Collecting blood & urine samples

Question 1

Main venipuncture sites in small animals. (4)

Answer 1

Vena cephalica
Vena saphena lateralis
Vena saphena media (femoralis)
Vena jugularis externa

Peripheral blood sample – paws, ear lobes, mouth mucosa.

Question 2

what is blue top tube and what for

Answer 2

sodium citrate
for coagulation factors

Question 3

what blood tube should you use for blood parasite testing?

Answer 3

EDTA

Question 4

sample collection order

Answer 4

citrate
clot activator serum tube
heparin
EDTA

Question 5

What parameters can hemolysis increase?
And which ones can it decrease?

Answer 5

A hemolyzed sample can decrease HCT, RBC and increase PLT.

It can increase K, AST, Phos and decrease GGT and ALKP.

Question 6

What parameters can lipemia increase?
And which ones can it decrease?

Answer 6

A lipemic sample can increase HGB, MCH, MCHC and change RBC morphology.

It can also increase TRIG and TBIL. And decrease Na, Cl and K.

Question 7

What parameters can excess EDTA increase?
And which ones can it decrease?

Answer 7

Too much EDTA can decrease MCV, MCHC, HCT.

Poorly mixed can give you a low PLT.

Contamination with EDTA can decrease Ca and liver enzymes and increase K.

Question 8

What changes might you see between morning and evening urine?

Answer 8

Morning urine – USG higher, pH lower, more formed elements in the urine.

Evening urine – USG lower, pH higher, less formed elements.

Question 9

When urine sample is too old – what changes take place: (5)

Answer 9

pH elevated (becomes more alkaline)
Bacterial overgrowth
Cell and cylinder/cast lysis
Chemical elements dissolve
Crystals may dissolve

Question 10

Dipstick and USG can be measured with what type of urine

Answer 10

uncentrifuged urine

Question 11

What type of urine is used for UPC?

Answer 11

The supernatant is used for UPC