Services/Prices
A wide range of clinical pathology is provided to both The Royal Veterinary College clinicians and outside referral veterinary practices. An extensive list of haematology, biochemistry, cytology and histology is available; all accompanied with expert veterinary pathological advice. Individual profiles can be provided e.g. equine cardiac profile.
Anatomic pathology includes the post-mortem service, including examination of dogs and cats, farm animals, horses, exotic species, and rodents. The biopsy service is provided for the College hospitals, private practices in the area, and researchers both within and outside the College.
Price Lists and Submission Forms (all Acrobat PDF files).
- Diagnostic Services Price List (updated September 2011)
- Sample Submission Form
- Sample Submission Form - Dermatology only
Whilst making every effort to keep prices consistent on an annual basis, we reserve the right to increase certain prices without prior notification.
Clinical pathology
The clinical pathology laboratories provide a wide range of diagnostic tests. Services include clinical chemistry, haematology, serology, endocrinology, cytology, microbiology and parasitology. All results include an interpretation when necessary and are faxed and/or posted as soon as they are available. Clinical pathologists are available for discussion of results. For equine muscle histopathology, please contact the comparative neuromuscular diseases laboratory.
Clinical chemistry
Most tests in the laboratory are carried out on a clinical chemistry analyser, which is interfaced with our database to ensure accuracy in the transfer of results. Quality control material is run with all samples and the laboratory participates in an external quality assessment scheme. Other tests such as ammonia, are performed manually to facilitate their immediate analysis. Protein electrophoresis is carried out on exotic species, birds and, if requested, on other samples with elevated globulin.
A typical turn around time for a sample requiring routine chemistry, i.e. tests in a profile, would be 2 hours from its receipt in the laboratory. Other tests, for example fibrinogen and fructosamine are run daily. Routine urine analysis includes measuring specific gravity, 7 parameter dipstick and microscopic identification of the sediment by experienced staff. Chemical analysis can also be performed on urine and clearances and ratios are calculated. Before faxing, a clinical pathologist approves all results and a comment is added where applicable.
Haematology
Routine samples are analysed using an automated system, with manual differential cell counts when required, results are then reviewed prior to reporting. Tests including blood typing, cross matching, and osmotic fragility, are manual techniques performed inhouse by our experienced technicians.
Coagulation screens are also provided using automation, and these, including all the inhouse tests, are completed on the same day as receipt of the samples (within 24 hours). A hematek staining system is used for staining the blood smears to ensure consistency. This is one of the few laboratories with specialist experience in examining blood from avian and exotic species. The laboratory also participates in an external quality assessment scheme.
Serology
We provide an extensive range of serology tests, which include many specialised tests such as those for laboratory animals. We also offer canine, feline, tortoise and lab animal pcr tests and are continually working to expand our range. The laboratory also participates in an external quality assessment scheme.
Endocrinology
This is the latest addition to our inhouse team. All tests are performed on an analyser which uses a chemiluminescence method. This is a rapidly developing area within diagnostics and includes new tests such as those for cardiac markers (e.g. troponin I) as well as all the routine hormones. The experienced technical staff are active in pursuing the expansion of the laboratories repertoire of tests.
Gastrointestinal testing
Canine TLI and folate and cobalamin (b12) tests are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of animals with gastrointestinal problems. These tests are run inhouse.
Cytology
Cytology samples are submitted from a wide range of domestic, exotic and wildlife species. This is one of the few laboratories with specialist experience in all these species.
Cell counts are performed on all body fluids using either a manual or automated technique (dependant on fluid). Also included is a total protein and a full report from one of our team of experienced clinical pathologists. Other samples (e.g. washes, flushes, smears) have a full clinical pathologist report. The turnaround time for all cytology submissions is within 24 hours of receipt of the sample. Our clinical pathologists are also available to discuss results and for advice.
Microbiology and parasitology
These laboratories provide a comprehensive veterinary service to all users. There is continual updating of the sensitivities and these can be tailored to individual needs (e.g. large animal, small animal). Preliminary results may be available in 24-48 hours. Blood and fungal cultures require 8-14 days. Microbiology is also a cemo approved laboratory. The experienced technical team are supported by various experts from within the college who are authorities in their fields. The laboratory also participates in an external quality assessment scheme.
Terms of Business
Request forms and prepaid address labels are available on request. (UK only).
For any other enquiries please contact:
Diagnostic Laboratory Services Secretary
Tel: 01707 666208
Fax: 01707 661464
Email: rdouthwaite@rvc.ac.uk
We are able to negotiate discounts for practices submitting large numbers of routine diagnostic samples.
Any samples requiring testing that cannot be performed within the laboratories are sent to specialist laboratories the same day if received before 4.00 pm. We do not post samples on Fridays to minimise any deterioration while in the post and samples requiring special handling, such as freezing at -70°C, may not be posted the same day.
All patient details and results, numeric and textual, are stored in our database for easy retrieval. Completed or interim reports are faxed when ready and a hard copy is sent by post.
Invoicing
Our invoices are sent out at the end of each month, for settlement within 30 days of invoice date.
For overseas clients payment can be made by credit card (NOT American Express). Please ensure your credit card details, including expiry date of card, are included on the invoice to be settled and this can be faxed back to us on: +44 (0)1707 666208 or 661464.
Please state clearly if you wish to make future payments using the same card and we will retain your details securely in our database.