VETSCAN HM5
Blood sample handling best practices
- Fill blood tubes in the correct order to avoid contamination, and always fill the EDTA tube last.1
Invert samples 15-20 times after collection and again just before testing.2,3
- 1.3mL and smaller tubes may need additional inversions for proper mixing
- Always re-invert sample tubes before testing, even if using a rocker to mix samples2
- Never shake blood sample tubes
Traumatic or delayed blood collection can lead to micro and/or macro clots.4 Prevent clotted hematology samples by inverting EDTA tubes immediately after filling.4
Re-draw any clotted hematology samples.
Never run a clotted sample for analysis on the HM5.
- Run EDTA whole blood samples promptly after sample draw.4 Processing the sample as quickly as possible after collection may minimize the formation of platelet clumping.4
- Samples may be stored refrigerated for up to 12 hours.3 Refrigerated* blood should return to room temperature prior to testing.
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* Refrigerated Temperature (36-46°F)
† If you are a pet owner looking for treatment recommendations, please contact your veterinarian.
References: 1. Monti P, Archer J. Quality Assurance and Interpretation of Laboratory Data. In: Villiers E, Ristic J, eds. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Clinical Pathology. 3rd ed. British Small Animal Veterinary Association; 2016:12. 2. VETSCAN HM5 Operator’s Manual. 2018. 790-7013 Rev. F. Data on file, LBL-03063 3. Weiser, G. Laboratory Technology for Veterinary Medicine [Chapter 1]. Veterinary Hematology and Clinical Chemistry. 2012: p.3. 4. Villiers E. Introduction to haematology. In: Villiers E, Ristic J, eds. BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Clinical Pathology. 3rd ed. British Small Animal Veterinary Association; 2016:27-37.