EDTA may be suitable for some species but, as a general rule, use lithium heparin for haematology since EDTA lyses erythrocytes of some species of reptiles. Blood films are best made with fresh blood without an anticoagulant immediately following collection and then air-dried. Heparin creates a blue tinge to blood films and causes clumping of the thrombocytes and leukocytes whereas those made from blood without anticoagulant give superior cellular morphology. | EDTA may be suitable for some species but, as a general rule, use lithium heparin for haematology since EDTA lyses erythrocytes of some species of reptiles. Blood films are best made with fresh blood without an anticoagulant immediately following collection and then air-dried. Heparin creates a blue tinge to blood films and causes clumping of the thrombocytes and leukocytes whereas those made from blood without anticoagulant give superior cellular morphology. |