Clinical Laboratory Procedures Flashcards

Which anticoagulant is found in the purple-top (EDTA) tube and is the preferred choice for complete blood count (CBC) samples?

Answer: EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid)

EDTA chelates calcium and preserves cell morphology, making it the anticoagulant of choice for CBC analysis.

A urine specific gravity of 1.045 in a dog most likely indicates:

Answer: Concentrated urine with possible dehydration

A specific gravity of 1.045 is highly concentrated and may indicate dehydration or renal compensatory response in dogs.

When performing a blood smear differential, the technician counts 100 leukocytes and finds 75 neutrophils, 15 lymphocytes, 7 monocytes, and 3 eosinophils. Which finding is abnormal for a dog?

Answer: 75% neutrophils

While 75% neutrophils is within the high end of normal, combined with low lymphocytes it may suggest a stress leukogram; however, mild neutrophilia alone can be normal — the pattern must be assessed in context.

Which serum chemistry value is most useful for evaluating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in cats?

Answer: SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine)

SDMA is a sensitive renal biomarker that reflects GFR and can detect kidney dysfunction earlier than creatinine in cats.

A fecal flotation using zinc sulfate solution is BEST suited for detecting which parasite?

Answer: Giardia cysts

Zinc sulfate flotation preserves the morphology of Giardia cysts better than other flotation solutions.

What does a left shift on a CBC indicate?

Answer: Presence of immature neutrophils (bands) in peripheral blood

A left shift refers to the release of immature neutrophils (band cells and earlier forms) into the circulation, suggesting significant demand or bone marrow response.

Which stain is routinely used to identify Mycoplasma haemofelis on a feline blood smear?

Answer: Wright-Giemsa stain

Wright-Giemsa stain reveals Mycoplasma haemofelis as small basophilic bodies attached to the surface of feline erythrocytes.