Animal Clinical Pathology Laboratory
The clinical pathology laboratory is part of the ULAM Pathology Core. This service offers animal hematology (complete blood counts), animal serum chemistry, and other animal body fluid analyses for non-clinical research projects. We also provide diagnostic support for the veterinary care program at the University of Michigan.
Sample Submission Deadlines for the Winter 2024 Holiday Season
The ULAM Pathology Core will be closed beginning at 12:00 PM (noon) on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 – Wednesday, January 1, 2025, for U-M’s holiday season days.
To allow sufficient time before the break to process samples to a stable stage, histology samples must be received by 4:00 PM on Tuesday, December 17. Hematology/chemistry/send-outs must be received by 12:00 PM on Friday, December 20.
Oversight is provided by board-certified veterinary pathologists. Technical staff have certification and/or experience in histology or animal health related fields. Quality assurance is maintained through the use of internal SOPs, peer review, and participation in an externally administered quality assurance program.
Only animal samples are accepted for clinical pathology testing. Sample collection must be conducted in compliance with a current animal use protocol from U-M or your institution.
Available Tests
Download the ULAM Pathology Core Hematology and Clinical Chemistry Sample Guidelines before submitting your samples.
Sample technique training
Contact the ULAM Training Core at [email protected].
Assistance with sample collection
Contact [email protected].
Additional tests may be available
Contact ULAM Pathology Core staff for off-site testing details.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Test Parameters
Total WBC, 5-part differential, RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, PLT
Sample Collection
WHOLE BLOOD samples can only be drawn into EDTA (lavender) tubes. The Animal Clinical Pathology Laboratory recommends Sarstedt Microvette 100 REF :20.1278. or Becton EDTA microtainers REF:365973. Immediately flick tubes with your finger and place on rocker to ensure anticoagulant is adequately mixed.
Storage
Sample can be stored at 2-5C for up to 24 hours
Volume
Minimum of 50ul to 100ul WHOLE BLOOD in Sarstedt tubes, >100ul in EDTA microtainers
Species
All mammalian species
Test Performed
In house
Comments
Advance notice of sample submission will ensure timely processing. Samples submitted on Fridays may be sent out at an additional cost, or may not be performed depending on the overtime availability of technicians.
Manual Differential
Test Parameters
% of bands and segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils
Sample Collection
WHOLE BLOOD samples can only be drawn into EDTA (lavender) tubes. The Animal Clinical Pathology Laboratory recommends Sarstedt Microvette 100 REF :20.1278. or Becton EDTA microtainers REF:365973. Immediately flick tubes with your finger and place on rocker to ensure anticoagulant is adequately mixed.
Storage
Sample can be stored at 2-5C for up to 24 hours
Volume
Minimum of 50ul to 100ul WHOLE BLOOD in Sarstedt tubes, >100ul in EDTA microtainers
Species
Mouse, Rat, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, Sheep, Pig, Dog, Cat, NHP
Test Performed
In house
Reticulocyte Count
Test Parameters
% of reticulocytes in red blood cell population
Sample Collection
WHOLE BLOOD samples can only be drawn into EDTA (lavender) tubes. The Animal Clinical Pathology Laboratory recommends Sarstedt Microvette 100 REF :20.1278. or Becton EDTA microtainers REF:365973. Immediately flick tubes with your finger and place on rocker to ensure anticoagulant is adequately mixed.
Storage
Sample can be stored at 2-5C for up to 24 hours
Volume
Minimum of 50ul to 100ul WHOLE BLOOD in Sarstedt tubes, >100ul in EDTA microtainers
Species
Mouse, Rat, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, Sheep, Pig, Dog, Cat, NHP
Test Performed
In house
Spun Hematocrit
Test Parameters
Relative volume of erythrocytes (reported in %)
Sample Collection
WHOLE BLOOD samples can only be drawn into EDTA (lavender) tubes. The Animal Clinical Pathology Laboratory recommends Sarstedt Microvette 100 REF :20.1278. or Becton EDTA microtainers REF:365973. Immediately flick tubes with your finger and place on rocker to ensure anticoagulant is adequately mixed.
Storage
Sample can be stored at 2-5C for up to 24 hours
Volume
Minimum of 50ul to 100ul WHOLE BLOOD in Sarstedt tubes, >100ul in EDTA microtainers
Species
Mouse, Rat, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, Sheep, Pig, Dog, Cat, NHP
Test Performed
In house
Blood Smear Slide Preparation
Test Parameters
Nothing is reported, slides only
Sample Collection
WHOLE BLOOD samples can only be drawn into EDTA (lavender) tubes. The Animal Clinical Pathology Laboratory recommends Sarstedt Microvette 100 REF :20.1278. or Becton EDTA microtainers REF:365973. Immediately flick tubes with your finger and place on rocker to ensure anticoagulant is adequately mixed.
Storage
Sample can be stored at 2-5C for up to 24 hours
Volume
Minimum of 50ul to 100ul WHOLE BLOOD in Sarstedt tubes, >100ul in EDTA microtainers
Species
Mouse, Rat, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, Sheep, Pig, Dog, Cat, NHP
Test Performed
In house
Prothrombin time / Partial Thromboplastin time PT/PTT
Test Parameters
Seconds
Sample Collection
MUST fully fill a blue top tube (citrate) for collection. Submit immediately to the Animal Clinical Pathology Laboratory.
Storage
Samples that will not be processed in 24 hours can be stored as frozen plasma.
Volume
Full blue top tube to ensure correct anticoagulant to blood ratio.
Species
Any species may be submitted, but reference ranges are only available for some.
Test Performed
Send Out
Electrolytes
Test Parameters
Na, K, Cl
Sample Collection
Whole blood in gel separator tubes is preferred. No additive tubes are permitted but reduce serum recovery volumes.
Storage
Gel separator (yellow and tiger tops) tubes may be frozen once centrifuged. No additive tubes (red tops) must be spun and serum removed before freezing.
Volume
150ul SERUM
Test Performed
In House
Liver Panel
Test Parameters
ALT, AST, ALP, TBili, ALB
Sample Collection
Whole blood in gel separator (yellow and tiger top) tubes is preferred. No additive tubes are permitted but reduce serum recovery volumes.
Storage
Gel separator (yellow and tiger tops) tubes may be frozen once centrifuged. No additive tubes must be spun and serum removed before freezing.
Volume
100ul SERUM
Test Performed
In House
Pig Liver Panel
Test Parameters
AST, ALP, TBili, ALB
Sample Collection
Whole blood in gel separator (yellow and tiger top) tubes is preferred. No additive tubes (red tops) are permitted but reduce serum recovery volumes.
Storage
Gel separator (yellow and tiger tops) tubes may be frozen once centrifuged. No additive tubes must be spun and serum removed before freezing.
Test Performed
In House
Renal Panel
Test Parameters
BUN, Creat
Sample Collection
Whole blood in gel separator (yellow and tiger top) tubes is preferred. No additive tubes (red tops) are permitted but reduce serum recovery volumes.
Storage
Gel separator (yellow and tiger tops) tubes may be frozen once centrifuged. No additive tubes must be spun and serum removed before freezing.
Volume
50ul SERUM
Test Performed
In House
Mini Liver Panel
Test Parameters
ALT, AST
Sample Collection
Whole blood in gel separator (yellow and tiger top) tubes is preferred. No additive tubes (red tops) are permitted but reduce serum recovery volumes.
Storage
Gel separator (yellow and tiger tops) tubes may be frozen once centrifuged. No additive tubes must be spun and serum removed before freezing.
Volume
50ul SERUM
Test Performed
In House
Mini Chemistry Panel
Test Parameters
ALB, ALP, ALT, Ca, BUN, Creat, T.Pro, Gluc, Tbili
Sample Collection
Whole blood in gel separator (yellow and tiger top) tubes is preferred. No additive tubes (red tops) are permitted but reduce serum recovery volumes.
Storage
Gel separator (yellow and tiger tops) tubes may be frozen once centrifuged. No additive tubes must be spun and serum removed before freezing.
Volume
120ul SERUM
Test Performed
In House
Pig Mini Panel
Test Parameters
ALB, ALP, Ca, BUN, Creat, T.Prot, Gluc, T.Bili
Sample Collection
Whole blood in gel separator (yellow and tiger top) tubes is preferred. No additive tubes (red tops) are permitted but reduce serum recovery volumes.
Storage
Gel separator (yellow and tiger tops) tubes may be frozen once centrifuged. No additive tubes must be spun and serum removed before freezing.
Volume
100ul SERUM
Test Performed
In House
Full Chemistry Panel
Test Parameters
ALB, ALP, ALT, AST, BUN, Ca, Chol, CK, Creat, Gluc, T.Bili, T.Prot, Trig, Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl)
Sample Collection
Whole blood in gel separator (yellow and tiger top) tubes is preferred. No additive tubes (red tops) are permitted but reduce serum recovery volumes.
Storage
Gel separator (yellow and tiger tops) tubes may be frozen once centrifuged. No additive tubes must be spun and serum removed before freezing.
Volume
270uL SERUM
Test Performed
In House
Full Chemistry Panel NO electrolytes
Test Parameters
ALB, ALP, ALT, AST, BUN, Ca, Chol, CK, Creat, Gluc, T.Bili, T.Prot, Trig
Sample Collection
Whole blood in gel separator (yellow and tiger top) tubes is preferred. No additive tubes (red tops) are permitted but reduce serum recovery volumes.
Storage
Gel separator (yellow and tiger tops) tubes may be frozen once centrifuged. No additive tubes must be spun and serum removed before freezing.
Volume
150ul SERUM
Test Performed
In House
Pig Full Chemistry Panel
Test Parameters
ALB, ALP, AST, BUN, Ca, Chol, CK, Creat, Gluc, T.Bili, T.Prot, Trig, Electrolytes (Na, K, Cl)
Sample Collection
Whole blood in gel separator (yellow and tiger top) tubes is preferred. No additive tubes (red tops) are permitted but reduce serum recovery volumes.
Storage
Gel separator (yellow and tiger tops) tubes may be frozen once centrifuged. No additive tubes must be spun and serum removed before freezing.
Any Single Chemistry
Test Parameters
Choose: ALB, ALP, ALT, AST, BUN, Ca, Chol, CK, Creat, Gluc, T,Bili, Mg, Phos, T. Prot, Trig
Sample Collection
Whole blood in gel separator (yellow and tiger top) tubes is preferred. No additive tubes (red tops) are permitted but reduce serum recovery volumes.
Storage
Gel separator (yellow and tiger tops) tubes may be frozen once centrifuged. No additive tubes must be spun and serum removed before freezing.
Volume
50uL SERUM
Test Performed
In House
Resting Cortisol
Test Parameters
Cortisol
Sample Collection
Whole blood in gel separator (yellow and tiger top) tubes is preferred. No additive tubes (red tops) are permitted but reduce serum recovery volumes.
Storage
7 days serum at 4C, 3 months if frozen
Volume
Minimum 100-200ul serum
Species
Any species may be submitted, but reference ranges are only available for some.
Test Performed
Send Out
Routine Urinalysis
Test Parameters
Color, Clarity, Specific gravity by refractometer, pH, Protein, Glucose, Ketones, Urobiligen, Bilirubin, Blood, #RBC per HPF, #WBC per HPF
Sample Collection
Ideally, urine is collected by a sterile method into a sterile container. Non-sterile samples cannot be submitted for microbiology.
Storage
Urine should be examined as soon as possible after collection, because artifacts will occur in the urine over time (cells lyse, crystals form in vitro). If a delay is anticipated before analysis, the urine should be refrigerated. Refrigerated urine should always be brought to room temperature before testing. If analysis cannot be performed promptly (< 30 minutes), refrigeration will slow microbial growth and tends to stabilize most urine components for up to 12 hours (rewarm to room temperature before analysis).
Volume
1mL urine minimum
Test Performed
In House
Complete Urinalysis
Test Parameters
Routine analysis, casts per LPF, bacteria, mucous, epithelial cells, crystals
Sample Collection
Ideally, urine is collected by a sterile method into a sterile container. Non-sterile samples cannot be submitted for microbiology.
Storage
Urine should be examined as soon as possible after collection, because artifacts will occur in the urine over time (cells lyse, crystals form in vitro). If a delay is anticipated before analysis, the urine should be refrigerated. Refrigerated urine should always be brought to room temperature before testing. If analysis cannot be performed promptly (< 30 minutes), refrigeration will slow microbial growth and tends to stabilize most urine components for up to 12 hours (rewarm to room temperature before analysis).
Volume
1mL urine minimum
Test Performed
In House
Urine Protein / Creatinine ratio UPC
Test Parameters
Urine protein divided by creatinine value gives the ratio
Sample Collection
Ideally, urine is collected by a sterile method into a sterile container. Non-sterile samples cannot be submitted for microbiology.
Storage
Urine should be examined as soon as possible after collection, because artifacts will occur in the urine over time (cells lyse, crystals form in vitro). If a delay is anticipated before analysis, the urine should be refrigerated. Refrigerated urine should always be brought to room temperature before testing. If analysis cannot be performed promptly (< 30 minutes), refrigeration will slow microbial growth and tends to stabilize most urine components for up to 12 hours (rewarm to room temperature before analysis).
Volume
100uL urine
Test Performed
Send Out
McMaster’s
Test Parameters
Eggs per gram of feces
Sample Collection
Fresh feces free of bedding or feed in an airtight container. Note: Fresh samples will yield more accurate results since eggs may hatch within hours.
Storage
Fresh feces can be refrigerated for up to 1 week
Volume
5-10 grams
Test Performed
In House
Fecal Flotation
Test Parameters
Identify parasites present in sample
Sample Collection
Fresh feces free of bedding or feed in an airtight container. Note: Fresh samples will yield more accurate results since eggs may hatch within hours.
Storage
Fresh feces can be refrigerated for up to 1 week
Volume
5-10 grams
Test Performed
In House
Direct Smear for Parasite
Test Parameters
Identify parasites present in sample
Sample Collection
Fresh feces free of bedding or feed in an airtight container. Note: Fresh samples will yield more accurate results since eggs may hatch within hours.
Storage
Fresh feces can be refrigerated for up to 1 week
Volume
5-10 grams
Test Performed
In House
Direct Smear for Bacteria
Test Parameters
Concentrations of camplyobacter or clostridium colonies
Sample Collection
Fresh feces free of bedding or feed in an airtight container
Storage
Fresh feces can be refrigerated for up to 1 week
Volume
5-10 grams
Test Performed
In House
Ectoparasite Exam (tape, slide, pelt)
Test Parameters
Identify parasites present in sample
Sample Collection
Slide preps must use Shandon’s mount with toulene base. Tape and pelt preps must use translucent tape.
Storage
Slides can be stored at room temperature. Pelts must be read the same day.
Test Performed
In House
Ceca
Test Parameters
Pinworm species in > or < 5 quantities
Sample Collection
Entire cecum in saline solution in an airtight container
Storage
Refrigerate 2 days
Volume
3 mice ceca per cup or one rat
Test Performed
In House
PCR Fur Mite Swabs
Test Parameters
Positive or negative
Sample Collection
Polyester tipped swabs snapped off into sterile tubes
Storage
Minus 20 Freezer can hold for months
Volume
Up to 10 locations can be on a single swab
Test Performed
Send Out
PCR Fecal Pellets
Test Parameters
Positive or negative
Sample Collection
Use clean gloves or sterile forceps to drop into sterile tubes
Storage
Helicobacter and MNV can be room temperature, but all other viruses must be stored frozen and shipped frozen
Volume
Pellets from 10 animals can be pooled in a single tube, or individually 2-3 pellets per animal
Test Performed
Send Out
PCR Pinworm
Test Parameters
Positive or negative
Sample Collection
Use clean gloves or sterile forceps to drop into sterile tubes
Storage
Room temperature
Volume
3 pellets per cage or animal, up to 12 pellets can be pooled per tube
Test Performed
Send Out
PCR Serum
Test Parameters
Positive or negative
Sample Collection
Whole blood drawn into serum separator (yellow tops) tubes. Centrifufge and remove serum.
Storage
Separated serum must be stored and shipped frozen
Volume
20ul SERUM minimum
Test Performed
Send Out
B Virus Serology
Test Parameters
Titre values
Sample Collection
Whole blood drawn into serum separator (yellow tops) tubes. Centrifuge and remove serum.
Storage
Separated serum must be stored and shipped frozen
Volume
1-2mL SERUM
Test Performed
Send Out – Note: Must be shipped on ice packs as category B unless animal is known to be positive.
B Virus Virology
Test Parameters
Positive or negative
Sample Collection
Polyester tipped swabs snapped off into Remel M4 media tubes
Storage
Swabs must be stored and shipped frozen
Volume
SOP for exposure dictates swab sites
Test Performed
Send Out – Note: Must be shipped on dry ice as category B unless animal is known to be positive.
General Culture and Sensitivity
Test Parameters
Identification of bacteria and susceptibility table
Sample Collection
Sterile swab collection technique, use Amies media without charcoal
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 2 days only
Volume
Areas can be pooled on one swab if necessary
Test Performed
Send Out
Blood Culture
Test Parameters
Identification of bacteria and susceptibility table
Sample Collection
Specific collection vials MUST be used. For clinical cases vet techs will supply, for research cases the Animal Clinical Pathology Laboratory will supply once requested. Sterile technique MUST be used.
Storage
Room temperature – DO NOT REFRIGERATE
Volume
If you cannot obtain 10 mL of blood, divide the blood as follows:
- If >1mL divide equally between both the REDOX (Purple/Aerobic) and REDOX 2 (Red/Anaerbic)
- If <1mL but >0.5mL then place 0.5mL in purple/aerobic and remainder in red/anaerobic
- If 0.5 mL put the entire specimen in purple/aerobic bottle
Test Performed
Send Out
Comments
Ship at room temperature
Anaerobic
Test Parameters
Identification of bacteria and susceptibility table
Sample Collection
Specific collection vials MUST be used (Star transport swabs). Sterile technique.
Storage
Room temperature – DO NOT REFRIGERATE. Sample viability for only 48 hours once swabbed
Volume
Areas can be pooled on one swab if necessary
Test Performed
Send Out
Comments
Ship at room temperature
Fecal Culture
Test Parameters
Only Salmonella unless otherwise requested
Sample Collection
Fecal sample in sterile container or swab. Anaerobes (i.e., Clostridium) must be collected in Star transport media.
Storage
Refrigerate Volume 1 g minimum is necessary for Salmonella recovery
Test Performed
Send Out
Comments
Unless the DCPAH form lists a history of severe diarrhea, toxigenic E. Coli will not be included. Campylobacter needs Cary-Blair media for recovery
Dermatophytes
Test Parameters
Positive or negative
Sample Collection
Small amount of hairs and scales collected from peripheral and center of lesion into a sterile container
Storage
Room temperature
Volume
Small amounts representative of the lesion
Test Performed
Send Out
Verify Biological Indicators
Test Parameters
Positive or negative
Sample Collection
Indicators can be submitted up to 72 hours after autoclave cycle
Storage
Room temperature
Volume
N/A
Test Performed
In House
Comments
Verify indicators cannot be submitted on Fridays or before holidays because samples must be read at 24 hours
Submit a Request in MiCORES
All ULAM Pathology Core service requests are managed via MiCORES. Submit samples for testing after reviewing our sample guidelines.
Rates – ULAM Pathology Core Animal Clinical Pathology Laboratory Testing
For more information about ULAM Pathology Core technician fees or hourly self-service rates, please visit the main ULAM Pathology Core page.
ULAM Pathology Core – Animal Clinical Pathology Laboratory Testing Rates
DESCRIPTION
RATE
EFFECTIVE
1 Chemistry Only/ Animal
$ 25.42
08/01/2024
Custom Panel, 2 Chemistries/Animal
$ 41.48
08/01/2024
Custom Panel, 3 Chemistries/Animal
$ 52.20
08/01/2024
Custom Panel, 4 Chemistries/Animal
$ 61.08
08/01/2024
Custom Panel, 5 Chemistries/Animal
$ 69.12
08/01/2024
Add-on (to panel), One Chemistry
$ 7.26
08/01/2024
Animal Clinical Pathology Laboratory Technician Labor (REG)
$ 60.00
08/01/2024
Animal Clinical Pathology Laboratory Technician Labor (OT)
$ 90.00
08/01/2024
C. Difficile ELISA (MSU)
$ 81.94
08/01/2024
C. Perfringens ELISA (MSU)
$ 62.74
08/01/2024
Clostridia ELISA (MSU)
$ 106.52
08/01/2024
Fecal Culture (MSU)
$ 60.86
08/01/2024
General Culture (MSU)
$ 76.14
08/01/2024
PCR for SRV (VRL)
$ 161.65
08/01/2024
PCR for Essential Xenopus Panel (Idexx)
$ 108.05
08/01/2024
Urine Culture & Susceptibility
$ 68.39
08/01/2024
Anaerobic Culture (MSU)
$ 50.33
08/01/2024
Blood Culture & Susceptibility (MSU)
$ 112.50
08/01/2024
Blood Smear (prep only)
$ 13.77
08/01/2024
Complete Blood Count (CBC) w/ Auto Differential
$ 27.23
08/01/2024
Cytology Slide, Diff-Quick (prep only)
$ 13.77
08/01/2024
Direct Smear for Parasites
$ 31.41
08/01/2024
Ectoparasite Exam, Microscopic
$ 12.71
08/01/2024
Electrolytes
$ 24.56
08/01/2024
Fecal Culture & Susceptibility (MSU)
$ 100.06
08/01/2024
Fecal Flotation
$ 41.33
08/01/2024
Full Chemistry Panel
$ 71.49
08/01/2024
Fungal Culture (MSU)
$ 59.32
08/01/2024
General Culture & Susceptibility (MSU)
$ 88.04
08/01/2024
Hematocrit, Spun
$ 18.91
08/01/2024
Herpes B Cell Culture, Virology (GSU)
$ 279.79
08/01/2024
Herpes B Serology – Antibody (GSU)
$ 149.21
08/01/2024
Insulated Sample Transport Box
$ 28.98
08/01/2024
Laboratory Sendout Processing Fee
$ 27.16
08/01/2024
Liver Panel
$ 51.71
08/01/2024
Manual (WBC) Differential
$ 38.91
08/01/2024
McMasters Fecal Exam
$ 24.88
08/01/2024
Mini Chem Panel
$ 52.25
08/01/2024
Mini Liver Panel
$ 29.25
08/01/2024
Pig Full Chemistry Panel
$ 76.57
08/01/2024
PT/PTT
$ 72.39
08/01/2024
Renal Panel
$ 37.24
08/01/2024
Reticulocyte Count
$ 39.33
08/01/2024
Room Temp Sample Transport Box
$ 14.06
08/01/2024
Total Protein, Refractometer
$ 22.09
08/01/2024
Urinalysis, Complete
$ 46.12
08/01/2024
Urinalysis, Routine
$ 44.84
08/01/2024
Gram Stain Slide Prep/Interpretation
$ 12.27
08/01/2024
Verify Ampule (autoclave control)
$ 21.90
08/01/2024
*Rates subject to change.
References and Resources
HT5 Scatterplots (PDF download)
Dilution Chemistry Bias (PDF download)
Effects of Hemolysis Artifact in Liasys (PDF download)
ULAM Pathology Core MiCORES Submission Guide (PDF download)
ULAM Diagnostic Case Request Form
ULAM Employees Only. Requires special permissions and valid Level-1 U-M login credentials.
Questions?
For additional information, or to set up an appointment to consult with ULAM Pathology Core, please email [email protected].