[Evaluation of blood chemistry using 'dry chemistry' in small animal practice]

In this paper three different systems for clinical chemistry determinations by the general practitioner are evaluated. The systems, Seralyzer, Kodak Ektachem DT 60 and Reflotron, are based on the use of dry reagent strips in combination with a reflectometer. The principle of reflectometry is discussed briefly. These systems enable the practitioner to carry out the majority of the common chemical laboratory blood tests quickly and with an acceptable degree of confidence. The present possibilities are given for each system, including the costs of instruments and tests in the Netherlands. The results of some common tests in small animal medicine have been compared with standard methods in our own laboratory. Since in a few tests species dependent differences were found, it is recommended that each dry chemistry test should be carefully evaluated for each animal species.