Appropriate specimen collection and careful sample handling is of paramount importance for us to provide you with accurate and prompt results.

For birds less than 500 g body weight, and small reptiles and mammals, 25- to 27-gauge needles and 1 mL insulin syringes are suitable. Blood from larger birds (> 500 g), reptiles and mammals is best procured with a 22 g needle and 3 mL syringe.

BIRDS
The jugular and medial metatarsal veins are preferred sites for avian venipuncture. When bleeding small birds using the medial metatarsal vein, the syringe plunger should be removed so that blood is allowed to fill the syringe by capillary action. Blood collection by toe-nail clip or skin prick is not recommended.

Total blood volume in birds is approximately 10% of body weight, and up to 1% of the bird’s weight can be safely collected at one time from most birds (see Table 1). For multiple samplings or for ill birds, lesser amounts should be drawn, especially if the sampling interval is less than 2 weeks.

RODENTS AND REPTILES
Use the ventral coccygeal vein in iguanas, cardiac puncture or the ventral coccygeal vein in snakes, and the jugular vein for chelonians. Rabbits and ferrets can be bled from the jugular or medial or lateral saphenous veins. The central ear artery can also be used in rabbits. Guinea pigs and chinchillas can be bled from the lateral saphenous, cephalic or jugular veins. The cranial vena cava can also be used.

The volume of blood that can safely be taken from healthy rodents and reptiles is approximately 0.5% of body weight (see Table 2).

HELPFUL HINTS

• Double-check the specimen requirement(s) beforehand by referring to the Antech Avian and Exotic Quick Test Guide or the Services Directory.
  
• Do not overfill the tubes as the blood may clot.
  
• Do not use outdated tubes.
  
• Remove the needle from syringe before adding blood to the tube to minimize hemolysis.
  
• Many centrifuges require use of the hematocrit setting to adequately spin Microtainer™ tubes.
  
• Keep specimens refrigerated until transported to the laboratory.