PCV/SERUM PROTEIN COMBO ASSAY
Our records show that it's time to perform a PCV/Serum Protein Combo assay for your dog. Adult dogs should periodically have their health assessed by diagnostic surveillance tests. The PCV/Serum Protein Combo assay is ideal for the young adult dog, who seldom has major problems with the internal organs, therefore not needing a major health assessment like a senior pet. "PCV" stands for Packed Cell Volume; this is also called "Hematocrit" in human medicine. Serum protein is composed of the proteins produced by the liver, as well as the circulating antibodies produced by the immune system.
A PCV/Serum Protein Combo assay is a minor diagnostic test that requires only a few drops of your dog's blood, but gives several valuable pieces of information. It evaluates your dog for anemia, for abnormal white blood cell count, for jaundice (a common indicator of liver problems), for hyperlipemia (excess fat or cholesterol in the bloodstream), and for dehydration through measuring the serum protein levels. Quite a bit of information for just a few drops of blood!
The PCV/Serum Protein combo is performed on-site in the Windmill Animal Hospital laboratory. The blood is placed inside a tiny tube, called a microhematocrit tube. It is then spun in a high-speed centrifuge for 5 minutes. This causes the blood to separate into red blood cells and serum. Using a special grid and a refractometer, we can then accurately measure your dog's PCV and Serum Protein. Results are generally available within 7 minutes of acquiring the blood sample.
We recommend the PCV/Serum Protein Combo Assay annually in adult dogs 1-6 years of age. Dogs are considered seniors at age 7, which is when more in-depth health assessments should be performed annually.