Vetpath Laboratory Services in Perth, Western Australia | Medical laboratory

Vetpath Laboratory Services

Locality: Perth, Western Australia

Phone: +61 8 9259 3666

Address: 39 Epsom Avenue 6104 Perth, WA, Australia

Website: http://www.vetpath.com.au

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• Medical and health
• Medical centre
• Veterinary surgeon
• Medical laboratory

24.01.2022 MY HEART A feel good story for your Friday. https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews/videos/781229632667547/?vh=e

24.01.2022 DOG vs CAT- THE UNRESOLVED RIVALRY!

24.01.2022 BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGE- WHAT TO INCLUDE? Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) is a diagnostic method that provides important information about inflammatory, infectious or neoplastic processes taking place at the alveolar (lung) level. A bronchoscope is passed through the mouth or nose of the patient into an appropriate airway in the lungs, with a measured amount of sterile saline introduced and then suctioned back for examination. Please send your BAL specimen in a sterile pot (urine pot is sufficient) , including an aliquot (portion) in an EDTA tube to help with cell preservation. Wherever possible, please also submit 2 smears made from the freshly collected fluid. This helps minimise changes which occur with storage (e.g. bacterial overgrowth and cell lysis) which can impact cytological results. #vetpath #pathology

24.01.2022 OUR PATHOLOGISTS All pathologists at Vetpath are board certified. Certification ensures they have achieved the highest level of competency in their specialty determined by a professional board. Feel free to call and discuss your case, whether it is rare, complex, obscure or just run of the mill. We take this opportunity to remind clients that our pathologists cannot discuss pathology results with pet owners directly, as pathology results must be interpreted in the context of other factors which may not be known to the pathologist including history and physical exam. #vetpath #pathology

23.01.2022 HAPPY FATHERS DAY "In each kingdom, a fathers sacrifice for his family cannot be defined in words. Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads, Grand-Dads, Step-Dads, Foster-Dads, Dads-to-be, Dads in Heaven & of course the Fur Dads.

23.01.2022 AINT THAT THE TRUTH

23.01.2022 MONDAY BLUES? THIS IS IMPAWSIBLE NOT TO SMILE AT

22.01.2022 MoNdAy YoU hAvE aRRiVeD! https://youtu.be/-IY1skOL-nU

22.01.2022 UNLABELLED SAMPLES- PLEASE BE CAREFUL Samples are still being submitted unlabelled. It is a requirement of our NATA accreditation that all clinics must be contacted to confirm the patient name for each specimen. This takes up valuable time for both laboratory and veterinary hospital staff. Please help us by clearly labelling all samples submitted to the lab. Thank YOU. #vetpath #pathology

22.01.2022 THE WORLDWIDE "RELAY EFFORT" TO BRING BAILLIE HOME Recently, Vetpath were notified that an urgent export submission was being transported from Ireland to our lab in Western Australia. Due to COVID-19, the sample was delayed in transport and Baillie urgently needed clearance to fly from Dublin to Auckland. The Vetpath Laboratory team were advised of this issue and the requirement that Baillies samples be tested urgently. We are happy to let everyone know that Baillie did g...et to fly home as planned before New Zealands COVID-19 lockdown. His pet grandparents sent us this email in thanks; Kia ora from Hamilton, New Zealand. Recently, we have been engaged in telephone discussions about a sample sent to you. The main purpose of this email is to thank you for your kindness and efforts when dealing with our enquires. As you know we were incredibly stressed and your calm, pleasant manner proved very helpful. The ANZAC spirit is alive and well! God bless the Aussies! E noho ora mai. (Stay well.) **As you can see from the photo Baillie (aka Hairy Maclary) is well loved. Thats a smile for sure!** #vetpath #pathology

21.01.2022 STRONGER TOGETHER. 1 NATION. 1 HEART. Thinking of all our friends, family and colleagues in Victoria. From our team here at Vetpath please take care, stay positive and look after yourselves. #vetpath #pathology

20.01.2022 URINE SAMPLES Immediate analysis of urine is not often possible due to the time required to transport samples to the laboratory. A delay in analysis can result in increased pH, microbial proliferation and degradation of cells and casts. Urine should be stored in the fridge until submission to the laboratory to reduce these changes. The samples are brought to room temperature at the lab before processing. Urine cytology can be requested if a urinary bladder neoplasm is suspected. Epithelial cells in urine degenerate very rapidly and prompt submission of these samples to the laboratory is recommended and encouraged. #vetpath #pathology

20.01.2022 OUR HEROES When the World Trade Centre collapsed on September 11, 2001, nearly 10,000 emergency rescue workers joined in the efforts to help. More than 300 of those heroes were dogs. From search and rescue dogs, to comfort dogs, to bomb detection dogs, their stories of courage, healing, love, and legacy must never be forgotten. #heroes #k9dogs

19.01.2022 PRICE INCREASE SEPTEMBER As most of you know, Vetpath chose to defer the annual price increase due to economic instability with COVID-19. Our 2019/20 Product and Price List is still effective through August, with a new version to be issued and effective from 1st September. As always Vetpath Laboratory Services are committed to providing a reliable, superior service to our clients and very much appreciate your support. #vetpath #pathology

19.01.2022 FEELING THE LOVE Despite all that 2020 has thrown at us, this amazing team has risen to the challenges! I am personally massively proud and delighted of the tireless efforts and exceptionally hard work the Vetpath team has delivered over the last 7months. ... Thank you to our management team who made us all stop, pause and reflect recently on our cohesive efforts in achieving our common purpose in extremely difficult times. #teamwork #vetpath #pathology

19.01.2022 INSUFFICIENT SAMPLES We have recently had an increase in insufficient samples being sent in, resulting in the inability to perform all tests requested. Sample triage requires consultation with the referring Veterinarian by our lab staff, resulting in delays in test results. If you think your sample size may not be sufficient, please call Vetpath prior to submission to ensure test delays are mitigated. Thank you! #vetpath #pathology

18.01.2022 HOW ARE YOU TESTING FOR FIV? When selecting the most appropriate FIV test for your patients, factors such as the patients age, vaccination status and the brand of antibody test being used should be taken into consideration. Cats can be screened for FIV infection using antibody or PCR testing. Antibodies to FIV can be present due to infection or vaccination and some test kits will cross-react with vaccination-derived antibodies. Two brands, Anigen (used at Vetpath) and Witnes...s, are able to differentiate antibodies produced due to infection and vaccination and can be used in vaccinated cats. However, this is only the case if the primary vaccination course has not been in the previous 6 months. Cats that have a positive result within 6 months of the primary course of FIV vaccinations should have a PCR test for confirmation. Maternal antibodies can also be detected by the FIV antibody tests and therefore care should be taken when interpreting a positive result in a patient less than 6 months of age. The FIV PCR test is highly specific, however has been found to be slightly less sensitive than the Witness and Anigen tests, and therefore is not recommended as first-line testing. #vetpath #pathology See more

18.01.2022 HIP, HIP, HOORAY! Wishing our dear coworker Sach, the happiest of Birthdays. Thanks for always making us smile. #vetpath #pathology

18.01.2022 WHAT IS THAT LUMP Nugget presented to the referring Vet with a lump that had rapidly grown. The lump was diagnosed years earlier as a lipoma (fatty lump) by ‘touch and feel’. A fine needle aspiration (fluid and cells taken by needle) was performed and 4 slides were examined. Two smears contained atypical mesenchymal cells showing evidence of lipid differentiation consistent with a soft tissue sarcoma or liposarcoma. Surgical excision and histopathology was recommended.... Surgery was performed to remove the lump and histopathology performed. A grade 2 Intermediate Spindle cell sarcoma was diagnosed. Spindle cell sarcoma is a type of cancer. These tumours often grow slowly but can be infiltrative. The best way to explain these tumours is like an octopus, where the head is the tumour, but it has tentacles that can go much deeper. Nugget’s tumour was excised, however local invasiveness meant the tumour was incompletely removed. We wish Nugget all the very best as he recovers from his extensive surgery. Even if you don’t think a lump is worrisome, make an appointment with your Veterinarian, especially if you answer yes to any of these questions; Is the lump growing Is the lump hard and immovable Is the lump painful Is the lump inflammed And remember if a lump is worth taking off, it’s definitely worth sending off. #vetpath #pathology #perthpets

18.01.2022 VETPATH NEW LOGO & CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO SERVICE We are pleased to share with you our new logo for Vetpath Laboratory Services. This change is an exciting new chapter for our team as we prepare to move to a new laboratory site at Jandakot Business Park in April 2021. We're proud of our heritage but we're looking forward to moving to these modern purpose-built facilities, joining under one roof with our parent medical laboratory, Western Diagnostic Pathology. Onwards and upwards! #pathology #vetpath

18.01.2022 HAEMOLYSED SAMPLES Haemolysis is conventionally defined as membrane disruption of red blood cells and other blood cells that is accompanied by subsequent release of intracellular components into the serum or plasma. It accounts for over 60% of blood sample rejections in our laboratory. As the weather heats up, so do blood samples, so please be mindful when packing samples for transport, especially our Interstate customers. Given the high level of haemolysed samples and... the associated costs, we ask everyone to take extra care when you are packing samples in mailing tubes and satchels. A lit bit of extra time spent will ensure a quality specimen that produces anticipated results and avoids both delays and a request for recollection. #vetpath #pathology

18.01.2022 IN WHAT ORDER SHOULD I FILL MY BLOOD COLLECTION TUBES? Blood from veterinary patients is often placed in the EDTA tube first to minimise clotting and optimise the sample for a CBC. However, no matter how careful you are, EDTA can end up being transferred to the serum tube. The Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute recommends the following order of collection:... 1. Blood culture tubes/bottles 2. Coagulation (citrate) tubes (light blue) 3. Serum tubes (red) 4. Additive tubes (heparin) (green) 5. EDTA (purple) 6. Sodium Fluoride/potassium oxalate (grey) #vetpath #pathology

17.01.2022 THE POWER OF THANK YOU Sometimes in life a little thank you card, or an email of thanks is all that is needed to bind people together and make a huge difference. We were stopped in our tracks yesterday when a parcel arrived and a card of appreciation came for ensuring an ‘urgent’ specimen was processed quickly and outside our normal batch testing days. Thank you for making us smile. #vetpath #pathology #thankyou

17.01.2022 ARE YOU OK? ARE YOU OK, REALLY? More than 800,000 die worldwide from suicide each year. Thats one person every 40 seconds. Today we encourage you to ask those around you if "they are ok?". Then listen. Really listen to their response. How is that person really doing on the inside?... THREE WORDS when asked with the right heart behind them, can be life changing. 2020 is a challenging year for everyone. So stay connected and check in on those in need. We all deserve to be listened to. XO #areyouok

16.01.2022 WARM JUMPERS SAVING LIVES As temperatures plummet, farmers and their flocks are feeling the cold and none more so than tiny lambs left orphaned due to the effects of drought. But a colourful initiative to keep lambs warm with jumpers this winter has gained worldwide traction and has been saving lives as well as bringing joy to farmers. Perth resident Trish Lambkin has dedicated hours to knitting hundreds of life-saving jumpers orphaned by drought and circumstance. A... big shout out to Trish for such a wonderful effort! To read more about this initiative, head over to the Lamb Jumpers Helping our farmers Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/lambjumpershelpingourfarmers/?ref=page_internal See more

15.01.2022 ARE YOU USING A SUITABLE NEEDLE GAUGE FOR YOUR FNAs? The goal of fine needle aspiration is to obtain sufficient, intact cells with minimal haemodilution that can be smeared onto a slide in a monolayer. A recent study recommended the use of 25-gauge needles for most tissues, particularly those that are highly vascular and 22-gauge needles for tissues that may be fragile, e.g. lymphoma. Gentle smearing of aspirated material onto a slide is just as important as the selection of needle size. The best method of slide preparation is to place a spreader slide perpendicular to the main slide and allow gravity to provide the only pressure during smearing. #vetpath #pathology

15.01.2022 DEFINITELY MY FAVOURITE ‘CURRENCY’

14.01.2022 AFTER HOURS NUMBER Vetpath Laboratory Services is routinely staffed between 8.00am and 7.00pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 8.30am-5.00pm and Sunday & Public Holidays 10.00am- 1.00pm. An on-call scientist is available for emergencies up until 10pm and can be contacted on 0418 916 436. #vetpath #pathology

13.01.2022 FREE Webinar- Tonight! Management Strategies for Otitis Externa. Dr Dani Hoolahan a veterinary dermatologist from the Veterinary Dermatology Clinic will be presenting We are all ears! Management of otitis externa tonight at 6pm. We encourage clients to register using voucher code Dermatology (expires 18th September). This voucher code expires one month after the live webinar. Register here https://www.vet-webinar.com/en/ Please note should you be interested in any of our... webinar series, purchase them while the codes are still active and these will remain on your account forever. If a webinar voucher code has expired however, the webinar is still available in the vet webinar archive at a small cost. Having trouble registering? Give Lisa ( Vetpath client liaison officer) a call on 0421 144 451, who can step you through it. #vetpath #pathology See more

12.01.2022 I’M HEARING YOU BUDDY! https://www.facebook.com/CarsonOnTheAir/videos/669835030574057/

10.01.2022 THE LESSONS OF TOLERANCE, KINDNESS & LOVE

09.01.2022 EXPIRED BLOOD TUBES! Are expired blood tubes ok to use? Manufacturers of blood tubes do not recommend using expired tubes. Both the vacuum and effectiveness of the additives may be compromised. Even if the tube is not being used as a vacutainer, the integrity of the seal may be lost allowing bacterial or fungal contamination of the tube. The anti-coagulant component of the tube may no longer be effective, rendering EDTA and citrate samples unusable. In an emergency, a tube th...at is a couple of months out of date is unlikely to significantly compromise your results. Tubes that are expired by more than a few months should not be used. We recently received some tubes that were 10 13 years out of date! We recommend that you monitor your stock of lab supplies to ensure that you always have non-expired tubes available. Remember most blood tubes come with a very short expiry, so routinely check your stock! #vetpath #pathology See more

09.01.2022 MINIMISING THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF FORMALIN In 2011, the US Department of Health and Human Services named formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde has been associated with cancers of the lung, nasopharynx, orpharynx and nasal passages (nose and throat, and some studies indicate formaldehyde may be associated with leukaemia, particularly myeloid leukaemia in humans. Vetpath is committed to protecting our employees and providing a safe workplac...e. Please ensure all samples fixed in formalin are carefully shipped in leak-proof containers so that exposure of staff to formaldehyde solution and gases is minimised. Thank you.

08.01.2022 HAPPY MONDAY! Laugh more. Love lots. Be kind. Have a good week everyone.

07.01.2022 XYLITOL TOXICITY (dogs, cats, rabbits & goats) Xylitol is an artificial sweetener and is contained in many products including sugar free chewing gum, toothpaste, oral hygiene products, peanut butter, fruit drinks and other sugar-free products. Some medicines including nasal spray, allergy medicines and prescription drugs may also contain xylitol. In dogs, cats, rabbits and goats, xylitol causes a massive release of insulin, resulting in dangerously low blood sugar levels and... associated toxicity (weakness, seizures, collapse and death). At high doses it can cause massive liver necrosis. Vomiting is usually the first signs, followed by hypoglycaemia 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion and an increase in liver enzymes within 12-24 hours. Baseline blood glucose and liver values should be actively monitored and hypoglycaemia aggressively managed if xylitol toxicity is confirmed. The prognosis for uncomplicated hypoglycaemia is good, if prompt treatment is obtained. Mild increases in liver enzyme usually resolve within a few days. Severe increases in liver enzymes and/or signs of liver insufficiency indicate a more guarded prognosis; in one study, 62.5% of dogs with signs of liver injury died or were euthanased despite aggressive veterinary intervention. #vetpath #pathology #communityserviceannouncement

07.01.2022 RAINY DAY HUMOUR

07.01.2022 NATIVE & EXOTIC ANIMAL PROFILES Vetpath can provide full profiles on all animal species. Profiles are tailored to the species involved, for example most marsupials are evaluated with RP2 (our ruminant and camelid profile) and ferrets are evaluated with FP2 (our feline profile). #vetpath #pathology

06.01.2022 PCR TURN AROUND TIME At present, polymerise chain reaction (RT-PCR) and serology testing are the predominant ways that global healthcare systems are testing people for SARS-CoV-2. RT-PCR tests are used to directly detect viral RNA and serological tests detect antibodies produced by the bodys immune response. Viral RNA can be detected before antibodies form or symptoms of COVID-19 are present, making the RT-PCR test the preferred test for early detection. Currently a...ll equine, feline and canine respiratory & faecal PCR tests submitted to Vetpath are being redirected to Vetnostics in Sydney where they are batch tested each Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Vetpath and Vetnostics request your patience with potential delays in reporting, as the department processing veterinary samples is also performing the SARS-CoV-2 testing, which may take precedence. Currently turnaround time for PCR tests at Vetpath remains at 7-10 working days. #vetpath #pathology See more

06.01.2022 RELAXIN- CONFIRMING PREGNANCY Pregnancy in the bitch can be confirmed by measuring concentrations of the hormone relaxin. It is primarily secreted from the placenta in dogs and cats, making it a useful test in pregnancy diagnosis from about 4 to 5 weeks post mating. As with all pregnancy tests, a positive result reflects the status at the time of testing and does not guarantee that the animal will remain pregnant. Relaxin levels decrease within 2-3 days of the loss of a viable pregnancy. Ideally take your sample at 33 days after the last mating and pop in a serum tube. The sample can be kept in the fridge for up to 48hrs; however serum samples may be kept frozen for later analysis. #vetpath #pathology

05.01.2022 SENDING YOUR SAMPLES Samples which are inadequately or inappropriately packaged can present a significant hazard to all those who subsequently have to deal with it. This includes Vetpath couriers, external courier personnel and laboratory staff. Packages need to withstand the ordinary bumps, vibrations and in the case of air transport, pressure and temperature changes to which they are likely to be exposed. Please help us minimise these hazards by Ensuring that the outside ...of sample containers are not contaminated Checking that caps and lids are properly secured and do not leak, and Making sure bio hazard bags are properly sealed As always, thank you for your consideration and help with this matter. #vetpath #pathology See more

05.01.2022 JUST A FRIENDLY REMINDER Dont forget to adjust your Vetpath test prices as the new Product and Price List came into effect on Tuesday (1st September). We are happy to let you know our histopathology charges have been restructured for easier pricing and 2+ samples have had a price reduction. When submitting multiple lesions, place them in separate specimen containers and label appropriately according to site. #vetpath #pathology

04.01.2022 SODIUM CITRATE TUBES Sodium Citrate tubes are typically used for coagulation (PT and PTT) and platelet function tests. Trisodium citrate is used as an anticoagulant in these tubes as it acts by removing calcium from the blood. The tube should be filled to the appropriate capacity so that the correct ratio of citrate to blood is obtained. Underfilling the tube can cause prolonged PT and PTT times. In order to provide accurate results for this type of testing, specimens that do... not meet this requirement will lead to cancellation of testing. BD recommends that citrate tubes be inverted 3-4 times (180 degrees). Keep samples refrigerated until the courier arrives. #vetpath #pathology

03.01.2022 CAT LIFE. IT’S SIMPLE!

02.01.2022 DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FACTOR VII DEFICIENCY? Occasionally we see cases of Beagles with prolonged prothrombin time (PT) despite adequate vitamin K therapy for suspected rodenticide intoxication. These patients are suspected to have a heritable factor VII deficiency causing prolonged PT. Factor VII deficiency has also been reported in Australian Miniature Schnauzers and Alaskan Malamutes. This disorder is often a coincidental finding, however affected individuals may have bruising or prolonged bleeding following surgery. A genetic test is available, and testing before breeding in affected dog breeds may help to reduce the prevalence of affected dogs. #vetpath #pathology

02.01.2022 PURRFECTLY TRUE!

02.01.2022 ITS TRUE! Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.....

02.01.2022 RED PRIORITY BIO-HAZARD BAG To ensure Vetpath provides the best level of service possible, we are implementing a red priority bio-hazard bag for urgent specimens. It aims to ensure clinically urgent patients are prioritised where clinically indicated and that urgent specimens are easily identifiable once they reach our laboratory. Please consider your case before marking a submission ‘urgent’ as Vetpath looks to ensure patients at risk of rapid deterioration and those that ar...e vulnerable are given priority service. #vetpath #pathology #continuousimprovement See more

02.01.2022 IF DOGS COULD TALK

01.01.2022 IF CATS COULD TALK