About Us

The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory performs analyses for the University Hospital for Companion Animals and the University Teaching Hospital for Large Animals, as well as for external companion animal and large animal practices or hospitals located in Denmark and Scandinavia. Furthermore, the laboratory participates in a number of national and international research projects.

Below you will find brief information about our main categories of tests. Guidelines and recommendations concerning sample preparation, and a list of standard analyses and prices can be found under the menu item Test Info and Protocols.

Hematology

The laboratory use a flow cytometry-based system to provide a complete blood cell count and a WBC differential. Cell counts are verified manually and the different cell types morphologically assessed by microscopic evaluation of a blood smear.

Biochemistry

A large number of biochemistry analyses are run at the laboratory on a daily basis. The results generate valuable information about organ function and possibly organ damage.

Our basic biochemistry profile consists of primarily liver, kidney and muscle biomarkers, and include evaluation of minerals and electrolyte status, as well as of protein-, carbohydrate- and lipid metabolism, and acute phase proteins.

Hormones

We routinely perform thyroid hormone analyses (total T4, free T4 and TSH), as well as cortisol and progesterone measurements. Furthermore, the laboratory offers individual analyses including 17-OH-progesterone, erythropoietin (EPO), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), testosterone and estrone sulfate.

For research purposes we provide additional analyses, as for example adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), insulin, prolactin, testosterone, estradiol as well as free T3 and total T3, through external collaboration with specialised partners.

Cytology

Cytological preparations from fine needle aspirates, impression smears etc. are microscopically evaluated and when possible, a diagnosis is established.

Guidelines concerning specimen collection and preparation can be found under the menu item Test Info and Protocols.

Urinanalysis

The laboratory performs standard urinalysis as well as protein-creatine ratio (UPC), and urine cortisol-creatine ratio (UCC). A urinanalysis is essentiel when evaluating renal function, and if possible a urine sample should be collected whenever a biochemistry profile is performed.

A standard urinalysis includes measuring specific gravity, performing a dipstick analysis, and a microscopically examination of sediment. A potential color change on the dipstick can be converted into a semi-quantitative result for the following parameters: pH, blood, glucose, ketones, protein, bilirubin and urobilinogen. The evaluation of sediment consists of both an unstained wet-prep so to identify casts and/or crystals as well as a stained preparation to identify cells and/or infectious agents.

Should you wish to perform a microbiological examination, the laboratory offers to re-ship the urine sample to our clinical microbiology service (SUND VET DIAGNOSTIK).

Fecal analysis

Using the Baermann technique the laboratory identifies a wide range of intestinal parasites, e.g. Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis.

With fecal Flotation parasite eggs, cysts and oocytes can be identified, including Toxocara canis/cati, Toxocaris leonina, Uncinaria stenochephala, Capillaria spp., Tricuris vulpis and Isospora spp.

Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum antigens are detected by means of a fecal ELISA based SNAP-test.

Coagulation assays

Our hemostasis laboratory offers both whole blood and plasma sample analysis for a number of species.

Plasma-based coagulation assays includes prothrombin (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, anti-trombin (AT) and von Willebrand Factor (vWF) antigen as well as D-dimer.Thromboelastography (TEG) is analyzed using whole blood.

To ensure optimal results and minimize pre-analytical errors, please follow our guidelines and recommendations concerning sample preparation under the menu item Test Info and Protocols.

Please contact the laboratory for further information.

Fluid Analysis (e.g. CSF, synovial or body cavity effusions)

The laboratory offers evaluation of a wide selection of fluid samples and/or smears, e.g. cerobrospinal fluid (CSF), synovial fluids, body cavity effusions, as well as bronchoalveolar lavage and tracheal wash. Depending on the sample type results will consist of a visual assessment, total cell count, total protein and/or a cytological description and evaluation.

Please contact the laboratory for further information.

Flow Cytometry

Flow cytometric analysis of fine needle aspirates is performed in dogs by prior arrangement, e.g. from lymph nodes in order to differentiate between B- or T-cell lymphoma.

For flow cytometry in the diagnosis of leukemia, we use EDTA whole blood.

Please contact the laboratory for further information.

Contact

Phone +45 353 32907

E-mail: clab@sund.ku.dk

Laboratory Director
Professor (MSO)
Lise Nikolic Nielsen, DVM, PhD, CertSAM
E-mail: lini@sund.ku.dk