Comparative Hematology

The Comparative Hematology laboratory provides testing for iron and TIBC which is useful in the differential diagnosis of anemias and other iron disorders. Ferritin is another test used to estimate the total body stores of iron. Since the ferritin assay is a species specific test, we only offer it for canine, feline, elephant, equine, rhino, tapir, fur seal, dolphin, and lemur. In addition to the serum testing we do for iron, TIBC, and ferritin, we provide a non-heme iron test performed on tissue. The non-heme iron test is used to determine body iron stores for diagnosing iron deficiencies or iron overload. Haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin are acute phase proteins that become elevated due to an acute phase reaction. We also offer testing for these proteins which are beneficial to determine infection, inflammation, malnutrition, or liver disease. The last two major tests we offer in the Comparative Hematology laboratory is blood typing for dogs and cats. Blood typing for an animal’s specific blood type is beneficial before a transfusion.