Factors affecting the interpretation of canine and nonhuman primate clinical pathology

Interpreting canine and nonhuman primate clinical pathology data from preclinical studies can be challenging. Relatively few animals are tested (typically beagles and macaques), and they often undergo study-related procedures (eg, sample collection for pharmacokinetic analysis) that can affect clinical pathology test results. Data interpretation requires an understanding of the significance of each test, species differences for each test, normal interanimal and intraanimal variability, the effects of study design variables, and supporting data from other disciplines. Interpretation of hematology, coagulation, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis parameters are discussed, with emphasis on species peculiarities and study design variables that may affect clinical pathology test results.