The full blood examination (FBE) includes:
- Red cell indices
- haematocrit (HCT)
- haemoglobin (Hb)
- red blood cell count (RBC)
- mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
- mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH)
- mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
- reticulocytes if anaemia is present
- White blood cell count (WBC)
- WBC differential
- Smear examination by our experienced veterinary haematologists
- manual WBC differential and morphology
- assessment of RBC morphology
- descriptions of any abnormalities
- examination for blood parasites
- automated and manual platelet assessment
- review of abnormal films by a veterinary pathologist where necessary
Species:
Canine, Feline
Specimen:
Whole blood, blood smear
Container:
EDTA (minimum 2 ml)
Collection protocol:
Mix blood and anticoagulant gently and as soon as possible to prevent clotting. Make and air dry a blood smear as soon as possible to prevent artefactual changes occurring in the RBCs and WBCs.
Special handling/shipping requirements:
Keep chilled and transport to the laboratory as soon as possible. Do not refrigerate smears.