Diagnostic Services at Langford

Molecular Diagnostic Unit (PCR)

The Molecular Diagnostic Unit was the first veterinary diagnostic laboratory in the UK to offer state of the art quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) assays to veterinary surgeons.

• The Unit was formed in 2000 with the aim of using PCR to detect bacterial and viral pathogens, and since 2002 we have been exclusively offering QPCR diagnostic assays.
• To date we have have processed over 50,000 diagnostic samples by QPCR.
• All our QPCR assays are designed and validated in-house by experienced molecular biologists with input from clinicians and all assays include internal amplification controls to ensure the highest reliability possible.
• The unit operates two real-time PCR machines: a Bio-Rad IQ4 and an Agilent MX3005P, both are used for multiplex real-time PCR diagnostic assays.

The Unit has an internationally renowned reputation for providing excellent quality QPCR results.

Haematology

Staffed by two technicians with a true interest and years of experience in veterinary haematology, this laboratory handles:

• Standard haematology examinations (full blood counts). Each and every haematology includes a smear examination: fresh smears, perfect or not, are deeply appreciated!
• Bone marrow aspirates
• Clotting studies – PT/APTT and D – dimers.
• Blood from laboratory animal species, with the exception of primates.
• Exotic mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian and fish blood
• Fibrinogen (in large animals).

Clinical pathologists are involved in consulting, bone marrow examination and a wider interpretation of the completed test panels. The haematology laboratory takes part in a national quality assurance scheme (UK NEQAS) to ensure measurable accuracy in our results. We aim to generate, validate and report results on the day of receipt of the sample, and usually within hours.

Biochemistry

This laboratory offers a wide range of biochemical testing in serum, plasma, urine and other fluids from companion, farm and exotic animals. The KoneLab30i analyser is combined with selected manual methods to provide a broad range of tests, including:

• Tailored profiles for clinical cases
• Lipoprotein analysis – the only UK laboratory to offer this service
• Serum protein electrophoresis
• Osmolality (blood or urine)
• Fractional excretions

The laboratory participates in a quality assurance scheme (RIQAS) to ensure accuracy and reliability of results. The experienced technical staff and clinical pathologists aim to generate, validate and report results for routine tests on the same day.

Microbiology - bacteriology, mycology and parasitology

This laboratory processes appropriate samples from companion, farm and exotic animals (and the environment) which may be infected, in a carrier state or harbouring potentially infectious bacteria. Experienced technicians have an array of techniques for identification of organisms:

• Standard, selective and enrichment media (e.g. blood culture, specific culture for Salmonella or Campylobacter)
• Chemical and biochemical profiling
• Antibiotic sensitivity testing
• Aerobic, anaerobic, facultative and microaerophilic culture conditions

The laboratory employs microscopy and Wood's lamp fluorescence for the detection of fungal elements in hair samples from companion, farm and exotic animals. Samples of hair, skin, nail and biopsy material where mycosis is suspected are also cultured for the presence of dermatophytes and differentiation from non-dermatophytes.

The laboratory also handles high numbers of samples, mostly faecal and hair/skin samples for the presence of endo – and ecto – parasites.

The technical staff employ microscopy and a variety of screening techniques for the most accurate results.

The laboratory participates in the national quality assurance scheme (NEQAS) to ensure the ongoing reliability and quality of results.

Virology - Serology

The laboratory’s expertise is in feline virology. The technicians are experienced and skilled in the many serological and culture methods for most of the major feline infectious diseases.

• Virus isolation - feline herpesvirus and calicivirus
• FIV, FeLV and feline coronavirus serological tests

The same technicians perform the testing in the PCR unit, giving a full and rounded service. Clinical pathologists are available to give advice and interpretation of the results and relate the technology back to the patient.

Cytology

The clinical pathologists have a keen interest in cytology and are happy to accept samples from domestic, exotic and laboratory animal species. We accept:

• Aspirates from superficial masses
• Ultrasound guided or surgically obtained cytology samples – aspirates or impression smears
• Flushes and washes from airways and prostates
• Bone marrow cytology – do give us a call to discuss your case
• Cerebrospinal fluid: contact us for advice on sample storage
• Superficial samples such as tape strips

We are always available to discuss the cases and are delighted to advise on sample collection and handling.

Histopathology

The LVS Diagnostic Laboratories use the University of Bristol’s Veterinary Pathology Service to provide a fully comprehensive histopathology service.