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==Amounts==
==Amounts==
In reptiles the total blood volume varies with species but is approximately 5-8% bodyweight.
In reptiles the total blood volume varies with species but is approximately 5-8% bodyweight. The maximum that can be drawn safely is 10% of the total blood volume. A 100 g reptile can therefore have 0.5 ml safely taken. (Weigh accurately and make the calculations before blood is withdrawn!). Though microtechniques for biochemistry are available in some laboratories, it is generally advisable to take 1.5 ml of blood for complete haematology and biochemistry.
The maximum that can be drawn safely is 10% of the total blood volume. A 100 g reptile can therefore have 0.5 ml safely taken. (Weigh accurately and make the calculations before blood is withdrawn!)
Though microtechniques for biochemistry are available in some laboratories, it is generally advisable to take 1.5 ml of blood for complete haematology and biochemistry.
==Blood handling==
==Blood handling==
Requirements for blood handling: two blood collection tubes with lithium heparin (a 0.5 ml orange top tube and a 1.0ml green top tube with gel) and four microscope coverslips (or three microscope slides). Put 0.5 ml of blood into the 0.5 ml tube (for haematology) and 1.0 ml into the 1.0 ml tube (for biochemistry). From the small amount of blood left in the needle make two blood films. Air-dried thin smears give superior cell morphology compared to samples with anticoagulants; EDTA may lyse cells and heparin gives a bluish tinge. Slide smears are adequate but coverslip smears are superior. Centrifuge the 1.0 ml tube and harvest the plasma which is above the gel while the cells are below it.
Requirements for blood handling: two blood collection tubes with lithium heparin (a 0.5 ml orange top tube and a 1.0ml green top tube with gel) and four microscope coverslips (or three microscope slides). Put 0.5 ml of blood into the 0.5 ml tube (for haematology) and 1.0 ml into the 1.0 ml tube (for biochemistry). From the small amount of blood left in the needle make two blood films. Air-dried thin smears give superior cell morphology compared to samples with anticoagulants; EDTA may lyse cells and heparin gives a bluish tinge. Slide smears are adequate but coverslip smears are superior. Centrifuge the 1.0 ml tube and harvest the plasma which is above the gel while the cells are below it.