Optimizing the u411 automated urinalysis instrument for veterinary use.

Background: The Cobas u411 Analyzer (Roche Diagnostics) is an automated, reflectance photometry-based urinalysis instrument designed for use with Roche's CHEMSTRIP 10UA technology and human urine samples.

Objective: We aimed to optimize and validate the Cobas u411 Analyzer for use in canine and feline urinalysis.

Methods: Patient urine samples presenting to the Clinical Pathology Laboratory at the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were analyzed with the Cobas u411 and by manual readings in parallel.

ASVCP guidelines: Allowable total error hematology.

The purpose of this document is to provide total allowable error (TE ) recommendations for commonly analyzed hematology measurands for veterinary personnel. These guidelines define relevant terminology and highlight considerations specific to hematology measurands. They also provide reasons and guidelines for using TE in instrument performance evaluation, including recommendations for when the total observed error exceeds the recommended TE .

Urine Cytology: Collection, Film Preparation, and Evaluation.

Cytologic examination of the urine sediment in animals suspected of having urinary tract disease or lower urinary tract masses is one of the best means of distinguishing inflammation, infection, and neoplasia and can help determine if a positive dipstick result for hemoglobin/blood is due to hemorrhage or blood contamination. The quality of the specimen collection and handling plays an important role in the quality of results, the validity of interpretations, and selection of appropriate course of action. The method of sample collection aids localization of pathology.

Reactive mesothelial hyperplasia associated with chronic peritonitis in a 20-year-old Quarter horse.

A 20-year-old gelding was diagnosed with peritonitis and severe reactive mesothelial hyperplasia. Exploratory laparotomy findings were suggestive of a neoplastic etiology; however, additional diagnostics ruled this out and the horse made a full recovery. This report demonstrates the difficulty and value of differentiating between reactive and neoplastic mesothelial processes.

ASVCP guidelines: quality assurance for point-of-care testing in veterinary medicine.

Point-of-care testing (POCT) refers to any laboratory testing performed outside the conventional reference laboratory and implies close proximity to patients. Instrumental POCT systems consist of small, handheld or benchtop analyzers. These have potential utility in many veterinary settings, including private clinics, academic veterinary medical centers, the community (eg, remote area veterinary medical teams), and for research applications in academia, government, and industry.

ASVCP quality assurance guidelines: control of preanalytical and analytical factors for hematology for mammalian and nonmammalian species, hemostasis, and crossmatching in veterinary laboratories.

In December 2009, the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standards committee published the updated and peer-reviewed ASVCP Quality Assurance Guidelines on the Society's website. These guidelines are intended for use by veterinary diagnostic laboratories and veterinary research laboratories that are not covered by the US Food and Drug Administration Good Laboratory Practice standards (Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Chapter 58). The guidelines have been divided into 3 reports: (1) general analytical factors for veterinary laboratory performance and comparisons; (2) hematology, hemostasis, and crossmatching; and (3) clinical chemistry, cytology, and urinalysis.

Quality management recommendations for automated and manual in-house hematology of domestic animals.

In-house hematology testing has distinct advantages and requires an ongoing commitment to quality assurance. Hematology POCA should always be operated by qualified personnel who have received adequate instrument operational, safety, and biohazard training. Likewise, blood samples should be acquired and handled, and blood smears made, by adequately trained personnel.

ASVCP quality assurance guidelines: control of general analytical factors in veterinary laboratories.

Owing to lack of governmental regulation of veterinary laboratory performance, veterinarians ideally should demonstrate a commitment to self-monitoring and regulation of laboratory performance from within the profession. In response to member concerns about quality management in veterinary laboratories, the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) formed a Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standards (QAS) committee in 1996. This committee recently published updated and peer-reviewed Quality Assurance Guidelines on the ASVCP website.

Assessment of novel avian renal disease markers for the detection of experimental nephrotoxicosis in pigeons (Columba livia).

Renal disease is a major cause of illness in captive and wild avian species. Current renal disease markers (e.g.

Field chemistry analysis.

Typical manual and automated technologies used in field chemistry testing are reviewed, along with associated advantages and disadvantages. A brief overview of metabolic disease monitoring is included. Guidelines for evaluating and achieving success are provided, including criteria for system evaluation and expectations for comparative performance evaluations.

Perspectives and advances in in-clinic laboratory diagnostic capabilities: hematology and clinical chemistry.

The typical technologies used in veterinary hematology and biochemical analyzers are reviewed, along with associated advantages and disadvantages. Guidelines for implementing a successful in-clinic laboratory are provided, including criteria for system evaluation and expectations for comparative performance evaluations. The more common problems and limitations associated with in-clinic laboratory diagnostics and how to best prevent them are also discussed.