CBC options at IDEXX Reference Laboratories provide more diagnostic information and flexibility
By M. Alexis Seguin, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Accurate and comprehensive
All complete blood counts (CBCs) performed at IDEXX Reference Laboratories use the most advanced hematology technology available. Fluorescent laser flow cytometry methods and veterinary-specific algorithms make it possible to provide automated CBC results with an extremely high level of accuracy.
IDEXX CBCs are also the most comprehensive. They are the only CBC to include both:
- Reticulocyte count, regardless of the presence of anemia. A reticulocyte count on anemic patients helps to classify the anemia as regenerative or nonregenerative. In nonanemic animals, a persistent reticulocytosis may indicate compensated occult blood loss or underlying hemolytic disease.
- Reticulocyte hemoglobin, a measure of the quality of the developing red blood cells in canines and felines. The reticulocyte hemoglobin measures iron availability in developing red blood cells. A decrease in reticulocyte hemoglobin can be seen with blood loss or inflammation in anemic and nonanemic patients.
Flexible, easy-to-understand options
IDEXX Reference Laboratories offers the following CBC ordering options to give you the diagnostic flexibility you need to meet the individual needs of your patients.
IDEXX CBC typically used for preventive care screening
The IDEXX CBC is the appropriate and most cost-effective option for routine preanesthetic or preventive care screenings on clinically healthy animals. Available for canine, feline, and equine patients, this option provides an automated CBC, including hemogram, five-part WBC differential, platelets, platelet indices, as well as (for canine and feline patients) reticulocyte count and reticulocyte hemoglobin.
IDEXX CBC-Select recommended for sick patient diagnostics
The IDEXX CBC-Select is the option recommended for sick patients as well as for geriatric patients. It includes the same components as the IDEXX CBC, as well as a blood film evaluation by a technologist to evaluate for abnormal red and white blood cell morphology, blood parasites, unclassified cells, and immature cell lines. A clinical pathologist review is automatically included when results are abnormal based on specific established guidelines (available at idexx.ca/pathology) or when unclassified cells are seen.
CBC options from IDEXX Reference Laboratories
When viewing IDEXX test results in VetConnect PLUS, access differential summaries instantly, helping you interpret and act on any results that are abnormal for your patient.
Options for abnormal CBC results
The IDEXX CBC is generally an excellent and economical choice when performing preventive care screening on a clinically normal animal. Sometimes, however, a patient who appears outwardly healthy may in fact have abnormal CBC or chemistry results. A positive heartworm antigen or tick/vector screen may also be an indication to evaluate a blood film review in a clinically healthy animal.
IDEXX Reference Laboratories offers the CBC Blood Film Evaluation. This add-on (test code CBF) allows you to request an evaluation of the blood film by a technologist on your previously submitted IDEXX CBC. See ordering options for more information.
Choose the right CBC for your patient
Ordering options
| Test code | Test name and contents |
| ICBC EICBC |
IDEXX CBC IDEXX CBC, Equine |
| CCBC ECBC |
IDEXX CBC-Select IDEXX CBC-Select, Equine |
| CBF | CBC Blood Film Evaluation Blood film evaluation performed by a technologist for RBC and WBC morphology and parasite screen. Pathologist review automatically performed when results are abnormal based on specific established guidelines or if unclassified cells are seen. Note: Add on to an IDEXX CBC previously performed at IDEXX Reference Laboratories, or request following a CBC performed on an in-house IDEXX hematology analyzer (ProCyte Dx or LaserCyte Dx). Must be ordered within 72 hours of specimen collection (within 36 hours preferred for evaluation of cell morphology). |
| PCOMM |
Pathologist Review
For IDEXX CBC-Select requests, a pathologist review is included and will be automatically performed at no additional charge if specific established criteria are met (see protocol information in the Online Test Directory at vetconnectplus.ca, or view the pathologist review criteria).
Test code PCOMM is not required for the automatic reflexed pathologist review on IDEXX CBC-Select requests. Must be ordered within 72 hours of specimen collection (within 36 hours preferred for evaluation of cell morphology). |
Specimen requirements: 1 mL LTT
When submitting a sample for test codes CBF or PCOMM following a CBC performed in-house on the ProCyte Dx or LaserCyte Dx, please also submit two unstained air-dried blood films (smears).
Turnaround time: Daily; allow 1–2 working days for pathologist review of CBC if indicated.
Customer support services
IDEXX supports your practice with our customer support, technical support, and medical consulting services teams, including our diagnostic support veterinarians and board-certified veterinary specialists.
*If automated results fall outside of established guidelines, a blood film evaluation by a technologist is performed.
†The criteria for a pathologist review were established by an international team of pathologists, internal medicine specialists, and operations specialists and have been endorsed by the IDEXX Medical Review Board.