Fiona Farmer BVSc MRCVS goes behind the scenes of a veterinary diagnostic laboratory to find out more about the people and processes and the tests and technologies – and how to make the most of your lab services to support patient care. Her first stop is the Haematology and Biochemistry department at NationWide Laboratories.
As vets, we send off blood samples as routinely as we write up clinical notes. Tick the boxes, pop the samples in the post or lock box, and carry on with our day. But have you ever stopped to think about what happens once that sample reaches the lab? Who handles it? How is it analysed? And how many people are involved in making sure the results we receive are accurate and reliable?
I recently had the opportunity to visit the haematology and biochemistry departments at NationWide Laboratories and meet the people behind the process. What I found was a team of dedicated individuals working collaboratively to ensure the very best outcomes for our patients. Their work is precise, personal, and passionate, and it deserves to be recognised.
The Journey of a Sample
When a sample arrives at NationWide Laboratories, it begins its journey in sample reception. It’s unpacked, prioritised (bloods first), logged, barcoded, and checked against the form. Then it’s categorised into haematology, biochemistry, cytology, microbiology or histology and sent to the appropriate department.
In haematology, a smear is created for examination and the sample is run through the analyser. Every slide is examined under the microscope by trained technicians, regardless of what the analyser reports. “That’s not something all labs do,” explained Julie. “Some just rely on analyser outputs, but we check every single sample ourselves.” Even the most advanced haematology machines can miss or misinterpret abnormal cells. A manual review of a blood smear allows a trained technician to identify RBC changes (e.g. anisocytosis, polychromasia, spherocytes), detect blood parasites (e.g. Babesia, Mycoplasma, Ehrlichia), spot toxic changes in white cells, and evaluate platelet clumping (which can falsely lower automated platelet counts.)
“Every step requires human input” agrees Karen. “We check the history, we think about the results, we question anything that doesn’t match.” Every sample is treated with the upmost care and respect. “We never lose sight that these samples are from people’s pets and as animal lovers ourselves, that means a lot to us.”
In biochemistry, samples are centrifuged, serum is separated and tested across a suite of analysers for an array of tests. Once samples have been processed and analysed, the lab technicians go through the results and cross reference with each form to ensure the correct tests have been run. At this stage the history is useful as they can see if the patterns in results concur with the signalment of the patient. “If the results are not in alignment with the history we have been sent, or if the results look a bit strange for any reason, we will re-run the test to double check” explains Naoise. “In fact, we have pre-set parameters for each analyte and if something goes out of range it will automatically re-run the test.”
When the team in the lab are happy with the results, they go onto the reporting ‘list’ which is sent to the pathologists to check over. If there is anything they are not happy with, they communicate back to the lab, before results are passed onto the referring vet. Julie explains, “We are in constant communication with the pathologists who will ask questions, or request repeat and additional tests if needed. There’s a constant feedback loop to make sure nothing is missed.”
Top Tips from the Lab
1. Always label your tubes.
We receive a number of samples that don’t have names on tubes or are missing patient information”, Naoise shared. “Improper labelling or missing patient information can lead to delays in processing”.
2. Clearly label time-sensitive samples.
For series samples (e.g. pre- and post- ACTH or post-feeding), label each one clearly so it can be interpreted in context.
3. Handle blood samples gently.
“Try to make sure cells are put under the least possible amount of stress. Draw slowly, remove the needle before expressing into the tube, and refrigerate overnight if needed,” advised Julie.
4. Use the right tubes.
Incorrect tube choice or mislabelled tubes (e.g. EDTA contamination) can lead to compromised results or rejections.
Q&A with the lab team
Q: What is the most common reason for a sample not being able to be analysed?
A: Haemolysis is probably the biggest one. We do everything we can, like running manual PCVs, but if a sample is haemolysed, it really limits what we can test. In biochemistry, haemolysis can interfere with the way our analysers read the results. Clotted EDTA samples are another issue, but that can often be avoided by gently inverting the tube 10 times straight after collection (no shaking!). And sometimes, we simply don’t get enough sample to run all the tests requested.
Q: Should vets send in their own smear with a blood sample for haematology?
A: Yes, if possible. A fresh blood smear made immediately after collection provides the most accurate representation of the cells as they appeared in the animal. It helps avoid artefacts such as cell swelling or rupture that can occur when blood sits in EDTA for too long. Including your own smear is always appreciated, as it allows us to compare it with the one we prepare in the lab, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Q: How much history should be included on a submission form?
A: The more relevant and clearly summarised clinical context is provided, the better we can interpret what we see. That means faster, more accurate, and more helpful results.
Q: How long do you keep samples for?
A: Typically, in biochemistry serum samples are kept for up to 2 weeks, in case more tests need to be performed. However, upon request, serum samples can be held for six months. In haematology EDTA samples are kept for a week.
Q: What are the pros and cons of in-house testing vs sending samples to a laboratory?
A: There are some obvious benefits to in-house testing, such as being able to run bloods immediately and have results very rapidly. However, in-house machines are not always checked regularly for accuracy. We also have our exceptional pathologists on hand to answer any questions, which is invaluable when working on a case. That said, while in-clinic analysers offer speed and convenience, external veterinary labs provide greater diagnostic accuracy, a wider range of tests, and expert pathologist support. Automated haematology analysers are useful, but they can’t detect everything. A manual review of a blood smear by a trained technician or pathologist can pick up important details, such as changes in cell morphology (e.g. anisocytosis, polychromasia, spherocytes), toxic changes in white blood cells, and platelet clumping, which can falsely lower automated platelet counts.
Meet the team
When I spoke with Julie Drury from haematology, and Karen White and Naoise Rowlands from biochemistry, I was struck by how different they are: Julie is warm and practical, Karen calm and methodical, and Naoise bright and full of energy. Yet they all share a deep pride in their work. For each of them, animals aren’t just part of the job, they’re central to the lives they’re building and the futures they’re working toward.
Julie Drury – Senior Laboratory Scientist
“I used to work in cytology within the NHS, but when the labs moved to Manchester, it no longer fit with a young family. I took redundancy and spent a few years at home raising my children. Later, I worked as an account manager in a marketing agency. It was a good experience, but the scientist in me never really left. So, when a role came up at NationWide Laboratories, I didn’t hesitate.
Switching to animal lab work wasn’t as big a leap as it might sound. I had over thirteen years of microscope experience and was fully trained in haematology on site. What stood out to me was the level of passion and expertise here. Every sample we handle comes from an animal someone cares about. We’re part of the diagnostic process and that matters to me. I’ve always been an animal lover. We’ve had dogs for years, and now we also have two cats and two pigs. One day, I’d love to breed pigs and maybe chickens too, buy some land in Yorkshire, and settle there.”
Karen White – Laboratory Scientist
“I’ve always loved horses. I used to compete in showing and dressage. That stopped after an injury, but to stay close to horses, I still help re-back ponies for other people. I studied Level 3 Equine Management at college, and working with animals has been my dream since I was little. I’ve spent time in rescue centres and worked alongside vets on a stud yard. It felt wonderfully meaningful.
After college, I didn’t want to go to university, but I knew I needed to keep moving forward. I saw a job opening at NationWide Laboratories as a sample receptionist, applied, and got it. I fell in love with the place. Now I work in the biochemistry department. It’s fast-paced. Everything we do is about accuracy and speed because animals are waiting. Somewhere, a vet is trying to make a diagnosis. We’re part of that effort. Even though we’re not in the room, we’re still helping. That connection means a lot to me. Looking ahead, I’d love to do canine hydrotherapy. My plan is to complete a Level 3 course and build hands-on experience through on-site training.”
Naoise Rowlands – Laboratory Scientist
“Although I love all animals, it’s always been horses first for me. I did dressage growing up, and when it came to further education, I wanted to delve deeper, so I studied Level 3 Equine Management at college. I’ve always been into science and animal welfare, so working at NationWide Laboratories felt like the perfect match. I started in sample reception and later joined the biochemistry team, where I’ve grown a lot and really enjoy what I do.
What means the most to me is the trust vets place in us to deliver results quickly and accurately. It makes me feel part of a wider community I truly care about. And I still get a little extra excited when an equine sample comes in. Horses are my passion. I have a 7-year-old ex-racer I’m retraining for dressage. We’re not quite ready to compete yet but watch this space.”
Quality Assurance in the labs
Quality control isn’t just a buzzword at NationWide Laboratories; it’s part of every single process:
- Internal Quality Controls are run twice daily in haematology and three times daily in biochemistry. These controls ensure the machines are functioning correctly before any patient sample is analysed.
- External Quality Assessments occur bi-weekly for all biochemistry analysers, monthly in haematology, and an annual inspection is performed which benchmarks NationWide Laboratories against national standards. Annual inspections review protocols, traceability, and technical processes.
“It’s about reassurance,” Karen explained. “We want to be confident that our results are accurate – and that our clients can be confident too.”
Final Thoughts
It was eye-opening to see the care, attention, and expertise that goes into every sample that comes through NationWide Laboratories. This is a team of passionate professionals who care deeply about animal health. Their work supports diagnoses, aids in shaping treatment plans, and helping vets deliver the best care possible.
So next time you send a sample, think of the many hands it passes through, each one focused on getting it right for your patient.