Zena

Tech Tip: How to run diluted samples
on your IDEXX VetTest® Chemistry Analyzer
Follow these quick tips when preparing and running a diluted sample.
Golden Retriever
Country of Origin: England
Common Illnesses: Skin diseases, allergies, fatty lipomas
To prepare a dilution, it is best to start by using one part sample and one equal
part diluent (see dilutions chart below). For example, if you aspirate 10 µL of
sample, you would also aspirate 10 µL of diluent, and mix them together.
Zena
The IDEXX Integrated Practice is a more
Diluent to use for:
efficient operational model for veterinary
Plasma or serum samples
Urine samples
Nicki Brentin, LVT
Puget Sound Veterinary Referral Center—Tacoma, WA
Use only normal saline (0.9%)Use only the deionized water supplied in
the Urine P:C Ratio Sample Preparation Kit
When aspirating your sample and the diluent, use an accurate measuring device,
such as a syringe or calibrated pipette.
Follow this sequence when running a diluted sample so that your VetTest analyzer
automatically multiplies the test result by the dilution factor. This eliminates the need
for you to calculate the result.
Introducing the NEW VetTest Pipette Tip
Select 1. New Sample from the main menu.
Select 7. Dilution and enter the number for your parts diluent.
Press E. The species menu appears.
Continue the normal testing sequence.
Old tip
Parts Sample
Parts Diluent*
Total Parts
(Dilution Factor)
Expression
1 (10 µL)
1 (10 µL)
2
1:2
1 (10 µL)
2 (20 µL)
3
1:3
1 (10 µL)
3 (30 µL)
4
1:4
1 (10 µL)
4 (40 µL)
5
1:5
1 (10 µL)
5 (50 µL)
6
1:6
1 (10 µL)
6 (60 µL)
7
1:7
1 (10 µL)
7 (70 µL)
8
1:8
1 (10 µL)
8 (80 µL)
9
1:9
1 (10 µL)
9 (90 µL)
10
1:10
1 (10 µL)
10 (100 µL)
11
1:11
* Parts Diluent is entered in the VetTest analyzer when specifying parts diluent.
62 | VET TECH KNOW-HOW
What would you do
if you could get more
done in less time?
New tip
Created specifically for veterinary samples,
these new patent-pending tips—along with best
practices in sample preparation—will help you get
the most out of your VetTest analyzer. A special
grooved design improves sample dispensing for
the most consistent, best-quality results.
We strongly encourage you to use these new
tips and to discard any old tips that you have
in inventory. If you have any questions, call us
directly at 1-800-248-2483 or contact your IDEXX
distributor to order the new style pipette tips.
Volumes are for example only. A total
volume of 40 µL is required to run a single
test on the VetTest. For more helpful tips,
visit the online VetTest Certificate Course
at www.idexx.com/vettestcourse.
DX Consult
Published by IDEXX Laboratories
Zena, an eight-year-old, spayed, domestic short-haired female, was transferred
to our 24-hour emergency and critical care hospital by her regular veterinarian
for pictures. At presentation, Zena was moderately icteric and had a very painful
abdomen when palpated. The owners mentioned a decrease in weight and
appetite. Zena was admitted to the hospital for diagnostics and treatments.
An IV catheter was placed and fluids started. Radiographs were taken and blood
was drawn. With our in-house lab equipment we ran a GHP (including lipase)
on the VetTest analyzer, electrolytes and tests on the LaserCyte analyzer. An
IDEXX SNAP® FIV/FeLV Combo Test was also done and came up negative for
both FeLV and FIV. Coagulation was looked at by running IDEXX PT and aPTT
cartridges. Lab work revealed an increase in ALKP (505 U/L), GLU
(271 mg/dL), TBIL (6.8 mg/dL) and PT (28 seconds). All other values were within
normal limits. Zena was started on antibiotics and pain medications, and an
abdominal ultrasound was scheduled for the next day. Lab work was repeated
12 hours after Zena was admitted, and an improvement in liver values was shown.
practices. Enabled by SmartLink™
technology, integration puts the entire
practice to work for you—linking and
automating equipment, services and data
so you can get more done in less time. An
integrated practice assembles information
where you want it, when you need it
for exceptional levels of medical care,
productivity and profitability.
Ultrasound revealed pancreatitis and mild to moderate peritonitis. The owners
opted for conservative care for Zena. Antibiotics, pain medications and IV
fluids were continued. Zena was looking better and was discharged. The owners
were given instructions to recheck with their veterinarian in two days and given
information on nutrition as well as medications.
A follow-up ultrasound was performed a few days later, which revealed a
decrease in abdominal fluid. Zena seemed to be doing much better and was very
affectionate with the staff during the ultrasound. We were very happy to have the
capability to check, and recheck, so many aspects of Zena’s case right here in our
own hospital—chemistries, CBC, electrolytes, viruses and coagulation.
NO. 1 VOL. 1 2008
Copyright 2003 by Randy Glasbergen. www.glasbergen.com
VET TECH KNOW-HOW | 63