Antech News - February 2000

February • 2000

SAMPLE PREPARATIONS FOR AVIANS & EXOTICS CONT'D

CHEMISTRY PROFILES
The preferred specimen for blood chemistry testing is a spun green top tube (GRT) containing a separator gel. This tube is often referred to as a plasma separator tube. The tube needs to be filled to the top line (0.6 mL) to ensure adequate sample volume, inverted 6-8 times to ensure proper mixing of blood and heparin anticoagulant, and centrifuged immediately.

HEMATOLOGY
For avians and reptiles, a blood smear and 2 microhematocrit tubes are preferred. Use micro-scope slides for blood smears, as cover slips produce less than optimal smears and are easily broken. Smears that are too thick or lack a "feathered-edge" will compromise the accuracy of results obtained. Microhematocrit tubes should be at least half full.

For small mammals, a lavender top (LT) Microtainer™ tube is preferred. Fill the tube between the 2 lines and invert 6-8 times to ensure proper mixing of blood with the EDTA anticoagulant.

MISCELLANEOUS TESTS
Serology (antibody testing) can be performed from either a spun GRT with gel or spun Microtainer™ serum separator tube (SST).

PCR (DNA) testing on birds requires whole blood. A Microtainer™ GRT without gel is preferred. A GRT with gel can also be used, but must not be centrifuged.

A Microtainer™ LT is the specimen of choice for measuring lead concentrations. Whole blood in an unspun GRT is also acceptable. For determination of zinc concentrations, submit a spun GRT with gel or a spun Microtainer™ SST.

For other test requirements, refer to the Antech Avian and Exotic Quick Test Guide (included in the 2000 Services Directory), the Antech Services Directory, or contact one of our specially trained Avian and Exotic Client Service representative.

ANTECH DIAGNOSTICS BLOOD SAMPLING FOR AVIANS AND EXOTICS LABORATORY TESTING

TABLE 1 Amount of blood that can be safely taken from healthy birds

Species	Weight (g)	Blood (mL)
Budgerigar	25–35	0.3
Lovebird	35–55	0.3–0.5
Cockatiel	75–100	0.7–0.9
Senegal	100–120	1.0–1.1
Conure	110–180	1.0–1.8
Macaw (small)	180–300	1.8–3.0
African Grey	350–450	3.5–4.5
Amazon Parrot	280–500	2.8–5.0
Cockatoo	300–600	3.0–6.0
Macaw (large)	1,000–1,200	10–12
In general, 1% of the bird’s weight in grams can be taken from an adult healthy bird (1.0 mL of blood for each 100 g of bird). If the bird is ill, less blood should be taken.

TABLE 2 Amount of blood that can be safely taken from healthy rodents and reptiles

Reptiles e.g.,	~ 0.5% of body weight 100 g 0.5 mL 1000 g 5 mL
Rabbits	~ 0.5% of body weight (as for reptiles) or 3-6 mL per 1,000 g
Ferrets	4–6 mL per ferret, depending on size
Rodents	1 mL of blood from small rodents > 100 g 2–3 mL from larger guinea pigs and chinchillas

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