• Sample type: Serum
• Shipping container: Eppendorf tube or dry tube
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL

Note: If requested in conjunction with PTH, submit 0.8 mL.

• Sample type: Serum or heparinized plasma
• Container for serum shipment: Eppendorf tube or dry tube
• Container for shipping plasma: Heparinized tube or dry tube
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL

Note: The sample must be collected using a vacuum device.

• Sample type: Serum or heparinized plasma
• Container for serum shipment: Eppendorf tube or dry tube
• Container for shipping plasma: Heparinized tube or dry tube
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL

Note: The sample must be collected using a vacuum device.

• Sample type: Serum or plasma
• Specimen container: Eppendorf tube or separate dry tube immediately after collection.
• Container for shipping plasma: Sodium fluoride tube (gray tube)
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL (0.8 mL if ordered with insulin)

Note: A 12-hour fast is required.

• Sample type: Serum
• Shipping container: Eppendorf tube or dry tube
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL

• Sample type: Serum or whole blood
  
• Container for serum shipment: Eppendorf tube or dry tube
  
• Container for whole blood shipments: Tube with a yellow or red cap
  
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL
• Note: A 12-hour fast is required.
  

• Sample type: Serum or whole blood
  
• Container for serum shipment: Eppendorf tube or dry tube
  
• Container for whole blood shipments: Tube with a yellow or red cap
  
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL
• Note: Collect the sample 2 hours after eating.

• Sample type: Serum or whole blood
  
• Container for serum shipment: Eppendorf tube or dry tube
  
• Container for whole blood shipments: Tube with a yellow or red cap
  
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL
• Note: A 12-hour fast is required.

• Sample type: Serum or whole blood
• Container for serum shipment: Eppendorf tube or dry tube
• Container for whole blood shipments: Tube with a yellow or red cap
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL

Note: A 12-hour fast is required.

• Sample type: Urine
• Shipping container: Urinary Catecholamine Tube
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
• Optimal volume: 1.0 mL

• Sample type: Serum or whole blood
  
• Container for serum shipment: Eppendorf tube or dry tube
  
• Container for whole blood shipments: Tube with a yellow or red cap
  
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
  
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL

• Sample type: Serum or whole blood
• Container for serum shipment: Eppendorf tube or dry tube
• Container for whole blood shipments: Tube with a yellow or red cap
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL

• Sample type: Serum or whole blood
• Container for serum shipment: Eppendorf tube or dry tube
• Container for whole blood shipments: Tube with a yellow or red cap
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL

Note: For glucose – serum only or a tube containing sodium fluoride.

• Sample type: Serum or whole blood
• Container for serum shipment: Eppendorf tube or dry tube
• Container for whole blood shipments: Tube with a yellow or red cap
• Fasting: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Species: Canine, Feline
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL

Note: For glucose – serum only or a tube containing sodium fluoride.

Test description: Quantitative and morphological evaluation of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This test provides an assessment of the patient’s hematological, inflammatory, and immunological status.

Comments: An essential screening test, widely used in routine check-ups, the diagnosis of anemia, infections, inflammation, systemic diseases, and for monitoring treatment.

• Sample: Whole blood with EDTA

• Species: Canine, Feline

• Optimal volume: 1.0 mL

• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL

• Rejection criteria: Clotted sample, severe hemolysis, inappropriate tube

Test description: Serum urea level, a marker of protein metabolism and kidney function.

Comments: Used to assess kidney function, dehydration, high-protein diets, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

• Sample: Serum

• Species: Canine, Feline

• Recommended volume: 1 mL

• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL

• Rejection criteria: Hemolyzed or lipemic sample

Test description: Measurement of alanine aminotransferase (ALT/TGP), a hepatic cytosolic enzyme sensitive to hepatocellular damage.

Comments: Recommended for the investigation and monitoring of liver diseases, poisoning, the use of hepatotoxic drugs, and metabolic disorders.

• Sample: Serum

• Species: Canine, Feline

• Recommended volume: 1 mL

• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL

• Rejection criteria: Severe hemolysis

Test description: Measurement of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), an early biomarker of reduced glomerular filtration rate.

Comments: It allows for earlier detection of chronic kidney disease compared to creatinine, even in patients with muscle wasting.

• Sample: Serum

• Species: Canine, Feline

• Recommended volume: 1 mL

• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL

• Rejection criteria: Inadequate sample or insufficient volume

Test description: Serum lipase level, a pancreatic enzyme involved in the digestion of lipids.

Comments: Used as a supplementary test in the evaluation of pancreatitis, especially when combined with clinical signs and other pancreatic markers.

• Sample: Serum

• Species: Canine, Feline

• Recommended volume: 1 mL

• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL

• Rejection criteria: Severe hemolysis and lipemia

Test description: Measurement of serum amylase, an enzyme involved in the digestion of carbohydrates, produced primarily by the pancreas and the gastrointestinal tract.

Comments: Currently considered a nonspecific marker for pancreatitis, it is used only as a supplementary test.

• Sample: Serum

• Species: Canine, Feline

• Recommended volume: 1 mL

• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL

• Rejection criteria: Inadequate sample

Test description: Serum creatinine measurement, a biochemical marker used to assess kidney function.

Comments: Creatinine is a product of muscle metabolism, and its serum concentration is related to the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

It is widely used in the diagnosis and monitoring of acute and chronic kidney disease and should be interpreted in conjunction with SDMA, urea, and urinalysis.

• Sample type: Serum
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 1 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
• Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis or insufficient volume

Test description: Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level, an enzyme found primarily in the liver and skeletal muscle.

Comments: Indicated for the investigation of hepatocellular and muscle lesions.

AST is not a liver-specific enzyme and should be interpreted in conjunction with ALT, FA, and, when muscle injury is suspected, CK.

• Sample type: Serum
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 1 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
• Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed sample (may cause significant interference), severely lipemic sample, or insufficient volume

Test description: Serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) assay, an enzyme primarily associated with the biliary epithelium.

Comments: Indicated for the investigation of cholestasis, hepatobiliary diseases, and monitoring of liver changes.

In horses, it is considered a sensitive marker for hepatobiliary disorders, particularly cholestatic ones.

• Sample type: Serum
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 0.5 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
• Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis, marked lipemia, or insufficient volume

Test description: Measurement of blood lactate, a marker of anaerobic metabolism and tissue perfusion.

Comments: Indicated for the assessment of critically ill patients, shock, hypoxia, sepsis, metabolic disorders, and monitoring of therapeutic response.

In horses, it is widely used to assess colic and predict the prognosis of gastrointestinal disorders.

• Sample type: Plasma with sodium fluoride (gray tube) or heparin
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 1 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube containing sodium fluoride or heparin
• Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis, processing delays, or improper collection

Important note:
The sample must be processed promptly after collection, as lactate levels may rise artificially if centrifugation is delayed.

Test description: Plasma fibrinogen assay, a acute-phase protein involved in coagulation and the inflammatory response.

Comments: Indicated for the investigation of inflammatory and infectious processes and coagulation disorders.

In horses, it is considered an important marker of systemic inflammation and is frequently used in the evaluation of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

• Sample type: Citrated plasma
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 1 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube containing sodium citrate (blue cap)
• Rejection Criteria: Clotted sample, severe hemolysis, insufficient volume, or an inadequate blood-to-citrate ratio.

Test description: Measurement of total protein in serum or plasma, which corresponds to the sum of the circulating albumin and globulin fractions.

Comments: Recommended for assessing nutritional, inflammatory, hepatic, and renal status.

It can aid in the diagnosis of dehydration, chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases, liver disease, and protein loss (renal or gastrointestinal).

• Sample type: Serum or plasma
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 1 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap (for serum)
• Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis, marked lipemia, or insufficient volume

Test description: Measurement of serum or plasma sodium levels, the primary extracellular cation, which is essential for fluid and electrolyte balance and neuromuscular function.

Comments: Indicated for the evaluation of electrolyte disorders, acid-base imbalances, renal and adrenal diseases (such as hypoadrenocorticism), and critically ill patients.

Changes in sodium levels can directly affect the patient's neurological status.

• Sample type: Serum or plasma
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 1 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap (serum) or heparin
• Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis or insufficient volume

Hyponatremia:It may be associated with hypoadrenocorticism, renal failure, gastrointestinal fluid loss, or excessive fluid therapy.

Hypernatremia: It can occur in cases of dehydration, diabetes insipidus, or excessive fluid loss.

The interpretation should take into account potassium, chloride, and the patient's clinical condition.

Test description: Measurement of serum or plasma potassium levels, the primary intracellular cation, which is essential for neuromuscular and cardiac function.

Comments: Indicated for the investigation of electrolyte disturbances, renal and adrenal disorders (especially hypoadrenocorticism), metabolic acidosis, and critically ill patients.

Significant changes can cause potentially serious cardiac arrhythmias.

• Sample type: Serum or plasma
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 1 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap (serum) or heparin
• Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed sample (may falsely elevate the result), insufficient volume

Hypokalemia: May occur in cases of gastrointestinal fluid loss, diuretic use, chronic kidney disease, or prolonged anorexia (especially in cats).

Hyperkalemia: May be associated with hypoadrenocorticism, acute renal failure, urinary obstruction, or hemolysis of the sample.

* The interpretation should take into account sodium, chloride, and the Na:K ratio, where applicable.

Test description: Measurement of serum creatine kinase (CK), an enzyme found primarily in skeletal and cardiac muscle and, to a lesser extent, in brain tissue.

Comments: Indicated for the investigation of acute muscle injuries, myopathies, trauma, seizures, rhabdomyolysis, and the monitoring of muscle diseases. In horses, it is widely used in the evaluation of exercise-induced myopathies and muscle injuries.

CK is considered a sensitive marker of recent muscle injury, with levels rising rapidly following tissue damage.

• Sample type: Serum
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 1 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
• Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis or insufficient volume

Important note:
CK levels may rise temporarily after intense exercise, vigorous straining, or intramuscular injection.

Test description: Measurement of total serum bilirubin and its fractions (direct and indirect), a pigment derived from the breakdown of hemoglobin.

Comments: Indicated for the investigation of jaundice, hemolysis, liver diseases, and biliary disorders. The evaluation of these fractions aids in differentiating between prehepatic (hemolysis), hepatic (hepatocellular injury), and posthepatic (cholestasis/biliary obstruction) causes.

In horses, slight elevations may occur during prolonged fasting.

• Sample type: Serum
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 1 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
• Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis, marked lipemia, or insufficient volume

Important note:
The sample must be protected from light to prevent degradation of bilirubin.

Test description: Measurement of serum triglycerides, the primary form of lipid storage in the body.

Comments: Indicated for the investigation of dyslipidemia, pancreatitis, endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and hyperadrenocorticism), and metabolic monitoring.

It may be significantly affected by improper fasting.

• Sample type: Serum
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 1 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
• Rejection Criteria: Sample with high lipid content, hemolyzed, or insufficient volume

Important note:
A 12-hour fast is recommended for more accurate results.

High values:

• They may indicate primary or secondary dyslipidemia (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism).
• They may be associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis in dogs.

Reduced prices:

• Generally of no significant clinical relevance on its own.

* The interpretation should take into account the patient's cholesterol levels, blood glucose levels, and clinical presentation

Test description: Serum measurement of circulating iron, an essential component of hemoglobin and cellular metabolism.

Comments: Indicated for the investigation of anemia, iron metabolism disorders, and chronic inflammatory processes. Serum iron concentration may vary throughout the day and be influenced by inflammatory processes.

Whenever possible, it is recommended to interpret these results in conjunction with a complete blood count, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), when available.

• Sample type: Serum
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 1 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
• Rejection Criteria: Hemolyzed sample (may interfere with the result), markedly lipemic sample, or insufficient volume

Reduced prices:

• They may be associated with iron-deficiency anemia or anemia associated with chronic disease.

High values:

• They may occur in cases of hemolysis, excessive supplementation, or liver disorders.

* The interpretation should take into account the patient's red blood cell parameters and clinical context.

Test description: Serum or plasma chloride measurement, the primary extracellular anion, essential for acid-base balance and maintenance of plasma osmolarity.

Comments: Indicated for the evaluation of electrolyte and fluid imbalances, acid-base disturbances, renal and adrenal disorders, as well as critically ill patients.

Chloride levels should always be interpreted in conjunction with sodium and potassium levels.

• Sample type: Serum or plasma
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 1 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap (serum) or heparin
• Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis or insufficient volume

Test description: Serum albumin measurement, the primary plasma protein responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure and transporting various substances in the body.

Comments: Recommended for assessing nutritional status, liver function, protein loss (renal or gastrointestinal), and chronic inflammatory processes.

It should be interpreted in conjunction with total protein and globulins.

• Sample type: Serum
• Species: Canine, Feline, Equine
• Recommended volume: 1 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
• Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis, marked lipemia, or insufficient volume

Test description: Serum bromide measurement used for therapeutic monitoring in patients undergoing anticonvulsant treatment with potassium bromide.

Comments: Recommended for monitoring dogs undergoing epilepsy therapy, allowing for dose adjustment and prevention of toxicity.

Bromide has a long half-life and may take weeks to reach equilibrium. Changes in chloride intake (diet) can affect its serum concentration.

• Sample type: Serum
• Species: Canine
• Recommended volume: 0.7 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
• Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis, marked lipemia, or insufficient volume

Important note:
Please provide the duration of use and current dose for better interpretation.

Concentrations below the therapeutic range:

• They may indicate an insufficient dose or treatment failure.

Concentrations above the therapeutic range:

• They may be associated with signs of toxicity (ataxia, sedation, neurological changes).

* Interpretation should take into account the clinical presentation and concomitant use of other anticonvulsants (e.g., phenobarbital).

Test description: Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) assay ; an acute-phase protein produced primarily by the liver in response to inflammatory processes.

Comments: Recommended for the investigation and monitoring of acute, infectious, or immune-mediated inflammatory processes.
CRP responds rapidly to inflammatory stimuli, making it useful for monitoring disease progression and therapeutic response.

• Sample type: Serum
• Species: Canine
• Recommended volume: 0.7 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
• Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis or insufficient volume

Test description: A composite panel for the supplementary evaluation of patients with suspected lymphoma or those undergoing monitoring for lymphoma, combining a proliferative marker (TK1) with inflammatory markers (CRP or haptoglobin) and an inflammatory index (II).

Comments: Helps distinguish between inflammatory and neoplastic processes, and aids in monitoring therapeutic response in patients with lymphoma.

The combination of markers increases clinical sensitivity compared to analysis of a single marker.

• Sample type: Serum
• Species: Canine
• Optimal volume: 1.0 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.7 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
• Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis, marked lipemia, or insufficient volume

Test description: Serum haptoglobin assay, a acute-phase protein involved in the inflammatory response and in binding free hemoglobin.

Indications: Recommended for the investigation of systemic inflammatory processes and the monitoring of chronic diseases in cats.

It can help distinguish between inflammatory and hemolytic processes.

• Sample type: Serum
• Species: Felidae
• Recommended volume: 0.7 mL
• Minimum volume: 0.5 mL
• Container: Tube with a red or yellow cap
• Rejection Criteria: Severe hemolysis or insufficient volume