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Home: Veterinary Services: Veterinary Laboratory: BIOCHEMISTRY



Biochemistry Services:
  1. Blood chemistry analysis
    • Macro-elements: Calcium, Inorganic Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride.
    • Micro-elements (trace): Copper, Zinc, Iron, Selenium.
    • Proteins: Albumin, Total Plasma Proteins, Globulin.
    • Enzymes: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Gamma-glutamyltransferase (Y-GT), creatine kinase(CK)
    • Other: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Haematocrit.
  2. Liver analysis
    • Micro-elements: Copper, Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Selenium, Molybdenum.
    • Macro-elements: Calcium,Magnesium,Phosphorus
  3. Feed samples
    • Micro-elements: Copper, Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Selenium, Molybdenum.
    • Macro-elements: Calcium,Magnesium,Phosphorus,Sodium,Potassium
  4. Bone samples
    • Micro-elements: Copper, Iron, Zinc, Manganese
    • Macro-elements: Calcium,Magnesium,Phosphorus
  5. Medicaments
    • Copper,Zinc,Manganese,Selenium,Chromium
Blood samples
  1. The blood sample should be sent for analysis as soon as possible and should be kept cool (0 - 10°C). The sample should not be frozen, as this may cause haemolysis.
  2. Heparin or EDTA may be used as an anticoagulant for Plasma. However, heparin is preferred as it interferes with the least number of tests. Heparin should be used for Calcium and Chloride analysis.
  3. Whole blood (heparinised blood) should be sent for selenium analysis. (at least 4ml)
  4. If zinc is to be analysed on serum, cling wrap should be placed between the tube and the red rubber stopper as the rubber stopper contains trace amounts of zinc, which may result in elevated readings. (At least 2.5ml serum sample should be sent for copper or zinc analysis.)
  5. Serum is generally preferred for analysis and normal values quoted are for serum only (except selenium).
  6. Haemolysis should be avoided at all times as this changes certain constituents in the blood and therefore affects the readings.
Liver samples
  1. At least 400g of fresh liver sample should be sent for analysis.
  2. The liver sample may be sent frozen or kept cool. (0 - 10°C).
  3. The liver sample may also be sent in formalin (7% unbuffered) but should then be cut into 2cm wide strips.
Test fees
Refer to the laboratory's latest price list.

Contact person (technical matters)

Tamlin Muller: Veterinary technician Tel: +27 021-887-0324 Fax: +27 021- 886-5341 E-mail: tamlinm@elsenburg.com