Sampling materials

Contains EDTA anticoagulant. Used for complete blood count (CBC), blood smear examination, blood typing and selected haematological tests, as well as body fluid samples and a large number of analyses within molecular diagnostics. After collection, gently invert the tube several times to mix blood with the anticoagulant.

Contains a clot activator and serum separation gel. Used for biochemical profiles and individual biochemical parameters, hormonal testing, serological diagnosis of infectious diseases, allergy testing and other immunological assays. Allow blood to clot after collection. Sample can be submitted in the primary tube or, after centrifugation, as separated serum.

Contains 3.2% sodium citrate. Used for determining prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and fibrinogen. The tube must be filled to the indicated level to maintain the correct blood-to-anticoagulant ratio. Gently invert several times after collection. Do not shake the sample.

Sterile swab with transport medium used for microbiological examination of skin, wounds, external ear canal, eye, nose, throat, vagina, prepuce, anal sacs and other accessible sites. For dry lesions the swab may be lightly moistened with sterile saline before sampling. Where possible, the sample should ideally be collected before starting antimicrobial therapy and before local antiseptic application. When correctly collected and placed in a suitable transport medium, the recommended transport period is 48–72 hours, depending on the sample type and suspected microorganism.

Sterile swab without transport medium used for sampling mucous membranes and other surfaces for molecular and selected antigen testing. Can be used for conjunctival, nasal, pharyngeal, vaginal, preputial and rectal samples depending on the requested analysis. For molecular diagnostics, swabs with synthetic fibres without transport medium are preferred.

Used for preparing cytological preparations after fine needle aspiration (FNA), imprints and other cytological techniques, as well as for blood smear preparation. Allow the preparation to air-dry completely after making it. Do not fix cytological preparations and do not expose to formalin or its fumes. For cytological examination of body fluids, it is recommended to also submit part of the sample in an EDTA tube alongside the prepared slides.

Collect urine into a clean or sterile container depending on the requested test. For bacterial culture, a sample obtained by cystocentesis is preferred. For routine urinalysis, samples collected by other methods are also acceptable. Used for physicochemical urinalysis, sediment examination, determination of urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR), cortisol-to-creatinine ratio (UCCR), urine cytology and microbiological testing. Note the collection method on the request form.

For most routine examinations, submit approximately 5 g in a securely closed appropriate container. Used for faecal examination, McMaster quantitative egg count, Baermann examination for lungworms, Giardia antigen, faecal culture, diarrhoea profiles and molecular diagnostics of gastrointestinal infectious agents. Avoid contamination with soil, litter, grass or other environmental material.

Sterile container used for microbiological examination of milk, identification of mastitis causative agents and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Before sampling, clean and dry the teat, and disinfect the opening of the teat canal. Discard the first streams of milk, then collect the sample directly into the sterile container without touching its interior. For examination of individual udder quarters, sample and label each quarter separately.

Primarily intended for glucose and lactate measurement. Contains a glycolysis inhibitor and anticoagulant. Used particularly when it is not possible to separate serum or plasma from blood cells quickly. Gently invert the tube several times after collection.

Primarily recommended for samples from birds and reptiles, and in situations where only a limited sample volume is available and several tests need to be performed from a single tube. Contains heparin anticoagulant. From a single heparinised blood sample it is possible to perform a complete blood count (CBC) as well as the majority of biochemical parameters. For this reason the green tube is a practical choice when blood collection into two separate tubes is difficult or not possible — for example in small patients, exotic species and wildlife. Gently invert several times after collection. Where possible, it is recommended to simultaneously prepare a blood smear on a microscope slide.