Laboratory Techniques & Diagnostic Procedures Flashcards

A dog's blood glucose is 320 mg/dL. This finding is most consistent with:

Answer: Diabetes mellitus

Normal canine blood glucose is approximately 70–120 mg/dL; a value of 320 mg/dL is significantly elevated, consistent with diabetes mellitus.

Which stain is used to identify Mycobacterium species (acid-fast bacteria)?

Answer: Ziehl-Neelsen (acid-fast) stain

Ziehl-Neelsen stain uses carbol fuchsin dye that acid-fast bacteria retain after acid-alcohol decolorization, making them appear red.

When centrifuging a blood sample, the buffy coat layer located between the red blood cells and plasma primarily contains:

Answer: White blood cells and platelets

The buffy coat is the thin white layer that forms between packed red cells and plasma, consisting of leukocytes and platelets.

A vaginal cytology smear from a dog showing predominantly cornified (anuclear) squamous epithelial cells indicates:

Answer: Estrus (standing heat)

Cornified anuclear squamous cells predominate during estrus due to peak estrogen stimulation of the vaginal epithelium.

Which parameter is NOT typically measured in a standard complete blood count (CBC)?

Answer: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

BUN is a chemistry panel value that reflects kidney function; it is not part of the CBC, which evaluates cellular blood components.

What is the proper handling of a blood smear immediately after spreading it on a slide?

Answer: Allow it to air dry completely before staining

Blood smears must air dry completely before staining to ensure proper cell morphology and prevent cell distortion.

A urine pH of 5.0 in a dog on a high-protein diet is considered:

Answer: Normal and expected

High-protein diets produce acid metabolites that lower urine pH; a pH of 5.0 is normal for dogs consuming high-protein food.