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Animal Diagnostic Laboratory Testing
The In-Vivo Animal Core (IVAC), part of the Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM), offers a wide variety of laboratory tests through its Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL). Experienced IVAC veterinary pathologists are also available to view results upon request.
Blood collection must be in compliance with a current animal use protocol from U-M or your institution.
Tests are available in the following areas:
Download the IVAC-ADL Hematology and Clinical Chemistry Sample Guidelines before submitting your samples.
For sample technique training, please contact the ULAM Training Core at ulam-trainingcore@umich.edu. For assistance with sample collection, please contact ulam-techservices@umich.edu. Additional tests may be available; contact IVAC staff for off-site testing details.
Rate information for individual tests can be found here.
Hematology
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. ADL 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.
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. ADL 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
Test Parameters
% of reticulocytes in red blood cell population
Sample Collection
WHOLE BLOOD samples can only be drawn into EDTA (lavender) tubes. ADL 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
Test Parameters
Relative volume of erythrocytes (reported in %)
Sample Collection
WHOLE BLOOD samples can only be drawn into EDTA (lavender) tubes. ADL 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
Test Parameters
Nothing is reported, slides only
Sample Collection
WHOLE BLOOD samples can only be drawn into EDTA (lavender) tubes. ADL 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
Coagulation
Test Parameters
Seconds
Sample Collection
MUST fully fill a blue top tube (citrate) for collection. Submit immediately to ADL.
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
Chemistry
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
150ul SERUM
Test Performed
In House
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Parasitology
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Herpes B Exposure
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.
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
Microbiology
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
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 ADL 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
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
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
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
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
Rates – IVAC Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) Testing
For more information about IVAC technician fees or hourly self-service rates, please visit the main IVAC page.
DESCRIPTION | RATE | EFFECTIVE |
---|---|---|
1 Chemistry Only/Animal | $ 24.75 | 07/01/2022 |
Custom Panel, 2 Chemistries/Animal | $ 40.22 | 07/01/2022 |
Custom Panel, 3 Chemistries/Animal | $ 51.04 | 07/01/2022 |
Custom Panel, 4 Chemistries/Animal | $ 59.51 | 07/01/2022 |
Custom Panel, 5 Chemistries/Animal | $ 67.50 | 07/01/2022 |
Add-on (to panel), One Chemistry | $ 7.08 | 07/01/2022 |
ADL Technician Labor/Hour Regular | $ 60.00 | 07/01/2022 |
ADL Technician Labor/Hour Overtime | $ 90.00 | 07/01/2022 |
ADS – C. Difficile ELISA | $ 79.92 | 07/01/2022 |
ADS – C. Perfringens ELISA | $ 61.33 | 07/01/2022 |
ADS – Clostridia ELISA | $ 104.06 | 07/01/2022 |
ADS – Fecal Culture | $ 59.47 | 07/01/2022 |
ADS – General Culture | $ 74.33 | 07/01/2022 |
ADS – PCR for SRV | $ 157.96 | 07/01/2022 |
ADS – Urine Culture | $ 66.89 | 07/01/2022 |
ADS – Urine Culture & Susceptibility | $ 66.89 | 07/01/2022 |
Anaerobic Culture | $ 49.05 | 07/01/2022 |
Blood Culture & Susceptibility | $ 109.70 | 07/01/2022 |
Blood Smear (prep only) | $ 13.45 | 07/01/2022 |
Complete Blood Count (CBC) w/ Auto Differential | $ 26.62 | 07/01/2022 |
Direct Smear for Parasites | $ 30.69 | 07/01/2022 |
Ectoparasite Exam, Microscopic | $ 12.32 | 07/01/2022 |
Electrolytes | $ 23.95 | 07/01/2022 |
Fecal Culture & Susceptibility | $ 97.80 | 07/01/2022 |
Fecal Flotation | $ 40.33 | 07/01/2022 |
Full Chemistry Panel | $ 69.89 | 07/01/2022 |
Fungal Culture | $ 58.05 | 07/01/2022 |
General Culture & Susceptibility | $ 85.94 | 07/01/2022 |
Hematocrit, Spun | $ 18.49 | 07/01/2022 |
Herpes B Cell Culture Virology | $ 273.49 | 07/01/2022 |
Herpes B Serology - Antibody | $ 145.86 | 07/01/2022 |
Insulated Sample Transport Box | $ 28.27 | 07/01/2022 |
Laboratory Sendout Processing Fee | $ 26.55 | 07/01/2022 |
Liver Panel | $ 50.46 | 07/01/2022 |
Manual (WBC) Differential | $ 38.02 | 07/01/2022 |
McMasters Fecal Exam | $ 24.32 | 07/01/2022 |
Mini Chem Panel | $ 51.08 | 07/01/2022 |
Mini Liver Panel | $ 28.60 | 07/01/2022 |
Pig Full Chemistry Panel | $ 74.84 | 07/01/2022 |
PT/PTT | $ 70.80 | 07/01/2022 |
Renal Panel | $ 36.40 | 07/01/2022 |
Reticulocyte Count | $ 38.45 | 07/01/2022 |
Room Temp Sample Transport Box | $ 13.65 | 07/01/2022 |
Total Protein, Refractometer | $ 21.59 | 07/01/2022 |
Urinalysis, Complete | $ 45.10 | 07/01/2022 |
Urinalysis, Routine | $ 43.84 | 07/01/2022 |
Verify Ampule (autoclave control) | $ 21.41 | 07/01/2022 |
* Rates subject to change.
References and Resources
Questions?
For additional information, or to set up an appointment to consult with IVAC, please email ulam-ivac@umich.edu.