Across our network of four laboratories, we offer a comprehensive veterinary diagnostic testing service. This includes the following disciplines:
Biochemistry
The biochemistry department provides a wide range of routine clinical biochemistry tests to assess both wellness and disease in a broad range of species. Trace element testing for selenium, copper, zinc, cobalt, manganese, iron and iodine is routinely undertaken. Many hormone assays are available including cortisol, progesterone, oestradiol, T4, T3 and leptin using radioimmunoassy, chemiluminescence and enzyme immunoassay. Specimens analysed include serum, plasma, urine and all other body fluids, as well as foodstuffs, feeds, water and environmental samples.
Haematology
Haematology testing is a routine part of diagnostic investigation, food and drug safety assessment and research studies. This department provides testing for complete blood counts (CBC), blood grouping, full coagulation screening and cross matching on all species. The majority of our samples are processed through our automated haematology analysers. The analyser results combined with trained and experienced scientific staff reviewing each sample ensures a continuous high standard of quality results.
Microbiology
The microbiology department provides many services on a wide range of samples and animal species. Services include aerobic and anaerobic cultures, mycology, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, enteric pathology and immunological screens for enteric viruses, urinalysis, microscopy with various staining techniques and blood cultures. Along with biological samples, the microbiology department also accepts samples such as foodstuffs, feeds, water and environmental samples for pathogen ID, hygiene testing, bacterial counts and water quality.
All Awanui Veterinary laboratories use specialised media, standard culture techniques, and identification procedures as well as internationally recognised antibiotic sensitivity methodologies.
Parasitology
Our parasitology departments offers a comprehensive testing service for all animal types. Tests include faecal egg counting, larval culture, lungworm and liver fluke, protozoan and ectoparasite examinations and a parasite identification service. We also offer a complete analysis of faecal egg count reduction testing cases as well as providing a quality worm counting and advisory service to pharmaceutical companies for anthelmintic efficacy trials.
Serology
The serology department undertakes antigen and antibody tests for an extensive range of animal diseases, as well as running assays related to the functioning of the immune system. The serology department is always keen to explore new innovative tests. Past innovations include Insulin and IGF1 ELISA tests in addition to countless customised assays to meet research clients’ requirements.
Molecular testing
Molecular testing involves using real-time and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the specific DNA of organisms causing disease. This specialised, targeted testing enables us to develop and validate new tests to meet client demands.
Histology
The histology department processes tissue samples for viewing at the cellular level by pathologists. Services include processing tissues and preparing slides to suit immunohistochemisty. A wide range of special stains are available including silver and amyloid stains, and stains for fungi and bacteria. Special requests can be accommodated. The processors are fully programmable to suit tissue type.
Cytology
Cytology is the microscopic examination of stained cells obtained by aspiration, washing, smearing or scraping. Fluids are analysed by cell counts and protein levels, and cells are examined microscopically.