Synonym(s): Complete blood count (CBC), Hemogram
Overview
- Study of blood cells.
- Red cells via:
- Packed cell volume (PCV) Hematology: packed cell volume.
- Red blood cell (RBC) count Hematology: red blood cell count.
- Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration Hematology: hemoglobin concentration.
- RBC indices: MCV (mean cell volume or mean corpuscular volume), MCH (mean cell hemoglobin or mean corpuscular hemoglobin) and MCHC (mean cell hemoglobin concentration or mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration).
- Reticulocyte count (either on routine request or when evidence of anemia is present).
- White cells via:
- Leukocyte (WBC) count Hematology: leukocyte (WBC).
- Differential WBC count: relative amounts of various WBC cells present.
- Platelet count and morphology Hematology: platelet count.
- Tests of clotting function (values in seconds):
- Whole blood clotting time (WBCT).
- Prothrombin time (PT).
- Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).
Uses
Alone
- Most information can be gained from PCV, WBC and differential WBC count, WBC and RBC morphology and platelet count.
- In investigation of anemia Anemia overview:
- PCV Hematology: packed cell volume.
- Reticulocyte count.
- RBC count Hematology: red blood cell count.
- Morphology.
- Hb concentration Hematology: hemoglobin concentration.
- Blood indices (mainly MCV, MCHC and MCH).
In combination
- To support or refute diagnosis made by other means.
- To monitor clinical progress.
Sampling
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Tests
Methodologies
- Manual: evaluation of blood smears.
- Mechanical: electronic cell counters for most determinations.
Availability
- Widely available at commercial laboratories.
- Blood smears can be examined in practice.
Result Data
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed Papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Hein J, Spreyer F, Sauter-Louis C et al (2012) Reference ranges for laboratory parameters in ferrets. Vet Rec 171, 218 PubMed.
- Takahashi S, Hirai N, Shirai M et al (2011) Comparison of the blood coagulation profiles of ferrets and rats. Journal of Veterinary Medical Science 73 (7), 953-956 PubMed.
- Benson K G, Paul-Murphy J, Hart A P et al (2008) Coagulation values in normal ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) using selected methods and reagents. Veterinary Clinical Pathology 37 (3), 286-288 PubMed.
Other sources of information
- Mayer J & Donnelly T M (2013) Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Birds and Exotic Pets. Elsevier, USA. pp 752.
- Campbell T W & Ellis C K (2007) Avian and Exotic Hematology and Cytology. 3rd edn. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN: 978-0813818115.
- Lewis J H (1996) Comparative Hemostasis in Vertebrates. Plenum Press, USA.