Ferritin is a large protein shell (MW 450,000, apoferritin) comprised of 24 subunits, covering an iron core containing up to 4000 atoms of iron. Apoferritin with bound iron (=ferritin) is the storage form of iron in cells and most readily available for use when needed. Ferritin is considered a better indicator of total body iron stores (non-heme iron) in animals than iron (which is a poor marker of total body iron stores). Serum ferritin concent…
…f acid-base disturbances: Metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, and mixed disturbances. We also provide more details on specific acid-base abnormalities, e.g. L- and D-lactic acidosis. Response: How the body responds for a primary acid-base abnormality. Laboratory detection of acid-base disturbances: How to collect samples and use laboratory test results to identify the acid-base abnormalities and c…
…our visitors find useful. We are striving to add more and more quick-stained images since most veterinarians in practice do not have our lovely Wright’s stain. This atlas is organized into different sections based on the visual aspects of what we do. These are pages (and subpages) containing “albums” with individual galleries of images with simple, cell identification-based legends. Please note that the generic search…
…healthy animals, particularly in some species, such as cats, so identification of large platelets in a thrombocytopenic animal depends on the species, number and appearance of the platelets. Method of measurement Laser-based platelet analysis This can be done with impedance or optical based analyzers: Impedance: The platelet volume is determined by the change in resistance as platelets pass through an apeture containing an electric field in sin…
…the degree of laser light the RBCs scatter in a side direction (high angle light scatter, also called internal complexity) as they pass in single file through a laser beam in a flow cell. The cell volume is also simultaneously measured by the degree of forward (low angle) scatter (see image to the right) and the hemoglobin content per cell is converted to a concentration (content per unit volume). The CHCM can be considered the optical equi…
…tablishment of a variety of blood banks in the USA has greatly facilitated transfusion medicine by making blood and components available to everyone. However, there is a high cost in purchasing these products, therefore whole blood transfusion will sometimes remain as the only viable option for private veterinary practice. Donor animals should be healthy (have normal results on hemograms, biochemical panels, fecal examinations and urinalysis ever…
…C count (in million/uL) x 1000 or reticulocyte % x RBC count x 10 Refer to the absolute reticulocyte count page for guidelines on assessing the degree or adequacy of regeneration. Corrected reticulocyte percentage (CRP) The corrected reticulocyte percentage compensates for the degree of anemia, but it makes assumptions as to what the normal hematocrit of the patient is (45% for a dog and 35% for a cat). This is useful in practice, where a packed…
…t examination, the goal of which is to report all microscopic findings. Related links Cell quick guide: A compilation table of cells that may be seen in the urine Urinalysis atlas. References: Haber MH et al. Color atlas of the urinary sediment. An illustrated field guide based on proficiency testing. College of American Pathologists, Associated Press, 2010. Osborne CA and Stevens JB: Urinalysis: A clinical guide to compassionat…
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…the skin and all mucosal surfaces for hemorrhage) are mandatory in bleeding animals. Ancillary diagnostic testing (e.g. hemograms, biochemical panels, radiographic and ultrasonographic examination) may be indicated in individual animals, particularly those that are sick, to confirm or rule out underlying disease as a cause for the hemostatic disorder. Acquired disorders are by far the most common, particularly thrombocytopenia. Inherit…
…e obtained count by estimating counts on a Wright’s-stained blood smear. Platelet counts are an essential component of the hemogram and are crucial for working up a bleeding patient. For more information on this diagnostic evaluation of a patient with a suspect hemostatic disorder, causes of thrombocytopenia (only listed in brief below) and additional information on performing platelet counts as part of hemostasis versus hemogram testing, r…
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