Blood Collection & Examination

Question 1

What size needle is sued for dogs and cats?

Answer 1

Dogs use 21 G

Cats use 23 G

Question 2

What care must be taken when drawing back with syringe?

Answer 2

Never draw back hard as may collapse vein

Question 3

What equipment is required for blood sampling?

Answer 3

-needle
-syringe
-blood tube
-clippers
-swabs
-surgical spirit or hibiscrub

Question 4

Why are anticoagulants used in blood tubes?

Answer 4

To prevent blood clotting

Question 5

What sample tube is used for biochemistry?

Answer 5

Orange cap

Lithium heprin

Question 6

What sample tube is used for haematology?

Answer 6

Pink or red cap

EDTA anticoagulant

Question 7

What sample tube is used for glucose?

Answer 7

Yellow cap

Sodium fluoride

Question 8

What sample tube is used when no anticoagulant is needed?

Answer 8

White or brown cap

Question 9

What problems can occur with collection?

Answer 9

Haemolysis = damaged red blood cells

Clotting

Lipaemia

Chromatins

Question 10

What does clear, pink, yellow, cloudy plasma colours indicate?

Answer 10

Clear = normal

Pink = haemolysis

Yellow = jaundice

Cloudy = lipaemia

Question 11

Process of taking blood sample?

Answer 11

-ensure correct patient
-prepare equipment
-gloves and patient restraint
-clip and clean area with hibiscrub
-insert needle at 45
-draw back gently and slowly
-apply pressure with swab afterwards

Question 12

What is needed when sending samples to external labs?

Answer 12

-container labelled with name, date and time
-suitable sample size
-absorbent layer such as cotton wool
-bubble wrap layer for protection
-biohazard bag, remove excess air
-submission form

Question 13

What does external lab submission form include?

Answer 13

-sample type and site
-what is to be tested for
-patient details
-vet details
-owner details
-date and time of sample