Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Testing Flashcards
7 cards from real Animal Care and Veterinary practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Testing flashcards as text
What does a complete blood count (CBC) measure in veterinary patients?
Answer: The number and types of blood cells including erythrocytes, leukocytes, and thrombocytes
A CBC quantifies and characterizes red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes) in a blood sample.
Which CBC value represents the percentage of red blood cells in a whole blood sample?
Answer: Packed cell volume (PCV) or hematocrit
The PCV (packed cell volume), also called hematocrit, is the percentage of total blood volume occupied by red blood cells after centrifugation.
What is the approximate normal packed cell volume (PCV) range for a healthy adult dog?
Answer: 37–55%
Normal canine PCV ranges from 37–55%; values below this range indicate anemia, and values above suggest polycythemia or dehydration.
An elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in a dog most specifically suggests:
Answer: Hepatocellular damage or liver cell injury
ALT is released from damaged liver cells (hepatocytes) and is the most liver-specific enzyme in dogs, making it a key marker of hepatocellular injury.
What does the finding of thrombocytopenia on a CBC indicate?
Answer: A platelet count below the normal reference range, which may impair clotting and increase bleeding risk
Thrombocytopenia means 'too few platelets' (thrombocytes); the suffix '-penia' always indicates a deficiency, which can lead to spontaneous bleeding.
Which two blood chemistry values are MOST commonly used to assess renal function in veterinary patients?
Answer: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine
BUN and creatinine are the primary markers of kidney filtration function; elevations typically indicate reduced glomerular filtration rate (azotemia).
A CBC differential showing increased band neutrophils (immature neutrophils) alongside mature neutrophilia is called a 'left shift' and most likely indicates:
Answer: Active bacterial infection or significant systemic inflammation causing increased demand for neutrophils
A left shift indicates the bone marrow is releasing immature (band) neutrophils due to high demand, most commonly caused by bacterial infection or severe inflammation.