Changes

==Protocol for blood handling==

==Protocol for blood handling==

The following protocol is for reptiles that weigh over 300 g. For reptiles under this weight, less plasma will be available for biochemistry. It may be necessary to prioritise your tests.

The following protocol is for reptiles that weigh over 300 g. For reptiles under this weight, less plasma will be available for biochemistry. It may be necessary to prioritise your tests.

*Essential materials and equipment - 0.5 ml heparin tube (orange), 1.0 ml heparin and gel tube (green), 4 coverslips (or 3 microscope slides).

*Essential materials and equipment: 0.5 ml heparin tube (orange), 1.0 ml heparin and gel tube (green), 4 coverslips (or 3 microscope slides).

*Advisable - microhaematocrit tube, centrifuge and refractometer.

*Advisable: microhaematocrit tube, centrifuge and refractometer.

*Take blood aseptically. 1.0 ml of blood is put in the heparin/gel tube for biochemistry and 0.5 ml into the heparin tube for haematology.

*Take blood aseptically. 1.0 ml of blood is put in the heparin/gel tube for biochemistry and 0.5 ml into the heparin tube for haematology.

*Two blood films are made immediately the needle is withdrawn from the vein. Slide smears are adequate but coverslip smears are superior.

*Two blood films are made immediately the needle is withdrawn from the vein. Slide smears are adequate but coverslip smears are superior.