Blood

Blood: Collection site: uglar vein is the preferred site in almost all species. Cattle:Taill vein may be used in stalls. Dog:Ear vein can also be used. Equipment: Always use a disposable needle of 20G ”.For smaller animals,21G may also be used. Smaller needles tend to lead to hemolysis of the sample and larger needle cause hematoma formation Method: Lay out the collection tubes to hands,with their tops off,the size of the syringe depends upon the volume of the sample.venupuncture is made easier by using the syringe as handle to control the needle,and as the needle peneterates the skin the application of slight back pressure to the plunger helps to feel when the needle enters the vein.This is confirmed by the free flow of blood into the needle.continue to aspirate until the desired volume is achieved.withdraw needle from ythe vein,replace the needle guard and remove the needle from the syringe.Quickly transfer the blood into the open tubes.mix it by inversion and not shaking.It is necessary because blood stationary in unmixed collection tubes is more likely to start clotting Precaution: When capping tubes make sure the right cap goes onto the right tube. Method of choice for small animals, Tubes are cheap and easily available. Blood transffered into tubes with the syringe with the syringe removed should be avoided. Vaccutainers: These tubes require a special double pointed needle which is screwed into a holder before use.It is important to hit the vein once and cleanly. once the needle is in the vein the tube is simply push forward in the holder, so that the needle penetrates the seal. and the tube fills automatically. Precaution: Particularly useful for large animals. If vein is lossed during collection or vein is missed the desired vacuum is lossed rendering the tubes useless. Vaccutainers are supplied with no labels, with the intension that a unique code must be applied after filling. It is necessary to record separately the identity of the animal which corresponds to the label code General points regarding technique: Appropriate restraint is very important. Aseptically prepare the collection site with ethanol (spirit) but allow it to dry before puncturing the vein. After the vein has been peneterated, release the pressure to collect blood freely. Apply the pressure with cotton wool as the needle is withdrawn and keep there for a half minute

Faeces: When small quantities are required rectal swab is best method. When larger quantities are required they are collected per rectum. For small animals, massage the rectum of the animal with the index finger and the animal will defecate,then collect the fresh sample. Always use a clean dry mouthed container for collection.