The Most common Equine Diagnostic Plans

Tests Performed

Test Code

Samples Needed

Aerobic Bacterial Culture                  

AER

- Trans-tracheal washes fluid.

-  Swab of TTW in bacterial transport media.

-  Swab of lung or biopsy of lung tissue aseptically collected and placed in aerobic transport media.

Anaerobic Bacterial Culture  

ANAER

 -  Swab of transtracheal wash (TTW) (preferred sample).

-  Swab of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in anaerobic transport media.

Fungal Culture           

FUNGCM

Equine Herpesvirus PCR

EHVPNL

-  EDTA blood (min. 2ml) Nasal or nasopharyngeal swab in red top tube with 0.5ml sterile saline.

Equine Respiratory PCR

Consists of multiple PCR assays: Equine Herpesviruses 1 and 4, Equine Adenoviruses 1 and 2, Equine Rhinitis viruses A and B, Influenza A virus (matrix), Equine arteritis virus and Streptococcus equi

ERPNL

-  Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab (in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added).

-  Transtracheal wash or Bronchoalveolar lavage or lung tissue (in sterile leak-proof containers).

Selenium, whole blood                       

SEL

-  EDTA whole blood.

-  Heparin whole blood.

Streptococcus equi Culture                

SEQUCUL

-  Nasal swab or deep pharyngeal swab (in sterile, sealed vials with several drops of saline added)

-  Transtracheal wash or Bronchoalveolar lavage 

Tracheal Wash Cytology       

TWE

- Tracheal wash fluid in EDTA.

-  Smears (at least 2-3 unstained smears preferred).

-  Also submit a red-top tube if culture is anticipated.