements in hair samples fromcompanion, farm and exotic animals. Samples of hair, skin, nail and biopsy material where mycosis is suspected are alsocultured for the presence of dermatophytes and differentiation from non-dermatophytes.The laboratory also handles high numbers of samples, mostly faecal and hair/skin samples for the presence of endo– andecto– parasites. The Bacteriology laboratory participates in the national quality assurance scheme (NEQAS) to ensure theongoing reliability and quality of results.BACTERIOLOGY SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONBlood culture Up to 7 days Per pair of bottlesCulture & sensitivity Swab/Tissue/Fluid 3-5 days Aerobic culture / Anaerobic culture(site-dependent)/ Antibiotic sensitivities(where relevant)Culture & sensitivity(urine)Urine 3 days Aerobic culture / Antibiotic sensitivities(for significant isolate(s))Faecal screen Faeces 2-4 days Bacterial culture & parasitologyMycobacterial screening(AAFB)Smear Next day ZN stainMYCOLOGY SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONFungal culture(Non-dermatophyte)Ringworm diagnosis(Dermatophytes)5 daysHair/skin 10-12 days Wood’s lamp, microscopy & dermatophytecultureECTOPARASITES SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONSkin parasites Skin scrape Next dayPARASITOLOGY SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONImmunologyIMMUNODIAGNOSTIC TESTS SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONAntinuclear antibody(Dog, cat, horse)Blood cross match(Dog, cat, horse)Coombs’ test(Dog - IgG, IgM, C3)(Cat - IgG, IgM)(Horse - IgG, IgM)Serum Approx 1 week Full titration and pattern descriptionEDTA blood & serumfrom donors andrecipientSame or next dayEDTA blood Same or next day Full titration of polyvalent and class-specificreagents (IgG, IgM, C3) at both 4°Cand 37°CFeline blood typing (Cat) EDTA blood Same or next dayRheumatoid factor(Dog, Cat, Horse)Serum or synovialfluid in EDTAApprox 1 weekFull titrationCryptosporidium Faeces Next day Modified ZN stainFaecal parasitology Faeces Same or next dayFaecal screen Faeces Bacterial culture & parasitologyTritrichomonas foetus PCRFaeces minimum0.5g5-7 days Includes internal amplification control toavoid false negativesSEROLOGY SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONAspergillus Serum 2 weeks Precipitation test (Antibodies)Cryptococcus Serum 10-15 days AntigenLeptospira Full screen Serum 10-15 days L. canicola, ictero, bratislava, grippotyphosa,hardjo, pomonaNeospora Ab Serum/CSF 3-5 days IFAToxoplasma IgG + IgM(Canine/Feline)Serum/CSF 3-5 days IFALangford Veterinary Services Dedicated to Excellencewww.langfordvets.co.uk/diagnostic_laboratories.htm 7

VirologyMolecular Diagnostic Unit (QPCR)This laboratory’s expertise is in feline virology.The technicians are experienced and skilled in the many serological and culture methods for most of the major feline viruses.VIRUS ISOLATION SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONFeline Herpes Virus (FHV)/Feline Calici Virus (FCV)isolationSwab in VTM 4-8 days IsolationPox virus isolation Swab in VTM 4-10 days IsolationVIRUS ISOLATION ≠ PCRs SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONFCV/FHV isolation+ FHV QPCRFCV/FHV isolation +Chlamydophila felis QPCRFCV/FHV isolation + FHV+ Chlamydophila felis QPCRSerologySwab in VTMSwab in VTMSwab in VTM4-8 days1-3 days4-8 days1-3 days4-8 days1-3 daysIsolation and+ FHV QPCRIsolation and Quantitative PCRIsolation and Quantitative PCRSEROLOGY SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONViral Screen EDTA 1-3 days FIV Ab (ELISA), FeLV Ag (ELISA)Coronavirus Ab (ELISA)FIV Ab EDTA Same or next day ELISAFeLV Ag EDTA Same or next day ELISAFIV Ab + FeLV Ag EDTA Same or next day ELISACoronavirus (FIP) Ab Serum 1-3 days ELISAChlamydophila felis Ab Serum 1-3 days IFAFCV Ab Serum 1-2 weeks Viral neutralisationFHV Ab Serum 1-2 weeks Viral neutralisationPox Virus Ab Serum 1-2 weeks Viral neutralisationArthropod-borne DiseaseINFECTIOUS DISEASES PCR’S SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONAnaplasma phagocytophilum EDTA 1-3 days QPCRBabesia spp EDTA 1-3 days PCRBartonella henselaeBartonella sppBorrelia sppEDTA or tissuesampleEDTA or tissuesampleEDTA +/or synovialfluid1-3 days QPCR1-3 days PCR1-3 days Synovial fluid in EDTAEhrlichia spp EDTA 1-3 days PCRLeishmaniaEDTA, conjunctivalswab or tissuesample1-3 days QPCRLeishmania Antibody ELISA Up to 7 days PCRThe Molecular Diagnostic Unit was the first veterinarydiagnostic laboratory in the UK to offer state of the artquantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) assays.They give our clinical pathologists much more information than can be derived from conventional PCR, allowing them toprovide a better diagnostic service to the veterinary surgeon. There are discounts when you use these tests in combinationwith virology, and serology, and if multiple tests are run. See our Price Lists for further information.INFECTIOUS DISEASE SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONBordetella bronchiseptica(Canine/Feline)Throat swab or trachwash, BAL5-7 days Quantitative PCR*Canine haemoplasma EDTA blood 1-3 days Detects and quantifies two caninehaemoplasma speciesChlamydophila felis Dry or VTM swab 1-3 days Quantitative PCR*Feline calicivirus (FCV) Dry or VTM swab 5-7 days Quantitative PCR*Feline haemoplasma EDTA blood 1-3 days Detects and quantifies three felinehaemoplasma speciesFeLV DNA (provirus)EDTA blood or bonemarrow1-3 days Quantitative PCR. Bone marrow sampleshould be an aspirate collected in anEDTA tubeFeLV + FIV EDTA blood 1-3 days Quantitative PCR*FHV Dry or VTM swab 1-3 days Quantitative PCR*FIV DNA (provirus) EDTA blood 1-3 days Quantitative PCR*Mycoplasma felisThroat swab, ocular 5-7 days Quantitative PCR*swab, trach wash orBALTritrichomonas foetus Faeces min 0.5g 5-7 days Quantitive PCR**Includes internal amplification control to reduce false negativesFELINE GENETIC DISEASE PCRs SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONBurmese GM2Feline hypertrophic (HCM)cardiomyopathyFeline polycystic kidneydisease (PKD)Feline pyruvate kinasedeficiency (PKDef)GSD IVProgressive retinal atrophy(PRA)Blood typeCoat Colours – agouti,amber, burmese, siamesecolour point, chocolate,cinammon, diluteLong HairEDTA blood orbuccal swabEDTA blood orbuccal swabEDTA blood orbuccal swabEDTA blood orbuccal swabEDTA blood orbuccal swabEDTA blood orbuccal swabEDTA blood orbuccal swabEDTA blood orbuccal swabEDTA blood orbuccal swab3-4 days For burmese3-4 days For Ragdoll and Maine Coon breeds only3-4 days For Persian and related breeds3-4 days For Abyssinian, Somali and related breeds3-4 days For Norwegian Forest Cats3-4 days For Abyssinian, Somali and related breedsFELINE GENETIC PCRs SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATION3-4 days For all breeds except Ragdoll and TurkishAngora3-4 days All breeds3-4 days All breedsLangford Veterinary Services Dedicated to Excellence www.langfordvets.co.uk/diagnostic_laboratories.htm 109

CytologyThe clinical pathologists have a keen interest in cytology and are happy to accept samples from domestic, exotic andlaboratory animal species.• Aspirates from superficial masses.• Ultrasound guided or surgically obtained cytology samples – aspirates or impression smears.• Flushes and washes from airways and prostates.• Cerebrospinal fluid: contact us for advice on sample storage.• Superficial samples such as tape strips.• We are always available to discuss cases and are delighted to advise on sample collection and handling.CYTOLOGY SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONBody cavity fluid analysis EDTA & plain tube Same day Automated cell count, TP, ALB, GLOB,cytologyCSF Analysis EDTA & plain tube Same day Manual cell count, TP, cytology - timesensitive/please contact lab beforesamplingFNA/impression smears Smears Same dayLavages/washes/flushes EDTA Same daySynovial fluid analysisHistopathologyHISTOPATHOLOGY - BIOPSY SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONSmall Biopsy Formalin fixed tissue 2 – 4 days Additional charge for special stains(if required)Large Biopsy(e.g. whole organ, largemammary mass)UrinalysisBacterial CultureFormalin fixed tissue 2 – 4 days Additional charge for special stains(if required)Urine in a sterilecontainer3 days Aerobic culture and sensitivityBasic Urinalysis Urine Same day USG, pH, PROT, GLU, blood, ketones, UPCratio, sediment examinationCytology EDTA Same dayFractional excretion ofelectrolytesUrine & Serum Same day Na, K, ClSediment examination Urine Same dayUrine protein to creatinineratio (UPC)Urine screenSmears, EDTA& plain tube ifpossibleUrineUrine in a sterilecontainerSame dayUrine EDTA Same dayURINALYSIS SAMPLE TURNAROUND INFORMATIONSame dayUp to 3 daysAutomated cell count, TP, cytologyLangford Vaginal Veterinary smear Services Dedicated Smears to Excellence Same day Evaluate reproductive statusBasic urinalysis & bacterial cultureSampling Instructions & RequirementsFeline Calici/ Herpes Virus IsolationUse a plain sterile swab rubbed gently over the affectedarea (oropharyngeal for oral ulceration/respiratory signs,cornea for ocular signs) to gather cellular material. Theplain swab is then placed in viral transport media (VTM)and the end trimmed off with scissors to allow the pot to besealed. Label the pot with the animal’s name and the sitefrom which the sample was taken. VTM contains antibioticsand is therefore not suitable for bacterial culture, but aidsthe survival of viruses.If there is a delay between collection and sending thesample, it is best stored in the freezer. Viruses cannot begrown from the charcoal media bacteriology swabs.Feline Herpes / Chlamydophila felisHerpesvirus QPCR can be performed on either oropharyngealor ocular swabs, depending on the clinical signs.Chlamydophila felis QPCR is most usefully performed onconjunctival swabs. A plain swab is all that is required – notransport media is needed for the QPCR tests, although wecan perform the tests on samples submitted in VTM. Pleasedo not submit charcoal medium bacteriology swabs for QPCRas it makes the sample much more difficult to handle.Submission & ReportingCytology SmearsGenerally, we prefer smears made in a flat ‘slide over slide’technique with minimal downward pressure. Try and getthe sample as close to the middle of the slide as possible,as this helps us get perfect staining on our automated slidestainer. We charge by site and not numbers of slides – soplease don’t skimp! Send us everything, spreader slides andany previously stained samples you have checked in - house.Slides should be individually labelled by site, something wefind easier on the frosted glass type.HaematologyTo make the most of your haematology, do check your EDTApots for clots before you send them in – there is very littlewe can tell from a sample with even a small clot in the lid.Make fresh blood smears to accompany the EDTAsample: once air dried, the cell morphology is fixed, givingour haematologists the best chance of picking up subtlechanges. Even if you think your smears are less thanperfect, we can tell a great deal from them and we arehappy to advise on how to do even better!Bone MarrowFull instructions on how to get the best bone marrowsamples will be available on our website via links from thehaematology and cytology sections – please remember topackage cytology smears separately from formalin fixed corebiopsies to prevent fumes bleaching the cytology slides.When you submit samples to us, they will be received by our friendly office staff who will also be your point of contact for anyqueries. If you are delivering urgent samples by hand, the office is located on the ground floor of the Churchill Building on theLangford Site of the University of Bristol.Submission forms that cover all our tests, along with our detailed price list can be downloaded from our websitewww.langfordvets.co.uk/diagnostic_laboratories.htmPrinted forms are available on request.We also provide:• FREEPOST envelopes• Viral Transport Medium (VTM) for feline virusisolation samplesTo order any of the above, please contact:• Tel 0117 928 9412/9337• Fax 0117 928 9613• Email lvslab@langfordvets.co.ukFor prompt receipt of your results, we will fax out all reportsto your practice.Don’t forget, our two full time clinical pathologists are willingto discuss results from your cases with you.Packaging instructions can be found on our web site:www.langfordvets.co.uk/laboratory_vetinfo.htmLangford Veterinary Services Dedicated to Excellencewww.langfordvets.co.uk/diagnostic_laboratories.htm 11