Blood Collection Tips
The order of blood collection when using the Microtainer System will be to collect specimens using non-anticoagulation tubes first to avoid contamination of anticoagulants into tubes not containing them. The exception or alternative method of collection would be as follows: When blood is placed into tubes after removing the tube tops, or if needle on syringe is removed or replaced with a new needle, and care is taken not to cross contaminate, anticoagulated tubes may be filled first. Specimen quantity is SOP or protocol specific. The draw order is as follows:
- Blue Top - First
- Purple Top - Second
- Green Top - Third
- Red Top - Last
Blood Collection Guidelines
To figure total blood volume for an animal (rabbit, sheep, etc.):
- Multiply weight in kg x 80 = volume in mL
- Do not collect more than 25% of an animals blood volume within a 21 day period
- Total blood volume = 5.5mL/100g body weight
- Collect no more than 0.25 ml at any time and no more than 0.25 ml per week