Quality Veterinary Laboratory Guidelines for Sample Collection
| Hematology CBC, Platelet, reticulocyte |
LTT (LTT = lavender topped tube) LTT contains EDTA anticoagulant BTT – for platelet count only (BTT = blue topped tube) BTT contains NA citrate Client prepared slides if possible |
500 uL minimum whole blood Mice can use lesser volume of 300uL | Refrigerate sample Do NOT FREEZE Do not refrigerate slides as condensation will alter blood film | If using a vacutainer tube, vacuum will fill tube to desired amount. If using EDTA bullet tube or non vacuum tube, do not overfill tube. Mix sample well by gently inverting samples several times immediately after filling to allow blood to mix well with anticoagulant to avoid clots in the sample. |
| Chemistry |
RTT (RTT = Red topped tube) RTT contains a clot activator |
500 uL minimum Serum Mice can use lesser volume of 300uL | Refrigerate sample. Serum should be split off and frozen - if testing is delayed. | RTT should be allowed to clot for 60 minutes, then spun down for 15 minutes @ 3000 RPM and then separate off the serum into a separate tube with no additives. |
| Chemistry |
SST (SST = Serum Separator tube) SST contains a clot activator |
500 uL minimum Serum Mice can use lesser volume of 300uL | Refrigerate sample. Serum should be split off and frozen - if testing is delayed. | SST should be allowed to clot for 30 minutes then spun down for 15 minutes @ 3000 RPM. |
| Coagulation PT, APTT, and quantitative Fibrinogen |
BTT (BTT = blue topped tube) BTT contains NA citrate anticoagulan |
500 uL minimum Citrated Plasma Per test. | Refrigerate sample. Serum should be split off and frozen - if testing is delayed. | BTT should be mixed for 10-15 minutes then spun down for 15 minutes @ 3000 RPM. Separate the Plasma from the Red Cells into a plastic tube with no additives. Label as citrated plasma. |
| Urinalysis | Sterile container should be used | 1-2 ml of Urine Mice can use lesser volume of 300uL | Refrigerate Do NOT FREEZE Keep away from sunlight/ UV light |
Contact Us Today
Contact us today for more information. Our team is ready to provide the details you need and assist you in any way we can.