Practical Tips on Sample Handling for Hematology, Chemistry, and Cytology Testing for Equine Patients:: Getting More Bang for your Buck

Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2020 Apr;36(1):1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2019.12.002. Epub 2020 Jan 24.

Abstract

Clinical pathology results are only as good as the quality of samples and accompanying information submitted to the diagnostic laboratory. The frustration of nondiagnostic or equivocal test results can often be avoided by taking the time to follow sample handling and submission guidelines. This article discusses preanalytical errors that commonly affect the accuracy of hematology, chemistry, and cytology testing, and offers practical tips for preventing these errors and maximizing diagnostic yield.

Keywords: Artifact; Biochemistry; CBC; Clinical pathology; Equine; Error; Sample handling.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle / economics
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle / veterinary
  • Blood Chemical Analysis / economics
  • Blood Chemical Analysis / veterinary
  • Cytological Techniques / economics
  • Cytological Techniques / veterinary
  • Hematology
  • Horse Diseases / blood*
  • Horse Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Horse Diseases / pathology
  • Horses / blood*
  • Specimen Handling
  • United States