VETSCAN HM5
Running alternative fluids on the Vetscan® HM5
The Vetscan HM5 analyzer is validated for providing in-clinic nucleated cell counts* in alternative fluid samples for some species, including pleural and peritoneal fluids in dogs and synovial fluid in horses.1† These cell counts can enable identification of inflammation, infections, and neoplasia to characterize the effusion to aid in making a diagnosis.
- 1. Add a flake of hyaluronidase‡ (enzyme concentrate) to sample in a red top tube, mix, and store at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- 2. Run the undiluted sample under the appropriate species setting on the HM5.
- 3. Observe the total WBC number, which is useful in the determination of whether the WBC count is normal or abnormal.
- 4. Microscopically evaluate a stained smear for a leukocyte differential and identification of non-leukocyte cells and/or infectious organisms.
- 5. Perform a Soak Cleaning cycle (blue HM5) using Vetscan HemaClean solution after every synovial fluid sample run.
- 1. Run undiluted sample in a red top tube under the appropriate species setting on the HM5.
- 2. Observe the total white blood cell (WBC) number, which is useful for classification of fluids and provides the total nucleated cell count (TNCC).
- 3. Total protein concentration can be performed on a refractometer.
- 4. Microscopic evaluation of a stained smear is necessary for leukocyte differential and identification of non-leukocyte cells and/or infectious organisms.
Perform an Enzymatic Cleaning cycle (white HM5) or a Soak Cleaning cycle (blue HM5) using HemaClean (HemaClean, part no. 790-1513) after every synovial fluid sample run.
For additional assistance, please contact Zoetis Diagnostic Technical Support at 1-888-963-8471, option 5 or email DXSupport@zoetis.com. Zoetis Diagnostic Technical Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if you need further assistance.
Discover the difference Zoetis Diagnostics can make in your clinic
Contact us today to learn more about how our diagnostics portfolio can help elevate your patient care.
Customer Service, Support & Ordering
Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 6:30pm ET
Vetscan and i-STAT Technical Support
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
1-888-963-8471
Zoetis Reference Laboratories Customer Service, Support & Ordering
Mon – Fri: 8:00am – 9:30pm ET
Saturday: 9:00am – 8:30pm ET
Sunday: Closed
1-888-965-9652
Need Technical Support?
Our support team is available to answer product questions and provide guidance.†
* HM5 analyzers are not intended to provide accurate differential counts for alternative fluid analysis samples.
† For results for species and/or fluids not validated, fluid samples may be run, however, precision and accuracy is not available and
results will not be supported by Zoetis Diagnostics.
‡ Hyaluronidase from Sigma Chem Co., Part # H3506, 100 mg bottle.
§ If you are a pet owner looking for treatment recommendations, please contact your veterinarian.
Reference: 1.Brudvig JM, Swenson CL. Total nucleated cell and leukocyte differential counts in canine pleural and peritoneal fluid and equine synovial fluid samples: comparison of automated and manual methods. Veterinary Clinical Pathology. 2015;44:570–9. doi:10.1111/vcp.12298