What samples does Cytovet accept?

Cytology of the lymphoid system

Fluid cytology - cavity effusions, urinalysis, TWs/BALs, synovial fluid, CSF (direct or spun smears)
Cytology of skin lesions- including FNA of lumps, tape strips, impression smears and ear cytology
Cytology of internal organs - thoracic and abdominal organs, mammary and thyroid/salivary glands
Haematology - manual platelet count, assessment for causes of anaemia, WBC morphology
Urine cytology - spun or fresh prep, cellular detail, suspected UTI, crystals
NB: My experience is mostly with cats and dogs. However I am happy to accept samples from rabbits, ferrets or other small furries. I do not accept samples from reptiles/amphibians or birds.

How do I take good pictures ?

Photographs can be taken with any modern smart phone camera down the microscope lens. This is easily achieved by hovering the camera over one lens until the image becomes clear. If you are finding this difficult or it is not yielding good results then a universal phone adapter can be purchased to attach the phone in the correct orientation to the microscope lens. There are many options available online but here is a link to celestron one that I would personally recommend.

Which photos should I send?

Please send a maximum of six photos. This ideally should include at least ONE photo of a low power field image, plus multiple high power images using the OIL LENS. If you are sending photos of urine please either send pictures on high power of a direct smear of spun urine stained with Diff Quik (for bacteria or cellular detail), or an oil lens picture with cover slip with the condenser light set down low (crystals). Try to select areas of the slide where cells are intact and there is a monolayer to maximise potential for interpretation of cellular detail. Below are examples of non diagnostic images I have received and diagnostic images.

Non-diagnostic samples:

Diagnostic Samples:

If I send my slides unstained, what dyes will Cytovet use to stain them?

Diff-Quik is available on-site. This is the stain used in the majority of veterinary practices to visualise cellular details including cytoplasmic granules, nuclear and nucleolar details and micro-organisms. However please note there are limitations to these dyes including possible failure to stain mast cell granules, basophils and LGL lymphocytes. Polychromatophils and toxic neutrophils can also be more difficult to identify.

If you wish to look at the slides yourself prior to sending, you can also send them pre-stained with Diff-Quik. A guide to ideal staining technique can be provided on request.

Can I use Cytovet from abroad?

Yes, I accept samples from the UK, Ireland, the EU and Switzerland. Unfortunately due to insurance purposes I am unable to examine samples or photographs sent from non-EU countries.

How do I send my slides?

Please send slides via Royal Mail. The address can be found on the bottom of this page. The slides must be placed into an appropriate slide holder and ideally into a bubble wrapped envelope to prevent damage en route, ideally with a ‘FRAGILE’ note on the outside of the envelope. I will not be able to examine slides that arrive broken due to inappropriate packaging. The slides may be sent stained or unstained.

Are you able to collect my slides?

If your practice is based in North Dorset or the surrounding areas please contact me as I may be able to collect your slides for a small additional fee.

Are the fees negotiable?

The fees for a single sample quoted on my website are fixed. However please contact me if you are a registered animal charity or are wishing to submit multiple samples as charity and bulk discounts are available. Same day turnaround is possible for urgent samples for a small additional fee.

How do I get my results?

Your sample will be analysed by me once all information and samples/photographs are received. The results will then be emailed within the expected timeframe to the email address provided by you on your cytology submission form.