Laboratory procedures are an important part of most veterinary practices, both diagnostically and financially. This highly-popular book covers the broad spectrum of laboratory competencies that technicians need to effectively perform in the practice setting. In step-by-step language, it presents the basics of all laboratory work-ups: microbiology, hematology, urinalysis, immunology, and cytology - providing current information on the most widely-used tests. The fundamentals of microbiology, hematology, urinalysis, immunology, and cytology are presented, along with the laboratory procedures used to perform tests in these fields. Current information is provided on the most widely-used tests - including complete blood count, urinalysis, and immunology assays. Step-by-step procedure boxes are featured, making it easy for readers to master skills. A color insert for the hematology section is included to aid in identification of blood cells. The extensive illustration program enhances text descriptions of normal and abnormal findings. The chapter on Function Tests now includes ¡X high serum gastrin concentrations, fecal fÑ1-protease inhibitor (fÑ-1-antitrypsin), breath hydrogen test, exogenous creatinine clearance, urethral pressure profilometry to test sphincter mechanism incompetence, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation, and the triiodothyronine suppression test. New information is included on the assessment of high serum gastrin concentrations, BSP liver function test application in canine medicine, and the determination of bile acid concentrations using the enzymatic method. New content has been added on record-keeping, quality control, internet resources, and handling and disposing of hazardous laboratory materials. A revision of the Necropsy chapter provides more information on large animal species and exotic pets, as well as content on how to use the Internet as a resource for information. The Microbiology chapter includes a new hyaluronidase test and an optochin test. The Parasites chapters contain new discussions of canine hepatozoonosis and Lynxacaurs radovskyi. All sections have been updated according to advances in laboratory technology and clinical practice. Information is provided on the many new assays used in referral laboratories. New in-office test kits are included. This is the new edition of Pratt.