Introduction to Laboratory Tests

Introduction to Laboratory Tests



EDITOR Lois Roth-Johnson, DVM, PhD, DACVP


This section regroups over 150 diagnostic tests that are used widely in small-animal practice. Information is drawn from both basic science and applied clinical medicine to provide a brief summary of each test. The facts and interpretations necessary to understand these tests under most circumstances are included, and additional detail can be found in specific references (see below).


Each topic is organized in a consistent manner. Sections for each entry include:


DEFINITION: a concise explanation of the nature of the test.


SYNONYM: when applicable, other names by which the test is known.


TYPICAL NORMAL RANGE: a broad reference interval for normal results. Exact ranges are generally laboratory specific and may even be population or test kit specific. The ranges published here should be considered only an approximate guide.


PHYSIOLOGY: a brief description of the natural processes underlying the analyte being measured and specific application of the test.




CLINICAL APPLICATIONS


CAUSES OF ABNORMALLY HIGH/LOW LEVELS: the principal differential diagnoses for values falling outside the normal range.


NEXT DIAGNOSTIC STEP TO CONSIDER IF LEVELS HIGH/LOW: recommended tests or procedures that typically are indicated if the current test is not the definitive test of choice.


IMPORTANT INTERSPECIES DIFFERENCES: relevant physiologic or test-associated variation.

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Introduction to Laboratory Tests

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