Endocrinology and Vitamins

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum for both samples (pre and post stimulation with ACTH): to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

ACTH STIMULATION TEST IN DOGS
The test is used for:
a) the diagnosis of Cushing’s Syndrome (iatrogenic and spontaneous);
b) monitoring trilostane or mitotane therapy;
c) the diagnosis of Addison’s disease
CARRYING OUT THE TEST:
1) Perform an initial sampling to measure the baseline cortisol;
2) Inoculate 5 µg/Kg of tetracosactide (Synacthen) by IV or IM route;
3) Perform a second sampling to measure the cortisol post-stimulation, 60’-90’ after administering the drug.

ACTH STIMULATION TEST IN CATS
CARRYING OUT THE TEST:
1) Perform an initial sampling to measure the baseline cortisol;
2) Inoculate 125 µg tetracosactide (Synthetic ACTH) IV for cats with a body weight < 5 kg, and 250 µg for cats with a body weight > 5 kg;
3) Perform a second sampling to measure the cortisol post-stimulation, 60’ after administering the drug.
4) Perform a third sampling to measure the cortisol post-stimulation, 90’ after administering the drug.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 1 ml of serum: to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued within 20 working days

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum: to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum: to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

Type of sample/quantity required: plasma in a test tube with K3 EDTA plus preservative (aprotinin): the blood (5 ml) must be collected in a test tube (supplied by the laboratory) containing K3 EDTA anticoagulant and aprotinin; the plasma must then be separated and sent to the laboratory; access the purchasing centre on this site to request test tubes with aprotinin

Storage/shipping methods: plasma must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum: to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued within 40 working days

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 1 ml of serum: to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum: to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum: to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued within 7 working days

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum for both samples (pre and post suppression with dexamethasone): to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

HIGH DOSE DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION TEST IN DOGS
The test is used to distinguish between pituitary and adrenal Cushing’s syndrome
1) Perform an initial sampling to measure the baseline cortisol;
2) Inoculate 0.1 mg/Kg body weight of dexamethasone by IV;
3) Perform a second sampling to measure the cortisol post-suppression, 3-4 hours after inoculating the drug;
Important: it is recommended that the test is started between 08:00 and 10:00 A.M.

HIGH DOSE DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION TEST IN CATS
1) Perform an initial sampling to measure the baseline cortisol;
2) Inoculate 1 mg/Kg body weight of dexamethasone by IV;
3) Perform a second sampling to measure the cortisol post-suppression, 3-4 hours after inoculating the drug;
NB: In cats, the dexamethasone dosage should be 1 mg/kg body weight.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum (do not freeze): to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

Tipo di campione/quantità richiesta: siero almeno 0.6 ml: per ottenere un siero di buona qualità è necessario utilizzare provette con gel separatore e granuli attivatori (il laboratorio può fornirle ordinandole direttamente dalla sezione dedicata del negozio on-line), attendere la formazione del coagulo e quindi centrifugare il campione per 10’ a 3000 RPM. Successivamente occorre separare il siero nel più breve tempo possibile;

Modalità di conservazione/spedizione: il siero va conservato e spedito a temperatura di refrigerazione;

Giorni di accettazione: tutti i giorni dal lunedì al sabato;
Giorni di refertazione: tutti i giorni dal lunedì al sabato;
Tempi di attesa: la refertazione verrà effettuata il giorno di arrivo del campione in laboratorio

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.3 ml of serum: to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum for all three samples (pre and post suppression with dexamethasone): to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

LOW DOSE DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION TEST IN DOGS
The test is used to diagnose Cushing’s syndrome and can help distinguish between pituitary and adrenal Cushing’s syndrome.
1) Perform an initial sampling to measure the baseline cortisol;
2) Inoculate 0.01 mg/Kg body weight of dexamethasone by IV (given the small volume, it is best to dilute the dexamethasone with physiological saline);
3) Perform a second sampling to measure the cortisol post-suppression, 4 hours after administering the drug;
4) Perform a third sampling to measure the cortisol post-suppression, 8 hours after inoculating the drug.
Important: it is recommended that the test is started between 08:00 and 10:00 A.M.

LOW DOSE DEXAMETHASONE SUPPRESSION TEST IN CATS
1) Perform an initial sampling to measure the baseline cortisol;
2) Inoculate 0.1 mg/Kg body weight of dexamethasone by IV;
3) Perform a second sampling to measure the cortisol post-suppression, 4 hours after administering the drug;
4) Perform a third sampling to measure the cortisol post-suppression, 8 hours after inoculating the drug.
NB: In cats, the dexamethasone dosage should be 0.1 mg/kg body weight.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum: to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: —
Waiting times: reports are issued within 20 working days

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum for both samples (pre and post stimulation with GnRH): to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued within 20 working days.

GnRH stimulation test
1) Perform an initial sampling to measure the baseline oestradiol;
2) Administer GnRH at 0.12 μg/kg by EV
3) Take a second sample 120 minutes after administering the drug.

Type of sample/quantity required: plasma in a test tube with K3 EDTA plus preservative (aprotinin): blood (5 ml) should be collected in a test tube (provided by the laboratory) containing K3 EDTA anticoagulant and aprotinin, then the plasma should be separated and sent to the laboratory;

Storage/shipping methods: plasma must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the day the sample arrives at the laboratory.

Type of sample/quantity required: plasma in a test tube with K3 EDTA plus preservative (aprotinin): blood (5 ml) should be collected in a test tube (provided by the laboratory) containing K3 EDTA anticoagulant and aprotinin, then the plasma should be separated and sent to the laboratory;

Storage/shipping methods: plasma must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued within 20 days from the date of reception.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum: to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

TEST FOR RESIDUAL OVARIAN TISSUE IN DOGS
1) Perform an initial sampling to measure the baseline progesterone;
2) Inoculate 500 IU by IM + 500 IU of hCG by IV;
3) Perform a second sampling to measure the progesterone post-stimulation, 10 – 14 days after administering the drug.

TEST FOR RESIDUAL OVARIAN TISSUE IN CATS
1) Perform an initial sampling to measure the baseline progesterone;
2) Inoculate 25 µg of GnRH IM (during oestrus);
3) Perform a second sampling to measure the progesterone post-stimulation, 14 – 21 days after administering the drug.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum: to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum: to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: Mondays;
Waiting times: reports are issued within 7 working days.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum for both samples (pre and post stimulation with GnRH): to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: Mondays;
Waiting times: reports are issued within 7 working days.

TEST FOR RETAINED TESTICLES IN DOGS
1) Perform an initial sampling to measure the baseline testosterone;
2) Inoculate 2 µg/kg body weight of GnRH by IM;
3) Perform a second sampling to measure the testosterone post-stimulation, 60’ after administering the drug.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum (with no interfering substances such as to cause lipaemia and haemolysis): to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 0.6 ml of serum for both samples (pre and post stimulation with TSH): to obtain good quality serum it is essential to use tubes with separator gel and activator granules (these can be obtained from the laboratory by ordering them directly from the dedicated section of the online shop), wait for a clot to form, then centrifuge the sample for 10′ at 3000 RPM. The serum must then be separated as quickly as possible;

Storage/shipping methods: serum must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

rhTSH STIMULATION TEST
1) Perform an initial sampling to measure the baseline T4;
2) Inoculate 75 µg/dog of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) (Thyrogen) by IV
3) Perform a second sampling to measure the T4 post-stimulation, 6 hours after administering the drug.

Type of sample/quantity required: at least 1 ml urine;
important: due to the high sensitivity and reduced specificity of the test, it is advisable to collect urine from the dog by spontaneous urination under conditions that cause the animal as little stress as possible; this will avoid false positive results (samples to be taken at home and not in a veterinary facility);

Storage/shipping methods: urine must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Examination/reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued on the same day as the samples are received.

Type of sample/quantity required: 20 ml of acidified urine in 2 acidified test tubes containing boric acid, to be requested from the laboratory

Storage/shipping method: Urine must be stored and shipped at refrigeration temperature;

Reception days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Reporting days: every day from Monday to Saturday;
Waiting times: reports are issued within 25 working days