Sample Collection

Question 1

What is centesis?

Answer 1

Placing a needle within a body cavity or organ to collect fluid

Question 2

Who can perform a centesis?

Answer 2

VS only

Question 3

Where is CSF found?

Answer 3

In the subarachnoid space between the arachnoid and pia mater.

Question 4

What does CSF usually look like?

Answer 4

Clear, colourless and slightly viscous

Question 5

Why might a VS examine CSF?

Answer 5

To look for meningitis, neurological conditions +/- tumours

Question 6

What must be carried out before CSF

Answer 6

Skin prep and clip, sterile gloves and equipment!!

Question 7

What is synovial fluid?

Answer 7

Found in joints

Question 8

What is the name for collection of synovial fluid?

Answer 8

Arthrocentesis

Question 9

Describe the process of arthrocentesis

Answer 9

18-23G needle placed into the joint cavity aseptically! (area previously scrubbed).

Question 10

Does a patient need GA for arthrocentesis?

Answer 10

May not be required dependant on temperament of patient and Joint being sampled - use LA

Question 11

What does a normal synovial fluid sample look like?

Answer 11

Straw yellow/clear

Question 12

Why are joint taps taken?

Answer 12

For diagnosis of conditions such as septic arthritis

Question 13

What is the name for collecting fluid from the abdomen?

Answer 13

Abdominocentesis

Question 14

Describe the method of an abdominocentesis?

Answer 14

14-16G 1-2’’ needle or 14-16G butterfly catheter used.
Animal is usually standing and the needle is inserting through the ventral abdomen.
Samples are collected in a plain or EDTA tube

Question 15

In a normal animal there shouldn’t be any fluid in the abdomen. What would cause there to be?

Answer 15

Infection
Peritonitis
Cardiac, hepatic or renal disease
Neoplasia

Question 16

What is the name give to the sampling of the thoracic fluid?

Answer 16

Thoracentesis

Question 17

Why would you sample fluid from thorax?

Answer 17

To check for pyothorax, haemothorax or chylothorax

Question 18

What are airway washes used for?

Answer 18

Tracheal wash used in horses to diagnose respiratory disease

Question 19

Describe the method of an airway wash

Answer 19

Endoscope placed down the trachea and saline is flushed down the port.
Fluid is drawn back up using a syringe
The specimen sample is then tested

Question 20

What is cytology?

Answer 20

The study of the anatomy, physiology, pathology and chemistry of the cell.

Question 21

What is histology?

Answer 21

Microscopic structure examination of tissues

Question 22

Why are samples ‘fixed’?

Answer 22

To prevent post-mortem changes, necrosis

Question 23

What are the 4 liquids used for fixing?

Answer 23

1. Formalin = formaldehyde gas dissolved in water (40%)
2. 10% Formal Saline = formalin diluted in saline to make a 10% solution
3. Neutral Buffered Formalin
   - Formalin diluted in buffered saline to make a 10% solution ( the buffer stops pH changes affecting the cells)
4. Alcohol
   - may cause the tissue to shrink and harden