Antech Diagnostics’ Avian and Exotic Animal Service Division offers a comprehensive menu of diagnostic tests, backed by a team of highly respected consultants, clinical and anatomic pathologists, and laboratory technicians with specialized training in avian and exotics testing and a dedicated support staff.

Specimen Collection

Appropriate specimen collection and careful sample handling is of paramount importance, enabling us to provide you with accurate and prompt results. Our new Services Directory and Avian and Exotics "Quick Test Guide" provide detailed information on proper sample requirements and handling. In addition, please utilize our blood sampling tables as a guide to specimen collection. Feel free to call Client Services with any questions or to order supplies.

Some helpful hints on sample collection:

• Use an appropriate sized needle. For birds and reptiles, a 25 to 27-gauge needle is suitable. Avoid vacuum collection systems, as they tend to cause small veins to collapse.
• Remove the needle before adding blood to the tube to minimize hemolysis.
• Do not overfill the tubes.
• Do not use outdated tubes.
• Blood collection by toe-nail clip should be avoided, although it can be used in very small birds.
• Keep specimens refrigerated until transport to the laboratory.

Chemistries

The preferred specimen for chemistries is a spun green top tube (GT) with separator gel. The 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 anticoagulant, and centrifuged immediately.

Hematology

For avians and reptiles, a blood smear and 2 HCT tubes are preferred. Use slides for blood smears as cover slips provide less than optimal smears and are easily broken. Note that smears that are too thick or lack a "feather-edge" will compromise the accuracy of the results. HCT tubes should be at least half full.

For small mammals, a LT microtainer tube is preferred. Fill the tube between the two lines and invert 6–8 times to ensure proper mixing of blood with anticoagulants.