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

For mice:
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