Test Definitions and Differential Diagnoses

This section is intended to aid in the interpretation of laboratory test results. The test definitions and differential lists curated by parameter in this section are intended to highlight the most common causes of abnormalities in order to narrow down a patient's differential list and aid in next diagnostic steps. These lists are not meant to be exhaustive. A more detailed document can be found in the Additional Resources section for each test.

Please note that examining single test parameters in isolation is not recommended and could result in an erroneous diagnosis. A comprehensive evaluation and interpretation of all test abnormalities from a minimum database is recommended. A minimum database includes a complete blood count (CBC), clinical chemistry profile, and urinalysis. Other diagnostic testing may be warranted to aid in the overall patient assessment and diagnosis.

You can access test definitions and differential diagnoses by clicking i icon (if available) in the result details. The i icon appears next to the test name for many individual tests within common panels including chemistry, CBCs, and urinalysis.

Follow these steps to browse test definitions and differential diagnoses (if you're viewing this page online, skip to step 4).

  1. Go to ZoetisDx Help.

  2. Choose Results from the side menu.

  3. Choose Test Definitions and Differential Diagnoses (this page) from the side menu.

  4. Click Chemistry, Hematology, or Urinalysis from the side menu to open the section.
    Example test definition page

  5. Click a test name from the side menu to view the definitions and differentials for the test

  6. Click + to open any of the test sections (Increased, Decreased, Artifacts, Interpret With, Additional Resources, or References).

  7. Click - to close any of the test sections.

  8. Click a section from the side menu (Chemistry, Hematology, or Urinalysis) to close it.

Editors/Authors

Tara Piech, DVM, MS, DACVP (Clinical)

Carolina M. Allende, DVM, MS, DACVP (Clinical)

Eric Morissette, DVM, DACVP (Clinical)

Michelle Larsen, DVM