Hematology
For avians and reptiles, a blood smear and 2 microhematocrit tubes are preferred. Use microscope 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.

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.

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.

Other 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 tests, refer to the February 2000 Antech News or contact our Avian and Exotic Client Service representatives.

Aerobic and Anaerobic Cultures
These specimens are best obtained with a Copan swab; one for each culture type. The transport gel in the Copan swab (supplied by Antech) will preserve both aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Older style swabs (culturette) that have ompules to crush are not acceptable for anaerobic cultures. The most productive specimens are obtained by swabbing deep into an infected wound, or obtaining fluid from an actively infected tissue. Bacteria in pus are often nonviable and commonly result in no growth. Anaerobic cultures should be transported at room temp.

Viral Culture
Specimens for viral culture are best transported in liquid viral culture media. Small liquid specimens can be dropped directly into the transport medium. Others are collected on a clean, dry dacron swab with a plastic shaft (not wood or paper). The swab is broken off into the vial of transport medium and submitted to the lab. Store at refrigerator temperature and transport with cold packs.

Antech can provide a Viral Transport Pack that includes a tube of transport medium and the swab.

Mycoplasma
Cultures for Mycoplasma should be submitted on a Copan swab. The swab must be refrigerated or kept with a cold pack until picked up by the Antech courier.