Rd. Glock et al., INTERPRETATION OF DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION REGARDING FOOD ANIMALS, The Compendium on continuing education for the practicing veterinarian, 17(12), 1995, pp. 1526
Ensuring an accurate diagnosis from an off-site diagnostic laboratory
is an integral part of herd health. There is, however, considerable va
riation in test methods used and in the type and interpretation of dat
a reported by different laboratories. Such variations can lead to conf
usion and can complicate situations in which the amount of, source of,
and perhaps liability for animal loss are being evaluated. Effective
and timely communication among all parties involved in diagnostic effo
rts is the most essential factor in resolving problems. Practitioners
vary considerably in the extent to which they believe the laboratory s
hould proceed with diagnostics, and this variation can be resolved onl
y by communication. This column attempts to identify the sources of va
riation as well as address common approaches to avoiding and managing
diagnostic problems.