Idexx VetTest, Operator'S Manual

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C–3
Sample Collection and Preparation
Centrifuged Sample Inspection
It is good practice to examine the blood sample carefully following centrifugation. If
fibrin strands can be seen in the sample, these may interfere with sample pipetting.
It may be necessary to rim the serum/plasma with a wooden stick. Then respin the
sample and proceed.
Various conditions, such as hemolysis, may affect results. You also want to modify
your test panel based on the following visual observations. Refer to the
Chemistries
Description and Guide section for information about how each condition may affect
specific chemistries.
Hemolysis
Visual: Sample has a transparent, reddish hue ranging from pink to deep red.
Indications:
Damage to red cells during sample preparation or intravascular hemolysis.
Icterus
Visual: Plasma has a transparent yellow to opaque brown color.
Indications:
Obstructive or toxic liver disease, intravascular hemolysis.
Lipemia
Visual:
Sample has a pale, milky appearance, possibly with floating fat globules.
Indications:
Recent ingestion of a fatty meal or dysfunction in lipid metabolism.
Urine Sample Collection and Preparation
A urine analysis on the VetTest analyzer can only be run with urine protein slides or
urine creatinine slides. The IDEXX Urine P:C Ratio (urine protein:creatinine [UPC] ratio)
is the first test to run urine on the VetTest analyzer. It consists of two slides specifically
validated and calibrated for urine samples:
The urine protein (UPRO) slide
t
The urine creatinine (UCRE) slide t
The Urine P:C Ratio is currently validated for use on canine and feline samples only.
The best urine sample to use is one obtained through cystocentesis because it is the
most sterile sample. Small traces of blood in the sample, as a result of this collection
method, will not affect sample test results.
Microhematuria, or the presence of <100 RBC/hpf, which is often noted in samples
obtained by cystocentesis, will not significantly alter the UPC result.
Note: "DBUIFUFSPSGSFFDBUDINFUIPEGPSVSJOFDPMMFDUJPOJTBMTPBDDFQUBCMFGPSUIJTUFTU
After the sample has been collected, it needs to be centrifuged, which causes the urine
to separate into two portions:
Supernatant
t
—This liquid portion is always present after centrifugation and is
used for the Urine P:C Ratio sample.
Sediment t —This portion is only visible when bacteria, cells, crystals, and/or casts
are present in the sample. It appears as a grainy or sandy material at the bottom
of the sample tube.