Reference Values in Veterinary Medicine

In veterinary medicine, as in human medicine, reference values are necessary for useful interpretation of laboratory results. Without appropriate reference values, the sensitivity and specificity of tests are lowered, which can result in erroneous diagnoses and treatment protocols that may cause harm to or death of the animal tested. Reference values specific for the species tested and the equipment and reagents used are essential for accurate interpretation. Many veterinary reference laboratories use historic or published values rather than establishing their own, because of the time and expense involved. In addition, limited availability of sufficient numbers of many species (40–120 or more animals) makes establishment of laboratory-specific reference values impractical.